Authentic Slow-Simmered Tomato Pasta with Fresh Basil

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A true Italian pasta dish where tomatoes are simmered for 2 hours to develop deep flavor, then tossed with freshly made pasta and aromatic basil. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 140 minutes pairs San Marzano tomatoes, olive oil, finely diced red onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 2, 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 (9 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 120 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add 1/2 cup diced red onion and cook for 8 minutes until soft and translucent, stirring occasionally. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 28 oz San Marzano tomatoes (with juice) to the pan, along with 1/2 tsp sea salt. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover partially and cook for 2 hours, stirring every 20 minutes until tomatoes break down completely and sauce thickens to coat the back of a spoon.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz dry spaghetti and cook for 8 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain pasta.
  4. Step 4: Stir 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil into the tomato sauce, then add drained spaghetti and 2 tbsp reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously for 1 minute until sauce clings to the pasta and is creamy.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Authentic Slow-Simmered Tomato Pasta with Fresh Basil take to make?

Total time is about 140 minutes (20 min prep + 120 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 Pasta with Fresh Basil?

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 Tomato Pasta with Fresh Basil?

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 Pasta with Fresh Basil for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Pasta with Fresh Basil?

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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