Transport yourself to the sunny Amalfi Coast with our classic Pasta alla Sorrentina recipe! This deeply satisfying Italian dish, originating from the charming town of Sorrento, celebrates the unparalleled flavors of fresh, ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and creamy mozzarella cheese. It’s a testament to how a few simple, high-quality ingredients can create a culinary masterpiece.
Our recipe guides you in creating a rich and flavorful tomato sauce, preferably from fresh, juicy tomatoes or high-quality passata. Sautéed garlic and fresh basil infuse the sauce with aromatic depth, creating a base that perfectly complements the pasta and cheese. Once the sauce is simmering, it’s combined with al dente pasta – typically short pasta like rigatoni, paccheri, penne, or fusilli, known for holding the sauce beautifully. The magic happens when generous chunks of fresh mozzarella are stirred into the hot pasta and sauce, creating a delightful stringy texture as it melts. For a truly authentic experience, Pasta alla Sorrentina is often baked, allowing the flavors to meld and the mozzarella to become wonderfully bubbly and golden.
Whether you’re enjoying it as a quick and flavorful lunch or sharing it as an informal dinner with friends, Pasta alla Sorrentina is a traditional dish loved by all. It’s a comforting and authentic taste of Campania, showcasing the region’s culinary heritage and the joy of fresh, wholesome ingredients. Get ready to savor every bite of this timeless Italian favorite!
Ingredients
1/2 lb paccheri or rigatoni
8oz fresh mozzarella
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1/4 cup loose torn basil
Olive oil
Fine sea salt and ground black pepper
Method
Cook pasta according to directions to al dente.
Meanwhile, add 1 tbsp of olive oil to a pan and heat over medium heat.
Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Add the tomatoes and cook until they collapse, about 12-15 minutes, salt and pepper to taste.
Add the mozzarella and basil to the sauce, stir, and then add the pasta.
Stir briefly until mozzarella starts to melt and then serve with Parmesan cheese if desired..