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- 350g pasta (preferably ziti or penne) - 400g crushed tomatoes (canned or fresh) - 200g fresh mozzarella, cut into cubes - 50g grated Parmesan cheese Pasta is the star of this dish. You want to choose ziti or penne. They hold the sauce well. We use about 350 grams for four servings. Next, we need crushed tomatoes. You can use canned or fresh tomatoes. Either option gives a lovely flavor. Aim for 400 grams to make a rich base. Cheese makes everything better. For this recipe, we use fresh mozzarella. Cut it into cubes, about 200 grams. It melts beautifully and adds creaminess. Then, we add 50 grams of grated Parmesan cheese. This cheese adds a nice salty kick. - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional for a hint of heat) Garlic gives the sauce a strong base. Use two cloves, minced finely. Olive oil is key for sautéing. Use one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil for the best taste. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. If you like heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. - Fresh basil leaves - Drizzling olive oil To finish, fresh basil leaves are a must. They add color and a fresh aroma. You can also drizzle a bit of olive oil on top. This adds extra flavor and makes the dish look even better. Pasta alla Sorrentina is full of flavor and comfort. Each ingredient plays a role in making this dish enjoyable. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. 2. Add 350g of pasta, like ziti or penne. 3. Cook until al dente, following package instructions. 4. Drain the pasta and save about 1 cup of pasta water. 1. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. 2. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute. 3. Pour in 400g of crushed tomatoes. 4. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. 5. Stir and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes. 1. Carefully add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. 2. Toss well to coat the pasta in the sauce. 3. If it seems dry, stir in some reserved pasta water. 4. Fold in 200g of cubed mozzarella and half of the 50g grated Parmesan cheese. 1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). 2. Pour the pasta and sauce mix into a baking dish. 3. Sprinkle the remaining grated Parmesan over the top. 4. Bake for about 20 minutes until bubbly and golden. 1. Let the dish rest for a few minutes after baking. 2. Top with fresh basil leaves for aroma and presentation. 3. Serve in rustic bowls with extra basil and a drizzle of olive oil. - Importance of Al Dente Cooking: Al dente means "to the tooth." This texture is key. It keeps the pasta firm, so it doesn’t turn mushy when mixed with sauce. Follow the cooking time on the package closely. Taste a piece a minute before it's done. If it has a slight bite, it’s ready! - Adjusting Consistency with Pasta Water: Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water helps bind the sauce to the pasta. If your dish looks dry, add a splash of this water. It makes your sauce creamy and rich. - Using Fresh vs. Canned Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes can be great, but canned are often more consistent. Canned crushed tomatoes save time and still taste good. If you use fresh, choose ripe ones for the best flavor. - Choosing Quality Cheese: The cheese can make or break your dish. Use fresh mozzarella for a creamy texture. Grated Parmesan adds depth and saltiness. Always look for high-quality cheese. It makes a big difference in flavor. - Overcooking Pasta: Cooking pasta too long ruins its texture. Always watch it closely. Remember, it will cook a bit more while baking. Aim for that perfect al dente bite. - Burnt Garlic: Garlic cooks quickly. If it burns, it turns bitter. Sauté it gently until fragrant, about one minute. Then add your tomatoes. This keeps the flavor bright and tasty. Pro Tips Choose the Right Pasta: For the best texture and flavor, opt for ziti or penne. Their tubular shape holds the sauce beautifully, enhancing every bite. Fresh Ingredients Matter: Using fresh mozzarella and high-quality canned tomatoes can elevate the dish significantly, providing a richer flavor and creamier texture. Don’t Skip the Baking: Baking the pasta allows the flavors to meld together and creates a deliciously golden crust on top, adding a wonderful contrast to the creamy interior. Adjust the Seasoning: Taste your sauce as it simmers and adjust the seasoning as needed. Everyone’s palate is different, so feel free to add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to suit your taste. {{image_4}} - Using Different Pasta Shapes You can swap the pasta shape easily. Use ziti, penne, or even fusilli. Each shape holds sauce differently. This can change the dish a bit but keeps it tasty. - Adding Meat: Sausage or Chicken Want more protein? Add cooked sausage or chicken. Just sauté it first, then mix it in. It adds great flavor and makes the dish heartier. - Adding Vegetables: Spinach or Eggplant If you want more veggies, try spinach or eggplant. Add spinach right before serving. Eggplant can be roasted for extra flavor. This makes your dish colorful and nutritious. - Spice Variations: More Heat Options Like it spicy? Use more red pepper flakes. You can also try chili oil or fresh chilis. Adjust the heat to your taste. This will give your dish a nice kick. - Pairing with Salads or Bread Serve your pasta with a fresh salad or warm bread. A simple green salad works well. Garlic bread is also a perfect match. It balances the rich pasta nicely. - Offering Wine Pairings Pair your dish with wine for a nice touch. A light red like Chianti is great. If you prefer white, try a crisp Pinot Grigio. These wines enhance the dish's flavors beautifully. - Refrigeration Tips: Store leftover Pasta alla Sorrentina in an airtight container. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to let it cool before sealing to avoid condensation. - Freezing Options: You can freeze the dish for up to three months. Use a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top of the container for expansion. - Oven vs. Microwave: The oven gives the best results. Preheat it to 180°C (350°F). Cover the dish with foil to keep moisture in. Bake for about 20 minutes until heated through. The microwave is faster but can make the pasta dry. Use a microwave-safe dish and cover it. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. - Ensuring Creamy Consistency: If reheating, add a splash of water or broth. This helps keep the pasta creamy. Stir well to mix in the liquid, then reheat until warm. Pasta alla Sorrentina is a classic dish from Sorrento, Italy. It features pasta, tomatoes, and cheese. This dish is a perfect comfort food. The warm, cheesy blend warms the heart and soul. Its roots trace back to Italy’s coastal regions, where fresh ingredients shine. You will taste the love and tradition in every bite. Yes, you can prepare Pasta alla Sorrentina ahead of time. Cook the pasta and sauce separately. Mix them together just before baking. This keeps flavors fresh and vibrant. You can store it in the fridge for up to two days. When ready, just bake until bubbly and golden. Pasta alla Sorrentina pairs well with simple sides. A fresh green salad complements its richness. You can also serve crusty bread for dipping. For drinks, a light Italian red wine works great. It balances the flavors and adds a festive touch. To make a vegetarian Pasta alla Sorrentina, simply swap a few ingredients. Use plant-based cheese instead of mozzarella. Also, consider adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. This gives new flavors while keeping the dish hearty and satisfying. You still enjoy the same comforting taste without meat. Pasta alla Sorrentina is simple yet flavorful. You learned about key ingredients like pasta, crushed tomatoes, and cheeses. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking and baking. You got tips for the best texture and flavor, plus variations to try. Don’t forget storage tips for leftovers. Explore this dish’s rich history and pairings to enjoy every bite. Dive in and make it your own!

