Pasta alla Sorrentina

Pasta alla Sorrentina is a comforting Italian dish featuring pasta baked with a rich tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and a hint of basil. This vegetarian delight is perfect for a cozy lunch, offering a hearty flavor with every bite.

Ingredients

• Pasta (tortiglioni or rigatoni) - 200 grams
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Canned crushed tomatoes - 400 grams
• Fresh basil leaves - a handful, torn
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Fresh mozzarella cheese - 150 grams, diced
• Parmesan cheese - 30 grams, grated
• Water - for boiling pasta

Steps

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add the canned crushed tomatoes to the skillet. Season with salt and black pepper, and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the torn basil leaves and adjust seasoning if necessary.
5. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the tomato sauce and half of the diced mozzarella. Mix well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated.
7. Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish. Top with the remaining diced mozzarella and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra basil if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 540
• Protein: 22 g
• Carbs: 75 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Cholesterol: 40 mg
• Total Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Water: 0.25 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in antioxidants from the tomatoes, which may help reduce inflammation.
• Contains healthy fats from olive oil, supporting heart health.

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