Slow-Braised Tomato & Herb Pasta with Pecorino

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A deeply flavorful pasta dish where tomatoes are slowly reduced to a rich, concentrated sauce, balanced with fresh herbs and aged pecorino for a profoundly satisfying meal. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 70 minutes pairs pasta, 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 620 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.

★ 4.7 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 55 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 620 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8 minutes until al dente, reserving 1 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add 1 medium finely diced onion and cook for 8 minutes until translucent and sweet, stirring occasionally.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in 2 (28 oz) cans crushed San Marzano tomatoes. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and simmer uncovered for 45 minutes until thickened and reduced by half, stirring occasionally.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup fresh basil and 2 tbsp fresh oregano. Add drained spaghetti and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, tossing until sauce coats pasta evenly. Stir in 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano until melted and creamy.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Braised Tomato & Herb Pasta with Pecorino take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (15 min prep + 55 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 Slow-Braised Tomato & Herb Pasta with Pecorino?

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 pasta from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Braised Tomato & Herb Pasta with Pecorino?

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 Slow-Braised Tomato & Herb Pasta with Pecorino 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 Slow-Braised Tomato & Herb Pasta with Pecorino?

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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