Slow-Simmered Tomato & Herb Ragù with Fresh Pasta

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A Roman-inspired ragù that evolves over time, where careful reduction and minimal ingredients create an authentic depth of flavor that transcends mere sauce. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 75 minutes pairs (800 g) crushed San Marzano tomatoes, extra-virgin olive oil, (75 g) diced carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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.

★ 3.5 (8 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 55 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat (250°F); add carrots, celery, and onion, and cook for 10 minutes until softened but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Stir in minced garlic and dried oregano, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant, then add crushed tomatoes and red wine; bring to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and coats the spoon.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, then reduce heat to low. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, add 12 oz fresh pasta, and cook for 90 seconds until al dente.
  4. Step 4: Drain pasta, reserving 1 cup pasta water, then toss pasta with 3/4 of the ragù in the saucepan over low heat. Add reserved pasta water, 1 tbsp at a time, until sauce clings to pasta; serve immediately with remaining ragù and extra Parmesan.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Tomato & Herb Ragù with Fresh Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (20 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-Simmered Tomato & Herb Ragù with Fresh Pasta?

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 extra-virgin olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Tomato & Herb Ragù with Fresh Pasta?

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 & Herb Ragù with Fresh Pasta 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 & Herb Ragù with Fresh Pasta?

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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