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Entree Ideas for a Classic Family Dinner Recipe

Entree Ideas for a Classic Family Dinner Recipe
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5.3 from 25 reviews

Pasta alla Sorrentina is a classic Italian baked pasta dish featuring rigatoni or penne tossed in a rich tomato sauce, topped with fresh mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and baked until bubbly and golden. This comforting entree showcases the fresh flavors of basil and garlic for a simple yet delicious family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 400g (14 oz) rigatoni or penne pasta

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 500g (17 oz) tomato passata (puree)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for heat

Cheese and Garnish

  • 250g (9 oz) fresh mozzarella cheese, torn into pieces
  • 50g (1/2 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
  • Handful fresh basil leaves, torn

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook rigatoni or penne pasta for 2 minutes less than the package instructions to ensure it remains al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.
  2. Prepare the sauce: Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the tomato passata and season with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes to deepen the flavors. Stir in half of the torn fresh basil leaves towards the end of cooking.
  3. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the pasta casserole.
  4. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the tomato sauce and toss well so the pasta is evenly coated with sauce.
  5. Assemble the dish: Transfer the sauced pasta into a baking dish. Evenly distribute the torn fresh mozzarella pieces and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Scatter the remaining torn basil leaves on top for fresh aroma and flavor.
  6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown on top.
  7. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the pasta alla Sorrentina hot, optionally garnished with extra basil leaves for an inviting presentation.

Notes

  • Use fresh mozzarella for the best melty texture; avoid pre-shredded cheese as it may not melt as nicely.
  • Cooking pasta slightly under the package instructions ensures it won’t become mushy after baking.
  • Add crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer a touch of heat in your dish.
  • This recipe can be prepared ahead of time by assembling and refrigerating, then baking when ready to serve.
  • For a gluten-free option, substitute the pasta with gluten-free rigatoni or penne.

Nutrition

Keywords: Pasta alla Sorrentina, baked pasta, Italian dinner, mozzarella pasta, tomato sauce pasta, family dinner recipe

Find it online: https://dailysimplerecipe.com/entree-ideas-for-a-classic-family-dinner-recipe/