San Marzano Tomato Sauce with Fresh Basil

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant, slow-simmered sauce made with only the finest San Marzano tomatoes, capturing the essence of authentic Italian cuisine. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 50 minutes blends grams San Marzano tomatoes, tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, garlic 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 110 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.

★ 3.2 (14 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 110 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 400 grams crushed San Marzano tomatoes in a medium saucepan and add 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, stirring to combine.
  2. Step 2: Mince 3 garlic cloves finely and add to the tomatoes, cooking over medium-low heat for 3 minutes until garlic is fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 10 grams finely chopped fresh basil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, then simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reduces by about 1/3 and coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and let rest for 10 minutes before using to allow flavors to meld.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does San Marzano Tomato Sauce with Fresh Basil take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (10 min prep + 40 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover San Marzano Tomato Sauce with Fresh Basil?

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 San Marzano Tomato Sauce with 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 San Marzano Tomato Sauce with 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 San Marzano Tomato Sauce with 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.

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