Slow-Simmered Tomato Basil Pasta with Fresh Herb Garnish

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

Ripe tomatoes meld with garlic and fresh basil into a vibrant sauce that coats al dente pasta, delivering bright, garden-fresh flavor in every bite. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 60 minutes pairs spaghetti, extra-virgin olive oil, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 45 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring 4 quarts (3.8L) salted water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
  3. Step 3: Add 28 oz crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp sugar, and 2 tbsp fresh basil to skillet. Simmer uncovered for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Step 4: Drain pasta, reserving 1 cup pasta water. Add pasta to skillet with sauce, tossing vigorously with pasta water until sauce clings to strands. Stir in remaining 2 tbsp fresh basil just before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Tomato Basil Pasta with Fresh Herb Garnish take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 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-Simmered Tomato Basil Pasta with Fresh Herb Garnish?

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 Slow-Simmered Tomato Basil Pasta with Fresh Herb Garnish?

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-Simmered Tomato Basil Pasta with Fresh Herb Garnish 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-Simmered Tomato Basil Pasta with Fresh Herb Garnish?

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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