Description
Pasta alla Sorrentina is a classic Italian comfort dish featuring tender pasta enveloped in a rich, garlicky marinara sauce, layered with creamy mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, then baked until golden and bubbly. Finished with fresh basil, this hearty dish offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, ideal for a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta
Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Cheeses
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese, cubed
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the pasta dish.
- Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain thoroughly to remove excess water.
- Prepare the sauce: Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Simmer marinara: Stir in the marinara sauce and season with salt and black pepper. Let it simmer gently for 5 minutes to combine flavors.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Combine the cooked pasta with the hot marinara sauce until evenly coated.
- Assemble in baking dish: Transfer the sauced pasta into a baking dish. Evenly distribute cubed mozzarella and sprinkle parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese melts, bubbles, and starts to turn golden brown.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from oven, garnish generously with fresh basil leaves, and serve warm for best taste.
Notes
- Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier and more authentic flavor.
- Short pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni work best to hold the sauce.
- Serve alongside garlic bread or a fresh salad to complete the meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
