Nonna's Authentic San Marzano Tomato Pasta

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A true Italian pasta experience with handcrafted tomato sauce simmered to perfection, honoring the tradition of Naples with every bite. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 75 minutes pairs dried oregano, 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 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.

★ 3.6 (11 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 55 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 620 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp dried oregano, sautéing gently for 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Pour in 1/4 cup dry white wine and simmer for 1 minute to evaporate alcohol, then add 28 oz whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes, breaking them up with a spoon. Season with 1/2 tsp sea salt and simmer uncovered for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  4. Step 4: Stir 1/4 cup fresh basil into the tomato sauce, then add drained spaghetti and 2 tbsp reserved pasta water to the saucepan. Toss vigorously over low heat for 2 minutes until the sauce clings to the pasta.
  5. Step 5: Divide among warmed bowls, top with 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and serve immediately with extra basil for garnish.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Nonna's Authentic San Marzano Tomato Pasta 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 Nonna's Authentic 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 dried oregano from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Nonna's Authentic 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 Nonna's Authentic 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 Nonna's Authentic 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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