Description
Pasta alla Sorrentina is a warm, cheesy Italian baked pasta dish made with tender short pasta, rich tomato sauce, fresh basil, and gooey mozzarella. It’s the ultimate comfort food perfect for cozy meals or family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 400g short pasta (penne, fusilli, rigatoni)
- 250g fresh mozzarella, cubed
- 50g Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 garlic clove
- A handful of fresh basil leaves
- 500ml tomato sauce (passata or crushed tomatoes)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
- In a pan, sauté garlic in olive oil over medium heat until fragrant, without browning.
- Add tomato sauce and basil. Simmer on low heat for 20–30 minutes.
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain, reserving some pasta water.
- Add pasta to the sauce, mix well, and stir in some reserved pasta water if needed.
- Stir in cubed mozzarella until it starts to melt.
- Transfer mixture to a baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake for 8–15 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- Use well-drained fresh mozzarella for best melting results.
- Try smoked scamorza or provola for a twist.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or in the oven.
- Can be made without baking for a quicker version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
