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Pasta alla Sorrentina Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 76 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Pasta alla Sorrentina is a comforting Italian dish from Sorrento featuring tender pasta baked with a rich tomato sauce, gooey mozzarella, and fresh basil. It’s a simple yet flavorful meal, perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings, with all the charm of southern Italian cooking.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 12 oz (340 g) short pasta like gnocchi, penne, or rigatoni

Sauce

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

Cheese and Garnish

  • 8 oz (225 g) fresh mozzarella, cubed or torn
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Extra fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
  2. Prepare the sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes if using, and dried oregano. Simmer the sauce for 10 to 15 minutes until slightly thickened.
  3. Add fresh basil: Stir in the chopped fresh basil into the tomato sauce and remove the skillet from heat.
  4. Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
  5. Combine pasta and sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the tomato sauce. Gently fold in half of the fresh mozzarella cubes or torn pieces to distribute the cheese throughout.
  6. Assemble in baking dish: Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Evenly top the surface with the remaining mozzarella and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
  7. Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
  8. Garnish and serve: Remove from oven, garnish with extra fresh basil, and serve warm for a comforting Italian meal.

Notes

  • Gnocchi is a traditional choice, but any short pasta such as penne or rigatoni works well.
  • For extra richness and flavor, drizzle a little olive oil over the pasta before baking.

Find it online: https://slsrecipes.com/pasta-alla-sorrentina-recipe/