Genovese-Style Pasta with Tomato & Fresh Basil
A humble yet profound dish where San Marzano tomatoes and hand-pulled basil create the essence of Genoa's kitchen. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes pairs ounces spaghetti, 28 ounces San Marzano tomatoes, tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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 ounces spaghetti
- 1 can, 28 ounces San Marzano tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/2 cup, packed fresh basil
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water (2 tablespoons salt) to a rolling boil, add 12 ounces spaghetti, and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat, add 4 minced garlic cloves, and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Stir in 28 ounces San Marzano tomatoes (crushed by hand), 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, and 1/2 cup packed fresh basil, then simmer uncovered for 15 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Genovese-Style Pasta with Tomato & Fresh Basil take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Genovese-Style Pasta with Tomato & 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 ounces spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Genovese-Style Pasta with Tomato & 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 Genovese-Style Pasta with Tomato & Fresh Basil 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 Genovese-Style Pasta with Tomato & 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
The aroma while cooking this was absolutely heavenly.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 25-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★☆☆
It was fine. Came out a bit bland for my taste.
