Go Back
To make the best Pasta alla Sorrentina, you need simple, fresh items. Here’s what you'll need: - 350g pasta (preferably rigatoni or ziti) - 400g canned whole tomatoes (or fresh ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped) - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 small red chili, finely chopped (optional) - 200g fresh mozzarella cheese, diced - 100g grated Parmesan cheese - 3 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh basil leaves, torn - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients create a delicious dish that sings with flavor. You can add your twist to Pasta alla Sorrentina. Here are some ideas: - Sliced olives for a briny kick - Cooked sausage or chicken for protein - Spinach or kale for extra greens - Sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet touch - Crushed red pepper for heat Feel free to mix and match to suit your taste. While rigatoni and ziti are great, you can use other pasta types too. Here are some good options: - Penne: It holds sauce well. - Fusilli: The twists catch all the flavors. - Spaghetti: A classic choice for a lighter dish. - Farfalle: Adds a fun shape to your meal. Choose the type that you enjoy the most. Each will give a unique twist to your dish. For the full recipe, check out the complete details. First, fill a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt. Bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add your pasta. I like rigatoni or ziti. Cook it according to the package directions until it's al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. After cooking, save one cup of pasta water. Drain the rest and set the pasta aside. Next, grab a large skillet. Pour in three tablespoons of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add two minced garlic cloves and a small red chili if you want some heat. Sauté these for about one minute. They should smell great but not brown. Now, pour in the canned tomatoes. If you have fresh ones, you can use those too. Crush the tomatoes with a wooden spoon. Season with salt and pepper. Let this simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes. The sauce should thicken slightly. Now it's time to mix everything. Add the drained pasta to your skillet with the sauce. Toss it gently to coat the pasta well. If the sauce feels too thick, add some of that reserved pasta water. This will help achieve a nice consistency. Next, stir in 200 grams of diced mozzarella cheese and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheese begins to melt into the sauce. If you want a baked version, this step is for you. Take the pasta mixture and pour it into a baking dish. Top it with the remaining Parmesan and extra mozzarella if you like. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake for about 15 to 20 minutes. Look for a golden, bubbly top. It adds a lovely flavor and texture. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions! To get the best flavor in Pasta alla Sorrentina, use fresh ingredients. Fresh tomatoes add brightness. Select ripe ones for the best taste. Use quality olive oil for depth. It enhances the sauce and pasta. Don’t skip the garlic; it adds aroma. For a bit of heat, try a chili. It adds a nice kick without overpowering. One common mistake is overcooking the pasta. Cook it al dente for the best texture. Another mistake is not reserving pasta water. This water helps adjust sauce thickness later. Avoid skipping the cheese mixing step. It creates a creamy, delicious sauce. Lastly, don’t rush the simmering time. Let the sauce thicken nicely for rich flavor. For a beautiful presentation, use deep bowls. Serve the pasta right after cooking. Top with fresh basil leaves for color. A drizzle of olive oil adds shine. You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan on top. This adds flavor and looks great. Remember, we eat with our eyes first! {{image_2}} Pasta alla Sorrentina is a great dish for vegetarians. You can skip the meat and still enjoy all the flavors. Use more vegetables in the sauce. Try adding zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach. These veggies add color and taste without meat. If you want to add protein, consider chicken or shrimp. Cook them first, then mix into the pasta. For a heartier meal, add chickpeas or lentils. They boost protein while keeping it plant-based. Mozzarella is classic for Pasta alla Sorrentina. However, you can try different cheeses for fun. Burrata offers a creamier texture, while goat cheese adds tang. Mixing cheeses can create unique flavors. Experiment with what you like best. Each cheese brings its own charm to the dish. To store leftovers, let the pasta cool down first. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. You can place it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to cover it well to prevent drying out. When reheating, add a splash of water or olive oil. This helps keep the pasta moist. You can use a microwave or a pan on low heat. Stir often to ensure even heating. For best results, heat until steaming but not too hot. If you want to freeze Pasta alla Sorrentina, divide it into portions. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can stay good for up to three months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This makes it easy to enjoy later. For detailed cooking steps, check the Full Recipe. Pasta alla Sorrentina is a classic Italian dish. It comes from Sorrento, a lovely town on the Amalfi Coast. This dish features pasta baked with a rich tomato sauce. It includes garlic, fresh mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. The pasta is usually rigatoni or ziti. The dish is comforting and full of flavor. Yes, you can make Pasta alla Sorrentina ahead of time. Prepare the dish up to the baking step. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to eat, just bake it until heated through. The flavors will meld nicely, making it even tastier. I love serving a fresh salad with Pasta alla Sorrentina. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette works well. Garlic bread is another great choice. It soaks up the delicious sauce. You can also serve roasted vegetables for a healthy touch. Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes instead of canned ones. Choose ripe tomatoes for the best flavor. Peel and chop them before adding to the sauce. Fresh tomatoes will give your dish a bright taste and a lovely texture. Pasta alla Sorrentina combines simple ingredients for a delicious meal. We explored the main ingredients and optional additions. You learned how to cook the pasta, make fresh sauce, and mix them together. Remember, baking adds more flavor. Avoid common mistakes for the best taste. Storage tips ensure your leftovers stay tasty. With vegetarian options and alternative cheeses, there's a version for everyone. Enjoy making this classic dish while impressing friends and family!

Pasta alla Sorrentina

Discover the delightful flavors of Pasta alla Sorrentina, a comforting dish that's sure to impress! This simple recipe combines al dente pasta with a rich tomato sauce, luscious mozzarella, and a hint of spice. Whether you choose to bake it for an extra cheesy finish or serve it fresh, this dish is a go-to for any occasion. Click through to explore the full recipe and enjoy a taste of Italy in your kitchen!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

350g pasta (preferably rigatoni or ziti)

400g canned whole tomatoes (or fresh ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 small red chili, finely chopped (optional)

200g fresh mozzarella cheese, diced

100g grated Parmesan cheese

3 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh basil leaves, torn

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

    Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped chili (if using) and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, but not browned.

      Add Tomatoes: Pour in the canned tomatoes, crushing them gently with a wooden spoon. Season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes until it thickens slightly.

        Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.

          Add Cheese: Stir in the diced mozzarella and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese begins to melt and everything is evenly combined.

            Bake (Optional): For a baked version, transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish, top with the remaining Parmesan, and additional mozzarella if desired. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly.

              Garnish: Remove from the oven (if baking), sprinkle with fresh basil leaves, and serve immediately.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the Pasta alla Sorrentina in deep bowls, garnished with extra basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil for a touch of elegance.