Wood-Fired Italian Pizza with San Marzano Tomato and Fresh Basil

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

Classic Italian pizza baked with San Marzano tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves for a traditional Neapolitan taste. This italian-inspired pizza ready in about 25 minutes pairs room temperature pizza dough, San Marzano tomato sauce, sliced fresh mozzarella for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 700 calories and feeds 2, 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: 10 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 700 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 500°F and place a pizza stone or steel inside to heat for at least 45 minutes to mimic a wood-fired oven.
  2. Step 2: Lightly dust a pizza peel or baking sheet with 1 tbsp cornmeal. Stretch 12 oz room temperature pizza dough into a 12-inch circle, maintaining a slightly thicker edge for the crust.
  3. Step 3: Spread 1/2 cup San Marzano tomato sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about 1 inch around the edges free.
  4. Step 4: Distribute 6 oz sliced fresh mozzarella evenly on top of the sauce. Sprinkle 1/2 tsp sea salt over the cheese.
  5. Step 5: Slide the pizza onto the preheated stone and bake for 8-10 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
  6. Step 6: Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately scatter 10 fresh basil leaves on top. Drizzle 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil over the pizza before slicing and serving hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Wood-Fired Italian Pizza with San Marzano Tomato and Fresh Basil take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Wood-Fired Italian Pizza with San Marzano Tomato and Fresh Basil?

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 room temperature pizza dough from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Wood-Fired Italian Pizza with San Marzano Tomato and Fresh Basil?

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 Wood-Fired Italian Pizza with San Marzano Tomato and Fresh Basil for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Wood-Fired Italian Pizza with San Marzano Tomato and Fresh Basil?

Italian pizza 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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