Pasta alla Sorrentina Comfort

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Pasta alla Sorrentina delivers all the warmth of Italian home cooking in every bite. It starts with penne or rigatoni, cooked just to al dente, then smothered in a freshly simmered tomato sauce bursting with garlic and onions. Melting cubes of mozzarella add a luscious, cheesy stretch, while a shower of Parmesan brings salty sharpness. A scattering of basil leaves lifts the flavors and adds freshness. For a golden bubbling top, the pasta can be baked until the cheese is irresistible. This simple, comforting dish is perfect for sharing family-style or enjoying as a cozy meal, bringing the spirit of Southern Italy to the table.

Barbara Chef
Updated on Sun, 06 Jul 2025 00:40:41 GMT
A close up of a plate of pasta with sauce. Pin it
A close up of a plate of pasta with sauce. | gracefulflavors.com

Pasta alla Sorrentina has become my ultimate comfort classic when I crave something cozy and satisfying The generous layers of tomato mozzarella and basil create a warm bubbling hug in a single dish that you can throw together with simple ingredients from your pantry

My whole family asks for this every time the weather turns chilly I first discovered Pasta alla Sorrentina on a trip to southern Italy and it became a favorite at our Sunday dinners ever since

Ingredients

  • Pasta such as penne or rigatoni: Holds the sauce and melts cheese perfectly Use bronze cut pasta for best texture
  • Canned whole tomatoes or fresh tomatoes: Gives you a bright rich sauce San Marzano works well for sweetness
  • Mozzarella cheese diced: Melts into creamy little pools For best results use fresh mozzarella drained of excess water
  • Onion finely chopped: Builds the aromatic base Make sure it is fresh and firm
  • Garlic minced: Brings that classic Italian depth Fresh garlic cloves make a difference
  • Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds savory umami and a golden baked top Choose real Parmigiano Reggiano if possible
  • Olive oil: A rich foundation Go for extra virgin for best flavor
  • Fresh basil leaves: For a fragrant herbal finish Pick unblemished leafy sprigs
  • Salt and pepper: To taste for seasoning Use sea salt for balance and fresh cracked pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta:
Boil a large pot of salted water once bubbling add the dry pasta and cook until just shy of tender this takes about nine to eleven minutes depending on the brand Drain the pasta but reserve a cup of the cooking water for adjusting sauce later
Sauté the Onion:
In a large deep skillet pour in the olive oil and set the heat to medium Add the chopped onion and let it cook stirring often for about eight minutes until soft and sweet This is where most of the flavor happens so take your time
Add the Garlic:
Once the onion is translucent toss in the minced garlic and stir for one minute You want it to turn fragrant not browned
Simmer the Tomatoes:
Pour in your tomatoes either canned whole crushed by hand or fresh and chopped Stir well Add salt and pepper Cover and let it gently simmer for fifteen to twenty minutes until you see the oil start to separate and bubbles become glossy If it gets too thick stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water
Combine the Pasta:
Tip the drained pasta into the sauce Stir gently to coat every piece and heat through for about two minutes This helps the flavors hug each noodle
Add Mozzarella:
Scatter the diced mozzarella all over and stir so it melts and gets gooey but do not overmix or it might disappear into the sauce
Add Basil and Season:
Tear fresh basil leaves by hand and sprinkle into the pasta Taste for seasoning and add a touch more salt or pepper if it needs a lift
Bake for Extra Comfort:
If you love cheesy golden tops scrape the pasta mixture into an ovenproof dish Sprinkle with grated Parmesan and slide it into a 180C oven for fifteen to twenty minutes until bubbling and the top is golden Let it cool for five minutes before serving
Serve:
Spoon out big portions onto plates Add more torn basil and a drizzle of extra olive oil if you like Serve warm
A plate of pasta with tomato sauce and cheese. Pin it
A plate of pasta with tomato sauce and cheese. | gracefulflavors.com

My favorite part is watching the fresh mozzarella pull into strings when you scoop into the hot pasta My nephew always asks for the crispiest corner pieces and it reminds me of quiet Sunday nights in our family kitchen

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge It keeps for up to three days and reheats easily in the oven or microwave For extended storage portion leftovers into freezer-safe dishes and freeze Once ready to use thaw in the fridge and reheat gently covered in the oven to keep the cheese from toughening

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any short pasta like fusilli if you are out of penne or rigatoni If you cannot find fresh mozzarella use whole-milk block mozzarella for a slightly firmer bite For added vegetables drop in a handful of baby spinach or roasted zucchini before baking

Serving Suggestions

Serve Pasta alla Sorrentina as a hearty main dish all on its own or pair it with a simple arugula salad and crusty bread For an impressive dinner add a pour of good Italian red wine or a sparkling lemonade to bring out the flavors

A plate of pasta with tomatoes and cheese. Pin it
A plate of pasta with tomatoes and cheese. | gracefulflavors.com

Cultural Context

This dish hails from Sorrento a sunny seaside town in southern Italy where tomatoes and mozzarella are culinary icons Families there often gather with big trays of baked pasta at holidays making it a true comfort meal meant for sharing

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What makes Pasta alla Sorrentina unique?

The dish features a rich tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil, creating a comforting flavor combination.

→ Can I use other pasta shapes besides penne or rigatoni?

Yes, any short pasta with ridges, like ziti or fusilli, will hold the sauce and cheese well.

→ How can I get the mozzarella extra melty?

Add the mozzarella just before baking or serving to keep it stretchy and melt it gently into the pasta.

→ Is baking the dish necessary?

Baking is optional but adds a golden, bubbly cheese topping that many find irresistible.

→ What herbs work best in this dish?

Fresh basil is traditional, but a touch of oregano or parsley can be used for extra flavor.

Pasta alla Sorrentina Comfort

Tender pasta in tangy tomato sauce with mozzarella, Parmesan, and basil for true Italian comfort.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
40 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes
By: Barbara

Category: Hearty Mains

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 14 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
02 28 oz canned whole tomatoes or fresh tomatoes, chopped
03 9 oz mozzarella cheese, diced
04 1 medium onion, finely chopped
05 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
07 3 tablespoons olive oil
08 Fresh basil leaves, to taste
09 Salt, to taste
10 Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 01

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 02

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until translucent, stirring occasionally.

Step 03

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, ensuring it does not brown.

Step 04

Add the chopped tomatoes to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Stir well and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.

Step 05

Return the drained pasta to the skillet and gently toss with the tomato sauce until evenly coated.

Step 06

Add diced mozzarella to the mixture, stirring until the cheese begins to melt into the pasta.

Step 07

Add freshly torn basil leaves and mix well. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 08

Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 15–20 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbling.

Step 09

Remove from the oven and allow to rest for several minutes before serving.

Step 10

Portion onto plates and garnish with additional basil and a drizzle of olive oil, as desired.

Notes

  1. For the creamiest texture, use high-quality mozzarella and fresh basil.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Baking dish
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (mozzarella and Parmesan cheese).
  • Contains gluten (wheat pasta).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 470
  • Total Fat: 15 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: 20 g