True Italian Nonna's Tomato Basil Pasta
A simple yet profound dish that captures the essence of authentic Italian home cooking, featuring just three essential ingredients and a slow-simmered tomato base. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes pairs spaghetti, in puree San Marzano tomatoes, finely chopped fresh basil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 580 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 in puree San Marzano tomatoes
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil (use 1 tsp sea salt per gallon of water), add 12 oz spaghetti, and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente; reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add 4 minced garlic cloves, and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Stir in 28 oz San Marzano tomato puree, 1/4 cup fresh basil, and 1 tsp sea salt; reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, tossing vigorously for 1 minute to coat each strand with sauce; if too dry, add more pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time.
- Step 5: Serve immediately, topped with 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese and an additional sprinkle of fresh basil.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does True Italian Nonna's Tomato Basil Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 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 True Italian Nonna's Tomato Basil 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 True Italian Nonna's Tomato Basil 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 True Italian Nonna's Tomato Basil 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 True Italian Nonna's Tomato Basil 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
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 30-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
