Name: Sorrento-style Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz penne or rigatoni pasta; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (28 oz) whole tomatoes; Salt and pepper, to taste; 8 oz mozzarella cheese, diced; Fresh basil, torn; Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for baking)

Why Make This Recipe

Sorrento-style Pasta is truly comfort food at its finest. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious that the whole family will love. This dish combines pasta with rich tomato and mozzarella sauce, creating a warm and comforting meal.

What I adore about this recipe is its simplicity. You can whip it up in about 30 minutes, making it a practical choice for any family. And the best part? Kids love it! The gooey mozzarella and vibrant flavors make it a hit at the dinner table. Plus, you can easily customize it based on what you have on hand.

How to Make Sorrento-style Pasta

Creating Sorrento-style Pasta is straightforward if you follow these steps:

Boil the Pasta: Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once boiling, add the pasta (penne or rigatoni works great) and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent.
Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, being careful not to let it burn.
Incorporate Tomatoes: Pour in the canned whole tomatoes (or fresh ones if you’re using them, chopped). Stir well and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens, filling your kitchen with a lovely aroma.
Mix in Pasta: Gently add the cooked pasta to the skillet, ensuring every piece is coated with that delicious sauce.
Add Cheese: Stir in the diced mozzarella, allowing it to melt slightly and create a creamy consistency.
Garnish: Add freshly torn basil leaves and stir to combine. Take a moment to taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Bake (Optional): For an extra cheesy top, transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle it with grated Parmesan, and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Serve: Remove from the oven (if you baked it) and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Dish out the Sorrento-style Pasta and garnish with additional basil and a drizzle of olive oil, if desired.

How to Serve Sorrento-style Pasta

Sorrento-style Pasta is a meal that’s best enjoyed warm. It’s perfect on its own or served with a simple side salad or crusty bread for mopping up any leftover sauce. You might also consider pairing it with some steamed vegetables for added color and nutrients.

Kids love to take this to school for lunch the next day, too! Just pack it in a thermos to keep it warm.

How to Store Sorrento-style Pasta

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or extra olive oil to keep it from drying out.

Tips to Make Sorrento-style Pasta

Choose the Right Pasta: While penne and rigatoni are traditional choices, feel free to use any pasta shape your family enjoys.
Add Veggies: Sneak in some spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition. Just sauté them along with the onions.
Substitutions: If you’re out of mozzarella, try cubed feta cheese or a non-dairy cheese. You can also replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
Make it Heartier: If you want to bulk it up, consider adding cooked chicken or turkey sausage.

Variation

You can make this dish your own by adding different proteins or vegetables based on what your family likes. For a meaty twist, try shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked turkey bacon. For a vegetarian option, add mushrooms or diced bell peppers into the sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes! Fresh tomatoes can be used; just chop them finely and adjust cooking time until they break down into a sauce.

2. What can I substitute for mozzarella?
If you want to avoid cheese, try using a dairy-free cheese alternative, or just increase the amount of Parmesan or sprinkle with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

3. Can this dish be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pasta and sauce earlier in the day and then simply bake it when it’s time to eat. This makes it a fantastic dish for busy evenings!

Enjoy your cooking, and remember that the best meals are those shared around the table with loved ones!