Pasta alla Sorrentina Recipe
Pasta alla Sorrentina is a classic Italian baked pasta dish featuring rigatoni or penne tossed in a rich tomato sauce, topped with fresh mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and fragrant basil. This comforting family dinner melds creamy melted cheese with vibrant tomato flavors, making it a beloved entree perfect for any Italian meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Entree
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 400g (14 oz) rigatoni or penne pasta
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 500g (17 oz) tomato passata (puree)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for heat
Cheese & Herbs
- 250g (9 oz) fresh mozzarella cheese, torn into pieces
- 50g (1/2 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
- Handful fresh basil leaves, torn
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni or penne and cook for 2 minutes less than the package instructions indicate to ensure the pasta is slightly undercooked. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the tomato sauce: Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Pour in the tomato passata, season with salt and black pepper, and optionally add crushed red pepper flakes if you like heat. Let the sauce simmer gently for 10–15 minutes to develop good flavor. Stir in half of the torn basil leaves towards the end of the simmering time.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce and toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the tomato sauce.
- Assemble for baking: Transfer the sauced pasta into a baking dish. Evenly distribute the torn fresh mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the top. Scatter the remaining torn basil leaves over the cheese.
- Bake the pasta: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve hot. Garnish with extra fresh basil leaves if desired for a fresh, aromatic touch.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce while simmering.
- Be careful not to overcook the pasta before baking to avoid mushiness.
- Fresh mozzarella works best for its melting quality and creamy texture.
- You can prepare the sauce a day ahead and reheat before assembling.
- Serve with a simple green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.
Keywords: Pasta alla Sorrentina, baked pasta, Italian pasta recipe, rigatoni recipe, penne recipe, tomato and mozzarella pasta, classic Italian dinner
Find it online: https://kochenmitviktoria.com/pasta-alla-sorrentina-recipe/
