There are some dishes that are pure, unadulterated comfort, and Baked Sorrentina Pasta is one of them. This classic Italian dish, hailing from the sun-drenched Sorrentine Peninsula, is a beautiful celebration of simple, high-quality ingredients. It takes a humble pasta and elevates it into a rich, bubbling, and deeply satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug.

The secret to its success is the perfect trifecta of flavors: a bright, simple tomato sauce, the fresh, creamy mozzarella that melts into gooey pockets of goodness, and the fragrant basil that adds a fresh, aromatic finish. Baking it all together creates a dish that is rustic, elegant, and the very definition of Italian comfort food.

Baked Sorrentina Pasta with Fresh Mozzarella & Basil

Italian Comfort

Yields: 6 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes1

Cook time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 lb rigatoni or fusilli pasta

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced2

  • 1 (28-ounce) can of crushed tomatoes3

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, torn into bite-sized pieces

  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • ½ cup fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped, divided

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta & Sauce

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).4

  2. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until it is very al dente (about 2-3 minutes less than the package directions). Drain and set aside.

  3. Make Sauce: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.

  4. Simmer: Add the crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 5-10 minutes.

2. Assemble the Pasta

  1. Combine: Add the al dente pasta to the saucepan with the sauce. Toss to coat the pasta completely.

  2. Add Cheese & Basil: Stir in half of the fresh mozzarella and half of the fresh basil.

  3. Transfer: Pour the pasta mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish.

3. Bake and Serve

  1. Top: Sprinkle the remaining fresh mozzarella and the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the pasta.

  2. Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is hot and bubbling around the edges.

  3. Garnish: Remove from the oven, sprinkle the remaining fresh basil over the top, and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Pro-Tips for a Perfect Dish

  • Al Dente is a Must: Cooking the pasta under al dente is crucial. It will continue to cook in the oven, and if you cook it fully beforehand, it will become mushy.

  • The Right Mozzarella: Use fresh mozzarella sold in balls or logs, not the pre-shredded kind. Fresh mozzarella melts into creamy, delicious pockets, while pre-shredded can become greasy.

  • Simple Sauce, Big Flavor: The secret to this dish is a simple, high-quality tomato sauce. Don't add too many ingredients; let the flavors of the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil shine.

  • Use an Oven-Safe Pot: If you have a large, oven-safe pot, you can cook the sauce, add the pasta, and then top it with cheese and pop the whole thing into the oven for a one-pot meal!

  • Serve with Crusty Bread: This is the perfect dish to serve with a crusty loaf of bread for dipping.