Timeless Tomato Basil Pasta with San Marzano Tomatoes
A classic Italian pasta dish elevated by slow-simmered San Marzano tomatoes and fresh basil, honoring culinary history. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes pairs Spaghetti, (28 oz) can San Marzano tomatoes, minced Garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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 Spaghetti
- 1 (28 oz) can San Marzano tomatoes
- 2 cloves minced Garlic
- 1/4 cup chopped Fresh basil
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 1/2 cup Pasta water
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook 8 oz spaghetti for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 minced garlic cloves, and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 1 (28 oz) can San Marzano tomatoes, breaking them with a spoon, and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes until thickened and the oil separates slightly from the sauce.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, then toss with cooked spaghetti until the sauce coats the strands evenly and shimmers.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Timeless Tomato Basil Pasta with San Marzano Tomatoes 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 Timeless Tomato Basil Pasta with San Marzano Tomatoes?
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 Timeless Tomato Basil Pasta with San Marzano Tomatoes?
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 Timeless Tomato Basil Pasta with San Marzano Tomatoes 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 Timeless Tomato Basil Pasta with San Marzano Tomatoes?
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
- ★★★★★
Perfect pasta recipe for a weeknight dinner.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
