Easy Pasta alla Sorrentina

Name: Easy Pasta alla Sorrentina
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 300g penne pasta; Salt for boiling water; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil leaves, for garnish; 200g mozzarella cheese, cubed; 50g grated Parmesan cheese

Highlighted under: Quick & Easy

Easy Pasta alla Sorrentina is a delightful and comforting dish that showcases the rich flavors of Italian cuisine. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering, this recipe brings the essence of home-cooked meals to your table.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-23T04:27:36.212Z

This recipe for Easy Pasta alla Sorrentina is inspired by the traditional Italian dish that highlights simple ingredients and bold flavors. It's a perfect representation of how food can bring people together, making it a favorite among families and friends alike.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich and hearty tomato sauce with a hint of basil
Cheesy goodness that melts perfectly with pasta
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights

      

A Taste of Italy

Pasta alla Sorrentina is a traditional dish hailing from the Sorrento region of Italy, renowned for its rich flavors and comforting textures. This recipe captures the essence of Italian home cooking, where fresh ingredients and simple techniques come together to create a satisfying meal. The combination of penne pasta, a hearty tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese is the epitome of comfort food, making it a favorite for families and gatherings alike.

What sets this dish apart is its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia. With every bite, you're transported to a cozy Italian kitchen, where the aroma of garlic and tomatoes fills the air. Whether you're enjoying it on a quiet weeknight or serving it at a festive gathering, Easy Pasta alla Sorrentina is sure to please everyone at the table.

Quick and Convenient

In today's fast-paced world, finding a meal that is both quick to prepare and satisfying can be a challenge. This Easy Pasta alla Sorrentina recipe is designed with busy schedules in mind, taking only about 30 minutes from start to finish. By using pantry staples like canned tomatoes and dried herbs, you can whip up a delicious meal without the fuss of complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

Moreover, this recipe allows for flexibility. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or proteins to the mix, making it a versatile option for weeknight dinners. With minimal prep time and easy cleanup, it’s the perfect solution for those hectic days when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you're hosting a dinner party, feeding a hungry family, or simply looking for a comforting dish to enjoy on your own, Easy Pasta alla Sorrentina fits the bill. Its inviting aroma and cheesy allure are sure to impress your guests, while its straightforward preparation makes it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.

This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh salad and a glass of wine, creating a complete meal that celebrates the pleasures of Italian dining. Plus, it’s a dish that can be made ahead of time and reheated, making it an excellent choice for meal prep. No matter the occasion, this pasta is bound to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Pasta

300g penne pasta
Salt for boiling water

Sauce

2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Cheese

200g mozzarella cheese, cubed
50g grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation Steps

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, add the dried oregano, and season with salt and pepper. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir well to combine. Mix in the cubed mozzarella and half of the grated Parmesan cheese until everything is well coated.

Serve

Transfer the pasta to a serving dish. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve hot.

Enjoy Your Meal!

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your Easy Pasta alla Sorrentina, consider serving it with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad. A simple arugula salad dressed with olive oil and lemon complements the rich flavors of the pasta and adds a refreshing touch to your meal. You can also pair this dish with a light red wine, such as Chianti or a fruity Pinot Noir, to enhance the overall dining experience.

For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top before serving, or add a drizzle of balsamic reduction for a sweet tang. These small touches can elevate the dish and impress your guests with your culinary creativity.

Storage Tips

If you find yourself with leftovers, you can easily store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to help revive the sauce and prevent it from drying out. You can also microwave it, but be sure to cover the container to keep the moisture in.

For longer storage, consider freezing the pasta. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, ensuring that there is enough space for expansion. When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as mentioned above. This makes Easy Pasta alla Sorrentina a great option for meal prepping or quick dinners on busy nights.

Nutritional Information

Easy Pasta alla Sorrentina is not only delicious but can also be a balanced meal option. With a good mix of carbohydrates from the pasta, protein from the cheese, and vitamins from the tomatoes and basil, it offers a satisfying blend of nutrients. You can easily modify the recipe to include more vegetables, such as spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers, to increase its nutritional value without sacrificing taste.

Keep in mind that portion control is key. While this dish is hearty, enjoying it as part of a varied diet ensures you get the benefits without overindulging. By complementing it with a side of vegetables or a salad, you can create a well-rounded meal that's both filling and nutritious.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as fusilli or spaghetti.

→ Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce in advance and combine it with the pasta when ready to serve.

→ Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, this recipe is already vegetarian-friendly. Just ensure that the cheese used is suitable for vegetarians.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.