Authentic Slow-Simmered Tomato Basil Pasta
A rich, aromatic pasta dish where slow-simmered tomatoes meld with fresh herbs for a deeply flavorful sauce that clings perfectly to al dente spaghetti. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 55 minutes pairs spaghetti, extra virgin olive oil, finely chopped fresh basil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 580 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 extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh basil
- 28 oz canned diced tomatoes
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 28 oz diced tomatoes (with juices) and 1 tsp salt, then simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil and cook for 2 minutes more until vibrant green. Add drained spaghetti and toss well, adding reserved pasta water 1 tbsp at a time until sauce emulsifies and coats pasta evenly.
- Step 5: Season with 1/2 tsp black pepper, then divide into bowls and top with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Authentic Slow-Simmered Tomato Basil Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 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 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 spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Slow-Simmered 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-Simmered 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-Simmered 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
- ★★★★★
Made this for my family and everyone asked for the recipe.
- ★★★★★
Added this to my weekly meal rotation. So satisfying.
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
