If you’re craving the soul-soothing embrace of bubbly cheese, rich tomato sauce, and perfectly tender pasta, Pasta alla Sorrentina is about to become your next obsession. This beloved Campanian classic brings together the robust flavors of southern Italy in one heartwarming, utterly satisfying bake. Think golden pools of melted mozzarella, fragrant basil, a hint of garlic, and pasta snuggled beneath a broiled, cheesy blanket. Whether you prepare it with pillowy gnocchi or your favorite short pasta, this easy dish proves that great Italian comfort food doesn’t need a long ingredient list—just a bit of love and a hot oven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s take a quick look at the ingredients for Pasta alla Sorrentina. Each one plays a starring role, whether it’s building depth in the sauce or delivering that irresistible, gooey cheese pull. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity—quality ingredients really do the heavy lifting!
- Pasta: Traditional gnocchi or hearty shapes like penne or rigatoni capture the sauce and stand up to baking beautifully.
- Olive oil: A drizzle creates a luscious base and adds fruity, peppery depth to the sauce.
- Garlic: A couple of cloves, minced, infuses the tomato sauce with aromatic warmth.
- Canned crushed tomatoes or tomato passata: These form the vibrant, tangy backbone of the sauce; quality here is key!
- Salt: Just enough to coax all the flavors into harmony.
- Black pepper: Balances the sweetness of the tomatoes with a subtle background kick.
- Dried oregano or Italian seasoning: This brings a punch of herby brightness that’s classic in southern Italian cooking.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): A pinch wakes up the sauce with gentle heat, if that’s your style.
- Fresh mozzarella, cubed: Melts into dreamy puddles that are the hallmark of Pasta alla Sorrentina.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a savory, golden crust after baking.
- Fresh basil leaves: The final flourish that brings color and heavenly aroma to every plate.
How to Make Pasta alla Sorrentina
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil—this not only seasons the pasta but guarantees every bite bursts with flavor. Cook your gnocchi, penne, or rigatoni until they’re just al dente; you want a little bite left, since the pasta will soak up more deliciousness in the oven. Drain and set aside, letting them cool ever so slightly while you prep the sauce.
Step 2: Make the Rustic Tomato Sauce
While your pasta’s bubbling away, heat olive oil in a roomy skillet over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic just until it turns fragrant and golden (watch carefully—burnt garlic won’t do anyone any favors!). Pour in the crushed tomatoes or passata, then season with salt, pepper, dried oregano or Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you like a little zing. Let the sauce simmer gently for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring now and then, until it thickens slightly and fills your kitchen with inviting aromas.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Tip your hot, tender pasta straight into the pan of simmering sauce and toss to coat every piece in that ruby-red goodness. Stir in half of the cubed fresh mozzarella—those creamy chunks will melt and sneakily tuck themselves inside the pasta nooks, promising gooey surprises with every mouthful.
Step 4: Layer and Bake
Pour everything into a baking dish, spreading it evenly. Dot the top with the remaining mozzarella cubes and finish with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan. Into the oven it goes at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the cheese bubbles furiously and turns deeply golden brown at the edges. That’s your cue—it’s ready!
Step 5: Add Basil and Serve
The finishing touch for Pasta alla Sorrentina is a scattering of fresh basil leaves, torn gently by hand. They release their fragrant oils over the bubbling cheese, creating that iconic Italian aroma. Let it rest for a brief minute or two (if you can wait!), then dig in and enjoy.
How to Serve Pasta alla Sorrentina
Garnishes
To make each serving as stunning as it is delicious, top individual plates with extra fresh basil or a drizzle of good olive oil. A crack of black pepper or a tiny pinch of chili flakes can elevate the flavors even more. If you want to be truly authentic, shred just a little more Parmesan over the top right before serving for a snowy finish.
Side Dishes
Pasta alla Sorrentina has enough personality to shine alone, but it’s also fantastic alongside crusty bread for mopping up that extra tomato sauce. Consider a light, peppery arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil for a refreshing contrast, or serve roasted seasonal vegetables if you want a well-rounded, Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling playful, try baking Pasta alla Sorrentina in individual ramekins for a dinner party—everyone gets their own bubbling, cheesy pot! Or, serve family-style straight from the baking dish for a cozy, abundant centerpiece. For extra drama, let the cheese get gorgeously golden under the broiler for the last minute or two.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Pasta alla Sorrentina is a treat that keeps on giving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors only deepen overnight, and the dish reheats beautifully for quick lunches or no-fuss dinners.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for future cravings, Pasta alla Sorrentina freezes surprisingly well. Simply cool completely, transfer portions to freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to two months. For best results, freeze before baking so the cheese stays as gooey as possible after reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place leftovers in an ovenproof dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F until hot and bubbly. For individual servings, a microwave works fine—just heat in short bursts, stirring in between. A quick broil at the end revives that golden, cheesy crust.
FAQs
What kind of pasta works best for Pasta alla Sorrentina?
Traditionally, gnocchi is used, but all types of short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or even fusilli work wonderfully. The key is choosing a shape that will hold up to baking and catch plenty of sauce and melty cheese.
Can I add other vegetables or proteins to this dish?
Pasta alla Sorrentina is incredibly flexible! Try adding sautéed mushrooms, roasted eggplant, or even cooked Italian sausage for a heartier twist, adjusting the seasonings to suit your additions.
How do I prevent the cheese from becoming rubbery?
For the best cheese pull, use fresh mozzarella (not the pre-shredded kind) and bake just until melted and golden. Overbaking can cause the cheese to toughen, so keep an eye on that bubbling top!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta or gnocchi, and double-check that your tomato sauce ingredients are gluten-free. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free and remains just as delicious.
Can I make Pasta alla Sorrentina in advance?
Absolutely! Assemble the dish up to the point of baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to ensure it’s heated through and perfectly melty.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve tasted the bubbly, cheesy magic that is Pasta alla Sorrentina, it’s sure to earn a spot in your regular meal rotation. Whether you’re craving a comforting dinner or planning a special Italian night, give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!
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Pasta alla Sorrentina Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pasta alla Sorrentina is a classic Italian comfort dish featuring pasta, tangy tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic herbs. This baked pasta is a comforting and flavorful meal that is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (traditionally gnocchi or short pasta like penne or rigatoni)
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes or tomato passata
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Cheese:
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella, cubed
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta until al dente, then drain.
- Prepare the Sauce: Sauté garlic in olive oil, add tomatoes, seasonings, and simmer.
- Combine and Bake: Toss pasta in sauce, mix with mozzarella, bake topped with cheeses.
- Finish and Serve: Garnish with basil and enjoy hot.
Notes
- This dish is traditionally made with gnocchi, but any short pasta will work well.
- For extra richness, consider adding a drizzle of olive oil or a dollop of ricotta before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
