Authentic Slow-Cooked Tomato-Basil Spaghetti
A true Italian classic where tomatoes are gently simmered to develop deep sweetness, mimicking centuries-old home cooking methods. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 60 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 28 oz canned San Marzano tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water (1 tbsp salt) to a rolling boil, add 12 oz spaghetti, and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing gently for 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Stir in 28 oz canned San Marzano tomatoes with their juices, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, then simmer uncovered for 30 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Authentic Slow-Cooked Tomato-Basil Spaghetti take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (20 min prep + 40 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 Slow-Cooked Tomato-Basil Spaghetti?
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 Slow-Cooked Tomato-Basil Spaghetti?
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 Slow-Cooked Tomato-Basil Spaghetti 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 Slow-Cooked Tomato-Basil Spaghetti?
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
- ★★★★★
Restaurant quality! Can't believe how easy this was.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
