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Pasta alla Sorrentina : Italian Entree Ideas for a Classic Family Dinner

Pasta alla Sorrentina : Italian Entree Ideas for a Classic Family Dinner
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★★★★★

4.7 from 28 reviews

Pasta alla Sorrentina is a classic Italian entree that combines perfectly cooked rigatoni or penne pasta with a rich tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil, all baked to bubbly, cheesy perfection. This comforting dish is ideal for family dinners and busy weeknights, offering a traditional taste of southern Italy with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta

  • 400g (14 oz) rigatoni or penne pasta

For the Sauce and Topping

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 500g (17 oz) tomato passata (puree)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 250g (9 oz) fresh mozzarella cheese, torn into pieces
  • 50g (½ cup) grated Parmesan cheese
  • Handful of fresh basil leaves, torn and divided
  • Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for heat

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for 2 minutes less than the package instructions as it will finish cooking in the oven. Drain the pasta using a colander and set it aside.
  2. Make the Tomato Sauce: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the tomato passata, season with salt and black pepper, and let it simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in half of the torn fresh basil to infuse the sauce.
  3. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss well using a wooden spoon or spatula so that the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
  4. Assemble the Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If your skillet is oven-safe, you can use it for baking; otherwise, transfer the pasta and sauce mixture into a baking dish. Evenly distribute the torn mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan over the top, and sprinkle the remaining basil leaves.
  5. Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
  6. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the Pasta alla Sorrentina hot. Garnish with additional fresh basil if desired. Enjoy your comforting Italian meal!

Notes

  • Cooking the pasta slightly underdone before baking ensures it won’t become mushy in the oven.
  • You can substitute fresh mozzarella with burrata for an even creamier texture.
  • For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when cooking garlic.
  • If you don’t have tomato passata, use high-quality canned crushed tomatoes and blend them smooth.
  • This dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Pasta alla Sorrentina, Italian pasta recipe, baked pasta, mozzarella pasta, tomato sauce pasta, easy Italian dinner

Find it online: https://servedbynora.com/pasta-alla-sorrentina-italian-entree-ideas-for-a-classic-family-dinner/