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    Home » Recipes » Pasta

    Pasta alla Sorrentina

    Published: Jan 22, 2022 by Neriz · This post contains some affiliate links.

    • 10
    Jump to Recipe

    A vegetarian pasta dish that is deliciously baked to perfection, Pasta alla Sorrentina is excellent as a side dish or as a meal on its own — you’ll surely ask for seconds!

    A dish of pasta alla sorrentina with a block of parmigiano next to it, and fresh basil.

    (*This post contains some affiliate links)

    This oven-baked version of a traditional pasta dish from Sorrento is excellent for those times when you are craving some light, comfort food.

    Tomatoes with a hint of garlic and basil — that’s how simple the sauce is for pasta alla sorrentina.

    You combine it with your favorite pasta, top with Parmigiano Reggiano and mozzarella, and wait until the cheese melts … simply delicious!

    IF YOU WANT MORE TRADITIONAL ITALIAN DISHES, THEN YOU WILL LIKE THESE POSTS!

    • Spaghetti alle Vongole (Pasta with Clams)
    • Traditional Pasta alla Norma (Sicilian Eggplant Pasta)

    Ingredients

    All the ingredients you need to prepare sorrentina pasta at home.
    • Pasta – I generally use penne when making sorrentina pasta, but any tubular type of pasta will be excellent.
    • Basil – I strongly suggest using fresh basil for making this traditional pasta dish.
    • Parmigiano Reggiano – grated for adding into the pasta, or you can also sprinkle some more when serving.
    • Mozzarella – buffalo and cow milk-based mozzarella are great; make sure you drain them first.
    • Garlic – remove the skin, keep them whole.
    • Salt – for seasoning the sauce and cooking your preferred pasta.
    • Olive oil – use extra virgin olive oil, if possible.
    • Passata – also called tomato puree in some parts of the world and is the base of your sorrentina sauce.
    A closer shot of the top of sorrentina pasta fresh out of the oven, highlighting the melted cheese.

    Preparation

    Start with the sorrentina sauce preparation by placing a medium or large pan over medium heat.

    Add olive oil.

    Once the oil is ready, add the garlic (photo 1).

    Fry it for about two to three minutes, or until you see its color starting to turn golden.

    First part of the latest collage of images showing the process of making pasta alla sorrentina.

    Pour the passata and stir to combine.

    Add salt and torn basil leaves (photo 2).

    Mix everything to combine, cover with a lid and let your sorrentina sauce simmer for at least thirty minutes.

    Prepare your preferred pasta by boiling salted water and cooking the pasta according to its package instruction (photo 3).

    Second part of the latest collage of process of preparing sorrentina pasta at home.

    When the pasta is almost ready, preheat your oven to 230°C (440 to 450°F).

    Take the sorrentina sauce out of the heat, and add the drained, cooked pasta (photo 4).

    Mix to combine the pasta and the sauce evenly.

    Transfer about half of the sorrentina pasta into a baking dish and arrange it as a thin layer.

    Sprinkle grated parmigiano Reggiano and place some sliced mozzarella on top (photo 5).

    Last part of the latest collage of images showing the step by step process of making baked pasta alla sorrentina.

    Add the remaining pasta into the baking dish.

    Sprinkle with the remaining parmigiano and arrange the remaining slices of mozzarella as well (photo 6).

    Place your sorrentina pasta in the middle part of the preheated oven for five to eight minutes or until the mozzarella melts.

    Remove from the oven and set aside for at least ten minutes.

    Your penne alla sorrentina is now ready for serving!

    A serving of pasta alla sorrentina, with a glass of red wine on the background.

    Helpful tips

    • Make sure you keep the garlic whole.  It makes it easier to pick up after simmering the sorrentina sauce.
    • Use your hands to tear the basil.  The aroma and flavors are released better this way instead of chopping or cutting.
    • Keep tasting and adjusting the seasoning of the sorrentina sauce while it’s simmering.
    A closer, overhead shot of the top of pasta alla sorrentina, with some fresh basil as garnish.

    FAQs

    Can I prepare it in advance?

    Absolutely.

    You can prepare the sorrentina sauce in advance and heat it when you are ready to combine it with the pasta.

    Or you can assemble in the baking dish a few hours earlier, cover it with plastic and refrigerate until you are ready to place it in the oven.

    Can I freeze any leftovers?

    If you want to store the leftovers longer, yes, placing them in the freezer is an excellent option.

    Place it in an airtight, freezer-free container and cover it with aluminum foil when reheating in the oven.

    See how easy it is to prepare pasta alla sorrentina?  So, give it a try one of these days!

    Text for Roundup Sections
    • Classic Italian Appetizers (Antipasti)
    • Easy Italian Desserts & Pastries Recipes
    A dish of pasta alla sorrentina with a block of parmigiano next to it, and fresh basil.

    Pasta alla Sorrentina Recipe

    A vegetarian pasta dish that is deliciously baked to perfection, Pasta alla Sorrentina is excellent as a side dish or as a meal on its own — you'll surely ask for seconds!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Italian
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 45 minutes
    Total Time: 55 minutes
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 423kcal
    Author: Neriz

    Equipment

    • Chopping Board
    • Kitchen Knife
    • Pyrex Measuring Cups
    • Square baking dish (1.5 quarts, 9-inch square)
    • Rubber Spatula
    • Microplane grater

    Ingredients

    • 11 ounces pasta (about 310 to 315 grams)
    • 2 tbsp olive oil
    • 2 cups passata (500 ml)
    • 2 cloves garlic (or 1 large clove), whole
    • 8 to 10 ounces mozzarella (250 grams), drained & sliced into rounds
    • 2/3 cup parmigiano Reggiano, grated
    • handful of basil leaves
    • salt, to season

    Instructions

    Preparing sorrentina sauce:

    • Place a medium or large pan over medium heat, then add olive oil.
    • Once the oil is ready, add the peeled garlic.
    • Fry it for about 2 to 3 minutes, or until its color starts to turn golden.
    • Pour the passata and stir to combine.
    • Add salt and basil leaves, then mix.
    • Cover with a lid and simmer sorrentina sauce for at least 30 minutes.

    Preparing pasta alla sorrentina:

    • Bring salted water to a boil and cook pasta as per package instructions.
    • When the pasta is almost ready, preheat your oven to 230°C (440 to 450°F).
    • Take the sorrentina sauce out of the heat, and add the drained, cooked pasta.
    • Mix to combine evenly.
    • Transfer about half of the sorrentina pasta into a baking dish and arrange it as a thin layer.
    • Sprinkle grated parmigiano Reggiano and place some sliced mozzarella on top.
    • Add the remaining pasta into the baking dish.
    • Sprinkle the remaining parmigiano and arrange the remaining slices of mozzarella as well.
    • Place your sorrentina pasta in the middle part of the preheated oven for 5 to 8 minutes or until the mozzarella melts.
    • Remove from the oven and set aside for at least 10 minutes.
    • Serve and enjoy your penne alla sorrentina!

    Notes

    • Cook’s Tip #1:  Remember to keep the garlic whole — it’s easier to pick up before combining the sorrentina sauce with the cooked pasta.
    • Cook’s Tip #2:  Tear the basil with your hands; the aroma and flavors are released better this way instead of chopping or cutting.
    • Cook’s Tip #3:  Do not forget to taste and adjust the seasoning of the sauce for your sorrentina pasta while it’s simmering.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 423kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 37mg | Sodium: 442mg | Potassium: 521mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 767IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 348mg | Iron: 2mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @foodandjourneys or tag #foodandjourneys!

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