Description
Pasta alla Sorrentina is a classic Italian dish featuring tender pasta combined with a rich tomato sauce, fresh basil, and creamy melted mozzarella cheese. This comforting baked pasta brings together the flavors of sautéed garlic, crushed tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, finished under the broiler for a bubbly golden cheese topping. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a cozy meal with family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Cheese
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (such as gnocchi or penne)
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, cubed
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (plus more for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Prepare Tomato Sauce: Pour the crushed tomatoes into the skillet with the garlic. Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes if using, and dried oregano. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop flavors.
- Add Fresh Basil: Stir the chopped fresh basil into the simmering sauce to infuse it with aromatic freshness.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Add Cheese: Gently fold in the cubed mozzarella cheese and half of the grated Parmesan, allowing the cheese to start melting into the warm pasta and sauce mixture.
- Broil: Transfer the pasta mixture into a baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese evenly on top. Place the dish under a broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with additional fresh basil leaves, and serve the dish hot.
Notes
- Traditionally made with gnocchi, but penne or rigatoni are excellent substitutes.
- For a richer sauce, add a splash of cream before combining the pasta and sauce.
- Broiling the cheese at the end adds a deliciously melty and golden crust.
