Pasta alla Sorrentina Recipe That’s Cozy & Classic
Pasta alla Sorrentina is a classic Italian baked pasta dish with tender noodles, rich tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil — warm, comforting, and perfect for family dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz short pasta (rigatoni, penne, or gnocchi)
- 3 cups tomato passata or crushed tomatoes
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1½ cups fresh mozzarella, torn
- ½ cup grated Parmesan or Grana Padano
- Handful of fresh basil, torn
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté garlic in olive oil. Add tomato passata and simmer 15–20 minutes. Stir in basil.
- Cook pasta until just al dente. Drain and toss with sauce.
- Stir in half the mozzarella and a bit of Parmesan. Transfer to greased baking dish.
- Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes until bubbling. Broil 2–3 minutes for golden top.
- Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use short pasta that holds up to baking. Pat mozzarella dry to prevent excess moisture. Customize with eggplant or sausage for variations.