Pasta alla Sorrentina: An Incredible Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Pasta alla Sorrentina is a cozy, cheesy, and tomato-rich baked pasta dish from Southern Italy. Featuring simple ingredients like short pasta, fresh mozzarella, basil, and a homemade tomato sauce, it’s the ultimate comfort food.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 12 oz short pasta (penne, fusilli, or gnocchi)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) whole peeled tomatoes or 2 cups tomato passata
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 tsp sugar (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves, torn
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, cubed or torn
- 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or pecorino
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add tomatoes, crush gently, and simmer for 15–20 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, basil, and optional red pepper flakes or sugar.
- Stir in cooked pasta, half the mozzarella, and some grated cheese.
- Transfer mixture to a baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and more grated cheese.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbling.
- Let rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.
Notes
- Gnocchi gives a more traditional touch.
- Add sautéed eggplant or zucchini for a veggie variation.
- Spice it up with chili flakes or chili oil.
- Add cooked sausage or chicken for extra protein.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