Pasta alla Sorrentina

A delicious baked pasta dish with a rich tomato sauce and melted mozzarella.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 350 g pasta (preferably ziti or penne)
  • 400 g crushed tomatoes (canned or fresh)
  • 200 g fresh mozzarella, cut into cubes
  • 50 g grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • to taste salt
  • to taste freshly ground black pepper
  • a pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
  • fresh basil leaves for garnishing

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Once finished, drain the pasta and reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water. Set the pasta aside.
  • Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, making sure it doesn’t brown.
  • Add Tomatoes: Slowly pour in the crushed tomatoes. Season with salt, black pepper, and the optional red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
  • Combine Pasta and Sauce: Once the sauce is ready, carefully add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss well to ensure that the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce. If the pasta seems dry, gradually stir in some reserved pasta water until you achieve a creamy consistency.
  • Incorporate Cheese: Gently fold in the cubed mozzarella and half of the grated Parmesan cheese into the pasta mixture, allowing the cheese to soften and melt slightly into the warm pasta.
  • Transfer to Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Carefully pour the pasta and sauce mixture into a baking dish, evenly distributing it. Sprinkle the remaining grated Parmesan cheese generously over the top.
  • Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and beautifully golden.
  • Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes. Just before serving, top with fresh basil leaves to add a lovely aroma and an appealing presentation.

Notes

Serve in rustic bowls with extra basil and a drizzle of olive oil.
Keyword baked, cheese, Italian, pasta, tomato