Authentic Slow-Simmered Tomato Basil Spaghetti

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A true Italian classic where tomatoes are gently simmered for hours to develop deep, complex flavor, served with perfectly al dente pasta. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 75 minutes pairs (28 oz) San Marzano tomatoes, Extra virgin olive oil, packed 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.

★ 3.9 (15 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 55 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 680 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large saucepan, heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil over medium-low heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 60 seconds until fragrant but not golden.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 1 can (28 oz) crushed San Marzano tomatoes, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1/4 cup of the fresh basil. Simmer uncovered for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  3. Step 3: While sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
  4. Step 4: Toss drained spaghetti with 3/4 cup of the tomato sauce in the pot, adding reserved pasta water 1 tbsp at a time until glossy. Stir in remaining fresh basil and 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese until melted and emulsified.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Authentic Slow-Simmered Tomato Basil Spaghetti 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 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 (28 oz) san marzano tomatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Slow-Simmered 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-Simmered 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-Simmered 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.

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