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
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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
