Authentic Nonna's Tomato Pasta

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 22 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in 1/2 cup reserved pasta water if needed, and serve immediately with additional basil.

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.

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