Sicilian Tomatoes & Basil Pasta with Authentic Tomato Ratio
A vibrant, simple pasta dish honoring Sicilian tradition, featuring a precise 1:1 tomato-to-pasta ratio and fresh basil for bright, sun-ripened flavor. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 45 minutes pairs (225g) spaghetti, (800g) crushed San Marzano tomatoes, extra-virgin olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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
- 8 oz (225g) spaghetti
- 28 oz (800g) crushed San Marzano tomatoes
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves, finely minced garlic
- 1/4 cup (10g), chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring 4 quarts of salted water to a rolling boil in a large pot, add spaghetti, and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add garlic and red pepper flakes, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Stir in crushed tomatoes and salt, then simmer uncovered for 15 minutes until slightly thickened and the oil separates from the sauce.
- Step 4: Add drained spaghetti to the skillet along with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, toss for 2 minutes until sauce coats strands, then stir in fresh basil until wilted.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sicilian Tomatoes & Basil Pasta with Authentic Tomato Ratio take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Sicilian Tomatoes & Basil Pasta with Authentic Tomato Ratio?
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 (225g) spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sicilian Tomatoes & Basil Pasta with Authentic Tomato Ratio?
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 Tomatoes & Basil Pasta with Authentic Tomato Ratio 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.
Is Sicilian Tomatoes & Basil Pasta with Authentic Tomato Ratio vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Quick to prep and the results are amazing. A real keeper.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★☆☆
Decent recipe but nothing special. Might try a different version.
