Authentic Slow-Simmered San Marzano Tomato Pasta

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

A handcrafted pasta dish featuring heirloom tomatoes simmered to deep, complex sweetness, tossed with fresh basil and al dente spaghetti for a truly authentic Italian experience. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 75 minutes pairs San Marzano tomatoes, Extra virgin olive oil, Red onion 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.

★ 4.1 (15 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 55 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add 1/2 cup finely diced red onion and cook gently for 8 minutes until translucent and golden, stirring occasionally to prevent browning.
  2. Step 2: Add 1.5 lbs chopped San Marzano tomatoes to the pan, breaking them up with a wooden spoon. Season with 1 tsp kosher salt, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 45 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes until the tomatoes break down completely and the sauce thickens to coat the back of a spoon.
  3. Step 3: While sauce simmers, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and 1 tsp kosher salt, then cook for 8 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  4. Step 4: Stir 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil into the tomato sauce off-heat. Add drained spaghetti to the saucepan, tossing vigorously for 2 minutes to coat. Add 2-3 tbsp reserved pasta water if sauce seems too thick, then fold in 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano until melted and glossy.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Authentic Slow-Simmered San Marzano Tomato Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (20 min prep + 55 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-Simmered San Marzano 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 san marzano tomatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Slow-Simmered San Marzano 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 Slow-Simmered San Marzano 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 Slow-Simmered San Marzano 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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