Real Italian Pasta with San Marzano Tomatoes
Al dente spaghetti tossed in a vibrant sauce of sun-ripened tomatoes, garlic, basil, and aged Parmesan — a simple yet unforgettable Italian classic. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 45 minutes pairs spaghetti, diced San Marzano tomatoes, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 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 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb diced San Marzano tomatoes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, heat 3 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 1 lb diced San Marzano tomatoes, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Simmer 15 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Step 3: Remove from heat. Stir in 1/3 cup fresh basil and 1/4 cup Parmesan. Toss with drained pasta, adding reserved pasta water as needed. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Real Italian Pasta with San Marzano Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (25 min prep + 20 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 Real Italian Pasta with San Marzano Tomatoes?
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 Real Italian Pasta with San Marzano Tomatoes?
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 Pasta with San Marzano Tomatoes 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 Pasta with San Marzano Tomatoes?
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
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★☆☆
Average. The concept is good but execution needs work on seasoning.
