Authentic Slow-Cooked Tomato & Herb Pasta

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A true Italian family recipe simmered to perfection with San Marzano tomatoes and fresh basil, capturing the essence of authentic Italian cuisine. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 65 minutes pairs canned whole San Marzano tomatoes, Extra virgin olive oil, large, finely diced Yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 680 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.

★ 3.9 (15 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 45 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 680 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat until shimmering. Add 1 diced yellow onion and cook for 5 minutes until translucent, stirring occasionally.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 28 oz canned San Marzano tomatoes (crushed by hand), 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1/2 cup dry white wine, then simmer uncovered for 25 minutes on low heat until thickened.
  4. Step 4: Bring 4 quarts of salted water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  5. Step 5: Stir 1/4 cup packed fresh basil into the tomato sauce, then add drained spaghetti and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously for 2 minutes until sauce coats pasta.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat, stir in 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Garnish with additional basil before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Authentic Slow-Cooked Tomato & Herb Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (20 min prep + 45 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 & Herb 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 extra virgin olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Slow-Cooked Tomato & Herb 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 Slow-Cooked Tomato & Herb 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 Slow-Cooked Tomato & Herb 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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