Pasta Sorrentina with Fresh Mozzarella, Tomato & Basil
Pasta Sorrentina with Fresh Mozzarella, Tomato & Basil
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 1 pound spiral pasta, such as fusilli or cellentani
- 1 tablespoon salt, for pasta water, or as needed
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic, cloves, chopped
- 2 pounds fresh tomatoes, diced (about 4-5 medium tomatoes)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped, plus 4 sprigs for garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground, or to taste
For Finishing
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, torn or diced into small pieces
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated, plus more for serving
- 1 tablespoon chili oil, or flavored olive oil, for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil for the pasta.
⏱️ 10 min•🌡️ 212
- 2
While the water heats, prepare the sauce. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
⏱️ 3 min
- 3
Add the diced fresh tomatoes to the pan. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes have softened and released their juices, forming a rustic sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
⏱️ 12 min
- 4
Add the spiral pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
⏱️ 10 min•🌡️ 212
- 5
Using tongs, transfer the cooked pasta directly from the pot into the pan with the tomato sauce. Add the chopped fresh basil, grated Parmesan cheese, and the torn fresh mozzarella pieces to the pan.
⏱️ 3 min
- 6
Stir all ingredients thoroughly until the pasta is well coated, the cheese begins to melt and soften, and everything is combined. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash or two of the reserved pasta cooking water to reach your desired consistency.
⏱️ 2 min
- 7
Serve the Pasta Sorrentina immediately onto plates. Garnish each serving with an additional sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, a drizzle of chili oil (if using), and a fresh basil sprig.
⏱️ 2 min
Kitchen Tools
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Pasta Sorrentina with Fresh Mozzarella, Tomato & Basil
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 1 pound spiral pasta, such as fusilli or cellentani
- 1 tablespoon salt, for pasta water, or as needed
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic, cloves, chopped
- 2 pounds fresh tomatoes, diced (about 4-5 medium tomatoes)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped, plus 4 sprigs for garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground, or to taste
For Finishing
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, torn or diced into small pieces
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated, plus more for serving
- 1 tablespoon chili oil, or flavored olive oil, for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil for the pasta.
⏱️ 10 min•🌡️ 212 - 2
While the water heats, prepare the sauce. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
⏱️ 3 min - 3
Add the diced fresh tomatoes to the pan. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes have softened and released their juices, forming a rustic sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
⏱️ 12 min - 4
Add the spiral pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
⏱️ 10 min•🌡️ 212 - 5
Using tongs, transfer the cooked pasta directly from the pot into the pan with the tomato sauce. Add the chopped fresh basil, grated Parmesan cheese, and the torn fresh mozzarella pieces to the pan.
⏱️ 3 min - 6
Stir all ingredients thoroughly until the pasta is well coated, the cheese begins to melt and soften, and everything is combined. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash or two of the reserved pasta cooking water to reach your desired consistency.
⏱️ 2 min - 7
Serve the Pasta Sorrentina immediately onto plates. Garnish each serving with an additional sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, a drizzle of chili oil (if using), and a fresh basil sprig.
⏱️ 2 min