Authentically Slow-Simmered San Marzano Tomato Pasta

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A true Italian masterpiece where tomatoes are simmered for hours to develop deep, complex flavors, paired with handmade pasta that captures the soul of Rome. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 70 minutes pairs spaghetti, olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 620 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 (8 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 55 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 620 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 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, reserving 1 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant and just starting to turn golden—do not brown the garlic.
  3. Step 3: Add 28 oz crushed San Marzano tomatoes to the skillet, stirring to combine. Simmer uncovered for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper. Cook for 2 more minutes until the basil wilts.
  5. Step 5: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously for 2 minutes until the sauce coats every strand of pasta evenly.
  6. Step 6: Divide among warm bowls, top with 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 70 minutes (15 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 Authentically 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 spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Authentically 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 Authentically 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 Authentically 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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