Description
Pasta alla Sorrentina is a classic Italian baked pasta dish featuring rigatoni tossed in a fragrant tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and a touch of Parmesan. Perfect for family dinners, quick Italian weeknight meals, or a comforting vegetarian entree everyone will love.
Ingredients
400g (14 oz) rigatoni or penne pasta 250g (9 oz) fresh mozzarella cheese, torn into pieces 500g (17 oz) tomato passata (puree) 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil Handful fresh basil leaves, torn 50g (1/2 cup) grated Parmesan cheese Salt and black pepper, to taste Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta 2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside. 2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds, then add tomato passata. Season with salt and pepper and simmer for 10–15 minutes. Stir in half the basil. 3. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. 4. Transfer pasta and sauce to a baking dish. Top with torn mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and remaining basil. 5. Bake for 15–20 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and lightly golden. 6. Serve hot, garnished with additional basil if desired.
Notes
• Slightly undercook pasta before baking for perfect texture. • Use good-quality mozzarella for creamy melt. • Taste and adjust seasoning in the sauce before assembling. • Optional: sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan on top for added crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Pasta alla Sorrentina, Italian Entree Ideas, Italian Family Dinner Recipes, Quick Italian Dinner, Traditional Italian Recipes Dinners