Authentic Homemade Tagliatelle with Classic Tomato Basil Sauce
Freshly made pasta ribbons tossed in a vibrant tomato-basil sauce, capturing the essence of Italian home cooking with perfectly al dente texture. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 50 minutes blends all-purpose flour, large eggs, fine sea salt into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 200g all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 400g crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- 1 cup pasta water
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, mix 200g all-purpose flour and 1/2 tsp fine sea salt. Create a well in the center and add 3 large eggs and 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil. Using a fork, combine until shaggy, then knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Step 2: Wrap dough tightly in plastic wrap and rest at room temperature for 30 minutes to relax gluten.
- Step 3: Roll rested dough through a pasta machine to the thinnest setting (about 1/16 inch thick), then cut into 1/2-inch wide ribbons and let dry on a floured surface for 10 minutes.
- Step 4: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant, not browned.
- Step 5: Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until aromatic, then stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes until deep red.
- Step 6: Add 400g crushed tomatoes, 1/4 cup fresh basil, and a pinch of salt. Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes until thickened and coating the back of a spoon.
- Step 7: Boil 4 quarts of salted water in a large pot. Add 12 oz (340g) tagliatelle and cook for 2 minutes until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Step 8: Drain pasta, reserving 1 cup pasta water, then toss immediately with the warm tomato sauce and 2 tbsp reserved pasta water until sauce clings evenly to strands.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Authentic Homemade Tagliatelle with Classic Tomato Basil Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (40 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Authentic Homemade Tagliatelle with Classic Tomato Basil Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Homemade Tagliatelle with Classic Tomato Basil Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Authentic Homemade Tagliatelle with Classic Tomato Basil Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Authentic Homemade Tagliatelle with Classic Tomato Basil Sauce?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★☆☆
Average. The concept is good but execution needs work on seasoning.