Real Italian Homemade Pasta with Tomato Sauce
A classic Italian dish featuring handmade pasta tossed in a vibrant tomato sauce with garlic and basil. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 60 minutes blends all-purpose flour, large eggs, crushed tomatoes into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 500 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1 kg, crushed tomatoes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/2 cup, torn fresh basil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: On a floured surface, mix 2 cups flour and 3 eggs to form a dough. Knead for 10 minutes until smooth, then let rest for 30 minutes.
- Step 2: Roll out the dough into thin sheets and cut into 1/4-inch wide strips. Boil in salted water for 2-3 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 3: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large pan. Sauté 4 minced garlic cloves for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 1 kg crushed tomatoes and simmer for 20 minutes until thickened. Stir in 1/2 cup Parmesan, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 cup fresh basil. Toss with cooked pasta and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Real Italian Homemade Pasta with Tomato Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (30 min prep + 30 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Real Italian Homemade Pasta with Tomato Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Real Italian Homemade Pasta with Tomato Sauce?
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 Real Italian Homemade Pasta with Tomato Sauce 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 Real Italian Homemade Pasta with Tomato Sauce?
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
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.