Best Easy Paccheri alla Sorrentina Recipe

Large tubes of pasta baked with tomato, mozzarella, and basil in Sorrento style. This vegetarian mediterranean dish is a fresh, comforting family meal that bubbles with melted cheese.

Cook 45 min Difficulty NORMAL 520 kcal
#vegetarian #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • paccheri pasta 12 oz
  • fresh mozzarella cheese 8 oz
  • whole peeled tomatoes (canned) 2 cups
  • fresh basil leaves 0.5 cup
  • Parmesan cheese 0.5 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • olive oil 2 tbsp
  • garlic cloves 2 pieces
  • kosher salt 1.25 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 67 g 52%
Protein 20 g 16%
Fat 19 g 32%
Serving size 385g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease a large baking dish with 1 tbsp olive oil for even browning.

  2. 2

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a rapid boil. Cook paccheri pasta 2 minutes less than package instructions to keep them very al dente, then drain without rinsing.

  3. 3

    Meanwhile, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add sliced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned; immediately add tomatoes with juices, breaking them up with a spoon.

  4. 4

    Simmer tomato sauce on medium-low for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with 1 tsp salt and black pepper. Stir in torn basil leaves at the end.

  5. 5

    Toss the drained pasta gently with half of the tomato sauce and half the mozzarella cubes. Transfer to baking dish, layering remaining sauce and remaining mozzarella on top. Sprinkle evenly with Parmesan.

  6. 6

    Bake uncovered 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted, golden-bubbly, and sauce is thickened. Let rest 5 minutes before serving for best texture.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What ingredients give Paccheri alla Sorrentina its authentic flavor?
The signature flavor and texture of Paccheri alla Sorrentina come from the combination of paccheri pasta, ripe tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, basil, and aged Parmesan. The mozzarella melts into the sauce, while basil and olive oil give a Mediterranean aroma.
Q. What is the key cooking tip for perfect pasta texture in this recipe?
The pasta should be cooked very al dente—about 2 minutes less than package instructions—so it holds its shape during baking and absorbs the sauce for optimal texture without becoming mushy.
Q. How do I prevent the cheese and sauce from becoming watery?
Be sure to drain the cooked pasta well and simmer the tomato sauce until nicely thickened before combining. Baking uncovered allows excess moisture to evaporate, resulting in a bubbly, thickened topping.
Q. What is the nutritional summary for one serving of this Paccheri alla Sorrentina?
Each serving (about 385g) provides approximately 520 kcal: 67g carbohydrates (52% kcal), 20g protein (16% kcal), and 19g fat (32% kcal).
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