Pasta alla Sorrentina: A Delightful Italian Comfort Dish
If you’re craving a traditional Italian comfort food, look no further than Pasta alla Sorrentina, a recipe hailing from the picturesque coastal town of Sorrento in Italy. This dish combines the richness of fusilli pasta, the tanginess of ripe tomatoes, and the delightful creaminess of melted mozzarellaโcreating a perfect marriage of flavors that will leave you wanting more. Here’s how you can prepare this dish in your kitchen, with each step carefully detailed to ensure a truly authentic experience.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fusilli pasta | 320g |
| Passata di pomodoro (tomato purรฉe) | 500g |
| Mozzarella cheese | 125g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 30g |
| Garlic clove | 1 |
| Fresh basil leaves | To taste |
| Fine sea salt | To taste |
| Parmigiano Reggiano DOP (grated) | 65g |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 55g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 750mg |
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Tomato Sauce (Sugo)
- Start by heating 30g of extra virgin olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the garlic clove, keeping it whole, and sautรฉ for about 1 minute, just until the garlic releases its aroma. Be careful not to burn it!
- Next, pour in the 500g of passata di pomodoro (tomato purรฉe) into the pan, stir to combine with the oil and garlic. Season the sauce with salt to taste and toss in a few fresh basil leaves to enhance the flavor.
- Lower the heat, cover the pan with a lid, and let the sauce simmer gently for about 30 minutes. The flavors will meld, and the sauce will thicken.
- Once done, remove the garlic clove from the sauce, ensuring it’s no longer in the mix.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- While your sauce is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the 320g of fusilli pasta and cook according to the package instructions, ensuring the pasta remains al dente.
- As soon as the pasta is cooked, drain it, but reserve a small amount of pasta water in case you need to adjust the consistency of your sauce later.
Step 3: Assemble the Dish
- Preheat your oven’s grill setting.
- While the pasta is cooking, dice the 125g of mozzarella into small cubes. This will help it melt evenly and give the dish its signature gooey texture.
- Once the pasta is drained, pour it directly into the simmering tomato sauce. Stir gently to coat each piece of pasta in the rich sauce.
- Next, pour about half of the sauced pasta into a 25 cm round baking dish to form the first layer.
- Scatter half of the diced mozzarella over the pasta. Follow with the remaining pasta, and then top with the remaining mozzarella cubes.
- Finish off by sprinkling 65g of grated Parmigiano Reggiano DOP generously over the top, adding a lovely golden finish when baked.
Step 4: Bake and Serve
- Place the baking dish under the grill for about 5 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy, and the mozzarella is fully melted and bubbling.
- If you donโt have a grill function on your oven, simply set the dish on the highest rack and bake at maximum temperature. Keep a close eye to ensure it doesnโt burnโyou’re aiming for that perfect bubbly, slightly crisp top.
- Once done, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a vibrant, aromatic touch.
Step 5: Serve
Serve your Pasta alla Sorrentina hot from the oven, ensuring each serving is packed with melting mozzarella and a luscious tomato sauce. This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad and a glass of Chianti or another Italian red wine for a true taste of Italy.
Why You’ll Love This Pasta alla Sorrentina Recipe
- Rich and flavorful: The combination of tomato sauce and mozzarella gives this pasta a rich and creamy texture, balanced by the subtle freshness of basil.
- Simple yet indulgent: With just a few quality ingredients, this dish manages to pack a ton of flavor, making it a perfect comfort meal for any occasion.
- Versatile: Though this recipe calls for fusilli, you can easily swap in other pasta types like rigatoni or penne, depending on what you have on hand.
Perfect for Family Dinners
Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weekday or preparing a dish for a special occasion, Pasta alla Sorrentina offers both comfort and elegance. The melted mozzarella, the simmered tomato sauce, and the golden, crispy Parmesan topping will impress your guests or loved ones.
Additional Tips:
- Mozzarella options: For an extra indulgent version, you can opt for fresh mozzarella (like mozzarella di bufala) instead of regular shredded mozzarella. Just remember to drain it well before adding it to avoid excess moisture.
- Vegetarian option: This recipe is already vegetarian, but to add some depth, consider tossing in a handful of olives or grilled vegetables into the sauce.
- Make-ahead: This dish can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Perfect for meal prepping or hosting guests!
By following these steps, you can recreate the authentic taste of Pasta alla Sorrentina in your own kitchen. The process is easy to follow, and the result is a creamy, cheesy, tomato-infused pasta thatโs sure to become a family favorite.
Pasta alla Sorrentina is more than just a mealโit’s a tradition, a celebration of Italian flavors, and an invitation to slow down, savor, and share a moment of comfort. Buon appetito!
