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Pasta alla Sorrentina

Pasta alla Sorrentina: A Cozy Comfort Food Classic

Pasta alla Sorrentina is a delightful vegetarian dish featuring baked pasta, bubbling mozzarella, and rich tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 300 g Pasta (penne or rigatoni) Use any sturdy pasta shape.
Sauce
  • 800 g Canned or Fresh Tomatoes Fresh tomatoes can be substituted for canned.
  • 1 medium Onion Can be swapped with shallots.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Adjust quantity according to preference.
Cheese
  • 250 g Mozzarella Cheese Low-moisture mozzarella delivers the best results.
  • 50 g Parmesan Cheese Pecorino Romano is an alternative.
Finishing Touches
  • 3 tablespoons Olive Oil Avocado oil can be a lighter alternative.
  • Fresh Basil Leaves Fresh is preferable for an authentic taste.
  • Salt Adjust according to taste.
  • Pepper Adjust according to taste.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet
  • baking dish

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare Sauce: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté diced onion for about 5 minutes until translucent.
  3. Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Incorporate Tomatoes: Add canned or fresh tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and let simmer for 15-20 minutes until thickened.
  5. Combine with Pasta: Add drained pasta to sauce, stir gently, and cook on low for 2-3 minutes.
  6. Add Cheese: Stir in diced mozzarella until it melts into the pasta and sauce.
  7. Garnish: Remove from heat and fold in fresh basil leaves. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  8. Bake (Optional): Transfer to a baking dish, top with Parmesan cheese, and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes.
  9. Rest and Serve: Allow to cool for 5 minutes, then serve with additional basil and olive oil.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 75gProtein: 25gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Using high-quality ingredients enhances the flavor of this dish. Baking the pasta is optional, but creates a crispy top layer that many enjoy.

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