Sicilian Pasta with Surname-Spiced Tomato Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant pasta dish featuring a slow-simmered tomato sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and a hint of heat, inspired by the Italian surname clusters in U.S. census data. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes blends pasta, 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 580 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.

★ 3.7 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 580 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil; add 12 oz pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat; add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 28 oz diced tomatoes and 1 tsp kosher salt, bringing to a gentle simmer; cook uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened and reduced by half.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil; add drained pasta and 2 tbsp reserved pasta water, tossing until the sauce coats every strand.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately topped with 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sicilian Pasta with Surname-Spiced Tomato Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Sicilian Pasta with Surname-Spiced 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 Sicilian Pasta with Surname-Spiced 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 Sicilian Pasta with Surname-Spiced 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 Sicilian Pasta with Surname-Spiced 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.

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