Delicious Pasta Alla Sorrentina Recipe
You might have gathered by now that we love pasta. Love love love pasta. And this pasta alla Sorrentina has been a delicious discovery as we try to find regional takes on different dishes.
The obsession with pasta has been going on for as long as I can remember. I would rather fill myself with pasta than order even one slice of pizza. And while my choice is pasta all the way, I know many of you might find it despicable, almost enough to strip me of my Italian passport altogether. While I understand your point ever so slightly, I have to take one for the team and stand my ground: pasta is better than pizza.
And while you discuss among yourselves how to strip me of such a passport, I shall be sharing the recipe for this pasta alla Sorrentina, which is just as delicious as it gets, simple and easy to make, even quicker than you take to read this post. So let’s make haste – can you see I am watching Bridgerton as I type this? – and get that recipe out immediately.
If you fancy creating a dish that is delicious, perfect for the whole family and very much fast to put on the table so that everyone can be busy eating, then you need to look no further than this recipe for the pasta alla Sorrentina.
And if you fancy trying our other pasta recipes, why not check these out:
- pasta alla crudaiola;
- rigatoni pomodoro;
- baked mostaccioli with ricotta;
- gnocchi sardi, malloreddus;
- scarpariello pasta;
- pasta alla cenere;
- ciriole pasta;
- busiate alla Trapanese;
- pistachio lasagne;
- scrippelle.
Pasta alla Sorrentina to save your next quick lunch
The quickest lunch you can whip up in minutes, but still extremely delicious and easy? You guessed it, it’s this Pasta alla Sorrentina. And I can’t even begin to tell you just how quickly you will be remaking this, because there won’t be a person at the table who won’t want seconds. Or even thirds. But let’s take a step at a time, start with some history and geography.
What is pasta alla Sorrentina?
Pasta alla Sorrentina is a traditional Italian dish that originates from the town of Sorrento in the Campania region. This delectable dish showcases the simplicity and richness of Italian cuisine, featuring a few key ingredients that come together to create a comforting and flavorful meal.
Pasta alla Sorrentina is beloved for its comforting and robust flavors. The combination of the tangy tomato sauce, melty scamorza cheese and aromatic basil creates a harmonious balance of tastes and textures. The baked cheese forms a delightful crust on top, adding an extra layer of richness to the dish.
Pasta alla Sorrentina embodies the essence of Sorrento’s culinary heritage, reflecting the region’s emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques. It is a staple in local restaurants and a favorite among both locals and tourists seeking an authentic taste of southern Italy.
Where is Sorrento?
Sorrento is a charming coastal town located in the southwestern part of Italy. Nestled in the Campania region, Sorrento sits majestically overlooking the serene Bay of Naples. This picturesque town is perched on the Sorrentine Peninsula, which elegantly divides the Bay of Naples from the Gulf of Salerno.
Renowned for its breathtaking scenic views, Sorrento offers visitors a panoramic vista of the Bay of Naples, with the imposing silhouette of Mount Vesuvius in the distance. The town is celebrated for its historic architecture, featuring quaint narrow streets, ancient churches, and delightful piazzas that capture the essence of traditional Italian charm.
Sorrento’s strategic location makes it a perfect gateway for exploring other iconic destinations in the region. It is conveniently close to Naples, a bustling city rich in history and culture, and Pompeii, the famed ancient city preserved by volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Additionally, Sorrento provides easy access to the stunning Amalfi Coast, known for its dramatic cliffs, pastel-colored villages, and crystal-clear waters.
The town is also famous for its vibrant culinary scene, particularly its production of limoncello, a delectable lemon liqueur crafted from the locally grown Sorrento lemons. Visitors to Sorrento can indulge in this refreshing beverage, which perfectly complements the region’s fresh seafood and traditional Italian dishes. And also give this Pasta alla Sorrentina a good shot.
What ingredients do I need to make pasta alla Sorrentina?
