Caccavelle alla Sorrentina: A Delectable Southern Italian Pasta Delight
Category: Main Dishes
Servings: 4
Description:
Caccavelle alla Sorrentina is a magnificent Southern Italian dish that blends the deep flavors of rich tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, fresh ricotta, and perfectly cooked pasta. Named after the picturesque Sorrento in the Amalfi Coast, this recipe brings the essence of the region’s culinary heritage to your table. The combination of savory sausages, tender pork, and a well-seasoned tomato sauce makes this dish a hearty comfort food. Perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, Caccavelle alla Sorrentina is as delightful to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Caccavelle (large pasta shells) | 4 |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 3 tablespoons |
| Salt (fine) | To taste |
| Fresh basil | To taste |
| Mozzarella | 200g |
| Ricotta (cow’s milk) | 200g |
| Parmigiano Reggiano DOP | 4 tablespoons |
| Fresh spring onions (cipollotto) | 4 |
| Passata (strained tomato) | 1 liter |
| Pork (chopped) | 150g |
| Sausage (preferably Italian) | 100g |
| Red wine | 1/2 cup |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| White onions | 35g |
| Carrots | 35g |
| Celery | 35g |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 550 kcal |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbohydrates | 50g |
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sodium | 600mg |
Instructions
1. Preparing the Vegetable Base
- Start by finely chopping the fresh spring onions. In a large pan, heat 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over low heat.
- Add the chopped onions, carrots, celery, and white onions to the pan. Cook gently, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the liquid evaporates. Be sure to cook on low heat to avoid burning the vegetables.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once the mixture has cooked down, turn off the heat and set aside.
2. Cooking the Pasta (Caccavelle)
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a gentle boil. Add the caccavelle (large pasta shells) and cook for about 15 minutes. Be careful not to let the water boil too vigorously as it may cause the delicate shells to break apart.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside. You may want to slightly undercook the pasta since it will finish cooking in the oven later.
3. Preparing the Filling
- While the pasta is cooking, cube the mozzarella into small pieces. Set aside for later.
- In a separate pan, heat a small amount of olive oil and brown the pork and sausage. Once the meats are browned, deglaze the pan with the red wine, allowing it to cook off.
- Add the passata (tomato sauce) to the pan, stirring well to combine. Let the sauce simmer on low for 15-20 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh basil to taste.
4. Assembling the Caccavelle alla Sorrentina
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (about 390°F).
- In each individual serving dish or baking dish, place a caccavella shell. Fill each one with a spoonful of the prepared tomato sauce and a few pieces of cubed mozzarella.
- Add 50g of ricotta and 50g of mozzarella into each shell for that creamy, cheesy goodness. Make sure to fill each shell generously.
- Top with a ladleful of the simmering tomato sauce and spread evenly. Finish by sprinkling with grated Parmigiano Reggiano for that signature Italian touch.
5. Baking to Perfection
- Place all your filled caccavelle shells into the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. The cheese should be fully melted and slightly browned, creating a perfectly crispy layer on top.
- Once baked, let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to set.
6. Serving
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of extra Parmigiano if desired. Serve the Caccavelle alla Sorrentina hot, accompanied by a fresh salad or crusty bread.
This heartwarming, flavorful pasta dish is a fantastic way to enjoy the bold tastes of Southern Italy from the comfort of your home. Whether for a family meal or a festive gathering, Caccavelle alla Sorrentina promises to impress with its comforting richness and depth of flavor. Enjoy the experience of crafting this delightful dish and sharing it with your loved ones!
