Authentic Nonna's Tomato Pasta
A genuinely simple Italian pasta dish made with sun-ripened tomatoes and fresh basil, true to grandmother's kitchen tradition. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 37 minutes pairs spaghetti, canned San Marzano tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil 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
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 28 oz canned San Marzano tomatoes
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup packed fresh basil
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil in a large pot; add 1 tsp salt and 12 oz spaghetti, stirring immediately to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 90 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 28 oz canned San Marzano tomatoes (crushed by hand) to skillet, season with 1 tsp kosher salt, and simmer uncovered for 12 minutes until thickened and glossy.
- Step 4: When spaghetti is al dente (8-10 minutes), reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then add pasta directly to tomato sauce in skillet; toss vigorously with 1/4 cup fresh basil for 2 minutes until sauce coats strands and thickens.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in 1/2 cup reserved pasta water if needed, and serve immediately with additional basil.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Authentic Nonna's Tomato Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 37 minutes (15 min prep + 22 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 Nonna's Tomato 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 Nonna's Tomato 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 Nonna's Tomato 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 Nonna's Tomato 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
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
