Authentic Martin's Tomato Basil Pasta
A vibrant Italian-inspired pasta dish featuring sun-ripened tomatoes and fresh basil, cooked to al dente perfection with a touch of garlic and olive oil for a true taste of Tuscany. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs spaghetti, diced ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced fresh basil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 2 cups, diced ripe tomatoes
- 1/2 cup, thinly sliced fresh basil
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring 4 quarts of salted water to a rolling boil in a large pot; add 8 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 60 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 2 cups diced tomatoes to the skillet, season with 1/2 tsp sea salt, and simmer for 5 minutes until tomatoes break down and form a thick sauce.
- Step 4: Add drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 2 tbsp reserved pasta water and 1/2 cup sliced basil, tossing vigorously for 2 minutes until sauce coats every strand and becomes glossy.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted, and serve immediately with extra basil for garnish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Authentic Martin's Tomato Basil Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Authentic Martin's Tomato Basil Pasta?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Martin's Tomato Basil Pasta?
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 Martin's Tomato Basil Pasta 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 Martin's Tomato Basil Pasta?
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
- ★★★★★
Kids gobbled it up without complaints — that's a 5-star in my book.
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
