Description
A comforting pasta dish inspired by Sorrento, Italy, embodying warmth, family gatherings, and rich flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 300 g Pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 800 g Canned or Fresh Tomatoes
- 1 medium Onion
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 250 g Mozzarella Cheese
- 50 g Parmesan Cheese
- 3 tablespoons Olive Oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
- Fresh Basil Leaves
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta but reserve a little pasta water.
- Make the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent and fragrant.
- Add the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Incorporate the Tomatoes: Pour in the canned or fresh tomatoes, breaking them up. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer for 15–20 minutes.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the drained pasta into the skillet with the sauce, stirring gently to coat every piece. If too thick, add reserved pasta water.
- Cheese Time: Tear the mozzarella cheese into chunks and fold it into the pasta. Cook for another minute until slightly melted.
- Finish with Parmesan: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top and let it melt into the dish.
- Baking (Optional): Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Transfer the pasta into a greased baking dish, layering it and adding extra mozzarella on top. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Notes
Leftovers taste even better the next day. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water or olive oil.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 35mg