Authentic Slow-Roasted Tomato & Basil Pasta
A vibrant pasta dish where tomatoes are roasted to intensify their sweetness, paired with fresh basil and a touch of garlic for an authentic Italian experience. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 65 minutes pairs (700g), quartered San Marzano tomatoes, Extra virgin olive oil, (15g), chopped Fresh basil 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs (700g), quartered San Marzano tomatoes
- 3 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup (15g), chopped Fresh basil
- 3 cloves, finely minced Garlic
- 12 oz (340g) Spaghetti
- 1/4 cup (25g), grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- 1 tsp Kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp, freshly ground Black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss tomato quarters with 2 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast for 30 minutes until caramelized and juicy.
- Step 2: While tomatoes roast, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 3: Heat remaining 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 4: Add roasted tomatoes and their juices to the skillet, stirring to combine. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Step 5: Add drained spaghetti to skillet, tossing to coat. Add 1/4 cup reserved pasta water and grated Pecorino, tossing until sauce clings to pasta.
- Step 6: Stir in fresh basil and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper. 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 Slow-Roasted Tomato & Basil 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-Roasted 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 extra virgin olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Slow-Roasted 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 Slow-Roasted 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 Slow-Roasted 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
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.