Dish

Scialatielli alla Sorrentina

Scialatielli alla Sorrentina is a dish that is typically made with fresh scialatielli pasta, which is a thick, ribbon-like pasta. The pasta is cooked until al dente and then tossed with a simple but flavorful sauce made from tomatoes, garlic, and mozzarella cheese. The dish is finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil. The result is a light and refreshing pasta dish that is perfect for a summer evening.

European cuisine› Mediterranean cuisine› Italian cuisine

Pasta

Origins and history

Scialatielli alla Sorrentina is a traditional dish from the Sorrento Peninsula in Italy. The dish is often served during the summer months when the weather is warm and lighter meals are more appropriate. The dish is also popular among cheese lovers, and it is often served with fresh mozzarella cheese.

Dietary considerations

This dish is suitable for vegetarians as long as the cheese used is vegetarian. It is also suitable for those with gluten sensitivities as long as gluten-free pasta is used. This dish contains dairy products.

Variations

There are many variations of this dish, but the most common is to add fresh basil to the sauce. Some recipes also call for the addition of other vegetables, such as eggplant or zucchini, to the sauce.

Presentation and garnishing

When making the sauce, be sure to use high-quality tomatoes and mozzarella cheese to ensure the best flavor. This dish is also best served with fresh scialatielli pasta, but if you can't find it, you can use another thick, ribbon-like pasta instead. Scialatielli alla Sorrentina is typically served in a large bowl or on a plate with the pasta arranged in a nest-like shape. The sauce is then spooned over the top of the pasta, and the dish is finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil. A sprig of fresh basil can also be used as a garnish.

Tips & Tricks

To make the dish even more flavorful, try roasting the tomatoes and garlic before adding them to the sauce. This will give the dish a deeper, richer flavor. Additionally, be sure to cook the pasta until al dente to ensure that it has the perfect texture.

Side-dishes

Scialatielli alla Sorrentina is typically served on its own as a main course, but it can also be served with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the sauce. A glass of white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Vermentino, pairs perfectly with this dish.