Pasta alla Sorrentina Recipe
Introduction
Pasta alla Sorrentina is a classic Italian dish that combines tender pasta with a rich tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. This comforting recipe is quick to prepare and perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 400g pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 200g mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). In a baking dish, mix the cooked pasta with the tomato sauce, then top evenly with the mozzarella cheese. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan before baking.
- Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture or smoked mozzarella for a subtle smoky taste.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water or tomato sauce if needed to keep it moist.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or ziti works well for this dish as they hold the sauce nicely.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely. You can assemble it ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Bake just before serving to enjoy melted cheese and hot sauce.
PrintPasta alla Sorrentina Recipe
Pasta alla Sorrentina is a classic Italian baked pasta dish featuring tender pasta combined with a rich tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese, delivering a comforting and flavorful meal inspired by the Sorrento region of Italy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Pasta
- 400 grams of pasta (usually penne or rigatoni)
Tomato Sauce
- 500 ml of tomato sauce made from crushed San Marzano tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh basil leaves, a handful
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Cheese
- 200 grams of fresh mozzarella, cut into small cubes
- 50 grams grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions (usually about 8-10 minutes). Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the tomato sauce: In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté gently until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, add salt and pepper to taste, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in fresh basil leaves toward the end.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Mix the cooked pasta with the tomato sauce until thoroughly combined.
- Assemble the dish: Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F). Transfer half of the pasta and sauce mixture into a baking dish. Sprinkle half of the diced mozzarella over the pasta. Add the remaining pasta mixture on top and finish with the remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan if using.
- Bake the dish: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes, garnish with extra fresh basil if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use fresh mozzarella for best melting and flavor.
- The dish is traditionally made with San Marzano tomatoes for authentic taste.
- You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a mild spicy kick.
- Allow the baked pasta to cool slightly before serving to avoid burns from hot cheese.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the oven to preserve the crispy top.
Keywords: Pasta alla Sorrentina, baked pasta, Italian pasta recipe, mozzarella pasta, tomato sauce pasta