Here’s a detailed look at the ingredients we used in this dish:
- Garlic: Garlic is a staple in Italian cuisine, known for its robust and aromatic qualities. In Pasta alla Sorrentina, garlic is sautéed in extra virgin olive oil to release its fragrant oils, which form the aromatic base for the tomato sauce. The garlic imparts a warm, slightly spicy flavour that complements the sweetness of the tomatoes and the richness of the cheese;
- Cherry Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes are small, sweet, and juicy, making them an excellent choice for the sauce in this dish. They are often used whole or halved, and when cooked, they burst open, releasing their natural sweetness and adding a fresh, vibrant flavour to the sauce. Cherry tomatoes are rich in vitamins A and C and provide a bright, tangy contrast to the creamy cheese;
- Smoked Scamorza Cheese: Smoked scamorza cheese is a semi-soft Italian cheese made from cow’s milk, similar in texture to mozzarella but with a distinct smoky flavor. It is known for its meltability, making it perfect for dishes that require a gooey, creamy texture. In Pasta alla Sorrentina, smoked scamorza adds a depth of flavour and a hint of smokiness that enhances the overall taste of the dish;
- Fresh Basil: Fresh basil is an essential herb in Italian cooking, known for its sweet, peppery flavour and aromatic qualities. In this dish, basil is used both in the tomato sauce and as a garnish. It adds a layer of freshness and a slightly sweet, aromatic note that balances the richness of the cheese and the acidity of the tomatoes;
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is a cornerstone of Mediterranean cuisine. It is made from the first cold pressing of olives, resulting in a high-quality oil with a rich, fruity flavour. In Pasta alla Sorrentina, extra virgin olive oil is used to sauté the garlic and form the base of the sauce, adding a smooth, slightly peppery taste that enhances the other ingredients;
- Salt & Pepper: Salt and pepper are basic yet crucial seasonings that bring out the natural flavours of the ingredients. Salt enhances the sweetness of the tomatoes and the creaminess of the cheese, while a touch of freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle heat and complexity to the dish;
- Paccheri Pasta: Paccheri is a type of large, tubular pasta that is perfect for hearty sauces. Its wide, hollow shape allows it to hold plenty of sauce and melted cheese, making each bite flavorful and satisfying. Paccheri’s texture is firm and chewy when cooked al dente, providing a perfect contrast to the creamy sauce and tender tomatoes.
How do I make pasta alla Sorrentina?
As we mentioned, making pasta alla Sorrentina is extremely easy. Let’s see together how to do it in very few steps.
Firstly, in a pan, cook the garlic in a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil until soft. Add the cut tomatoes and slowly cook them down for roughly 15 minutes, or until they start to fall apart. You can have them halved or whole, the final result won’t change – but the cooking time might increase slightly.
Season the tomatoes with salt and pepper, then set the cherry tomato sauce aside. Once you are done, time to cook the paccheri pasta al dente in plenty of salted water, then drain them. Add the cubes of smoked scamorza and torn basil leaves to the sauce, then fold through the drained pasta with the help of some pasta water and serve immediately.
Yummy to the next level, this pasta alla Sorrentina recipe! You can use fresh mozzarella cheese instead of smoked scamorza cheese if you can’t get hold of it. And add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if no kids are consuming this dish.
This version of Pasta alla Sorrentina offers a delightful blend of sweet, smoky, and savoury flavours. The cherry tomatoes provide a fresh and tangy base, while the smoked scamorza cheese adds depth and creaminess. The fresh basil introduces an aromatic and slightly sweet note, and the garlic and extra virgin olive oil create a rich, flavorful foundation. Paccheri pasta absorbs all these flavours beautifully, resulting in a hearty and satisfying dish.
Pasta Alla Sorrentina Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 garlic cloves sliced
- 500 g cherry tomatoes
- 120 g smoked scamorza cheese cubed
- 1 handful basil leaves
- extra virgin olive oil
- salt & pepper
- 200 g paccheri pasta
Instructions
- In a pan, cook the garlic in a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil until soft.
- Add the cut tomatoes and slowly cook them down for roughly 15 minutes, or until they start to fall apart.
- Season them with salt and pepper, then set aside.
- Cook the paccheri pasta al dente in plenty of salted water, then drain them.
- Add the cubes of smoked scamorza and torn basil leaves to the sauce, then fold through the drained pasta and serve immediately.
Shop the pasta alla sorrentina recipe
Pasta alla Sorrentina is a testament to the beauty of simple, high-quality ingredients coming together to create a dish that is greater than the sum of its parts. The combination of sautéed garlic, sweet cherry tomatoes, and the distinctive smokiness of scamorza cheese creates a harmony of flavours that is both comforting and deeply satisfying. Fresh basil and extra virgin olive oil add aromatic and rich notes, while salt and pepper enhance the natural tastes of the ingredients. The use of paccheri pasta, with its ability to hold generous amounts of sauce and cheese, ensures that each bite is a delightful experience.
This dish encapsulates the essence of Italian cuisine: fresh ingredients, straightforward preparation, and a focus on flavour. Whether you’re enjoying it in the scenic coastal town of Sorrento or recreating it in your own kitchen, Pasta alla Sorrentina is sure to transport you to the heart of southern Italy with every delicious mouthful.
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