Three-Ingredient Tomato Pasta
A true Italian classic made with only pantry staples, where the tomatoes' natural sweetness shines through. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes pairs spaghetti, 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 28 oz San Marzano tomatoes
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring 6 quarts of salted water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8 minutes until al dente, reserving 1 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add 28 oz crushed San Marzano tomatoes and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 3: Add drained spaghetti to the skillet with 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Toss vigorously for 2 minutes until the pasta is evenly coated and the sauce emulsifies into a glossy finish.
- Step 4: Serve immediately with a drizzle of additional olive oil and fresh basil, tasting for salt before plating.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Three-Ingredient Tomato Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Three-Ingredient Tomato 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 spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Three-Ingredient Tomato 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 Three-Ingredient Tomato 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 Three-Ingredient Tomato 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
