Chicken Pasta alla Sorrentina Recipe

Chicken Pasta alla Sorrentina brings the sunny flavors of Italy’s Amalfi Coast straight to your dinner table with tender chicken, melty mozzarella, and rich tomato sauce. This beloved Italian comfort dish transforms simple ingredients into restaurant-quality results. I discovered this recipe during a family trip to Sorrento, where a local chef shared her kitchen secrets with me over espresso and laughter.

This pasta dish became my go-to when I want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of golden chicken pieces, bubbling cheese, and fragrant basil creates layers of flavor that taste like you’ve been cooking all day. What makes Chicken Pasta alla Sorrentina so beloved is how it balances hearty protein with comforting carbs and fresh Italian flavors. The dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special weekend dinners. Each bite delivers that signature Italian warmth with gooey mozzarella stretching between your fork and the plate.

Everything You Need for This Italian Pasta Dish

I always start with quality ingredients when making Chicken Pasta alla Sorrentina because they truly make a difference in the final dish. Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully, but low-moisture mozzarella works wonderfully too and prevents excess liquid.

• 14 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni work best for catching sauce)
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 28 oz canned whole tomatoes or fresh tomatoes, chopped
• 9 oz mozzarella cheese, diced (fresh mozzarella preferred, or use low-moisture)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• Fresh basil leaves, to taste (don’t skip this, it adds authentic Italian flavor)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Pro tip: I recommend using San Marzano tomatoes if you can find them. They’re sweeter and less acidic, which creates the most authentic Sorrentina-style sauce. For the pasta, rigatoni holds sauce better than penne, but both work beautifully.

Simple Steps to Make This Comforting Pasta

I recommend reading through all the steps before starting so you can work efficiently and have everything ready. This helps the cooking process flow smoothly from start to finish.

Step 1: Cook the pasta by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water for later. The starchy water helps bind the sauce.

Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. Cook for 6-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F. The chicken should have a nice golden crust. Remove and set aside on a plate.

Step 3: In the same skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent and softened, about 5 minutes. Watch for the onions to become fragrant and slightly golden at the edges.

Step 4: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. Be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic turns bitter. You’ll smell the wonderful aroma when it’s ready.

Step 5: Pour in the canned or fresh tomatoes, breaking them up with your spoon. Stir well and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens and the raw tomato taste mellows. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.

Step 6: Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet, tossing gently with the sauce until every piece is coated. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce seems too thick. The pasta water helps create a silky coating.

Step 7: Stir in the diced mozzarella, allowing it to melt slightly into the pasta mixture. Don’t overmix or the cheese will turn stringy instead of staying creamy and melty.

Step 8: Add freshly torn basil leaves and stir gently to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary. The basil should wilt slightly but stay bright green.

Step 9 (Optional): For an extra cheesy top, transfer the Chicken Pasta alla Sorrentina to a 9×13-inch baking dish, sprinkle with grated Parmesan, and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. This adds 15-20 minutes to total time.

Step 10: Remove from heat (or oven if baked) and let it rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and makes serving easier without everything sliding apart.

Step 11: Dish out the pasta, garnishing with additional fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Serve immediately while hot and the cheese is still melty.

Perfect Pairings for Your Italian Feast

This hearty pasta pairs beautifully with lighter sides that complement the rich, cheesy flavors without overwhelming your palate.

Garlic Bread: Crispy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the extra tomato sauce on your plate. The crunchy texture contrasts nicely with the tender pasta.

Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar with crisp romaine, crunchy croutons, and tangy dressing cuts through the richness of the Chicken Pasta alla Sorrentina beautifully. The acidity balances the cheese perfectly.

Roasted Vegetables: Simple roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus add color, nutrition, and a slightly charred flavor that complements the Italian herbs in the dish.

Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze echo the flavors in the pasta while keeping things light and seasonal.

Antipasto Platter: Olives, marinated artichokes, prosciutto, and pickled vegetables make excellent starters and some of the best sides for Italian pasta dishes like this one.

More Italian-Inspired Comfort Food Recipes

Chicken Pasta alla Sorrentina fits perfectly into a comforting Italian meal alongside other satisfying dishes. For another creamy pasta option, try Creamy Tuscan Garlic Tortellini Soup with its similar rich, garlicky flavors and tender cheese-filled pasta. The One Pot Spicy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini offers a quick weeknight alternative with comparable Italian comfort in less time.

When serving Chicken Pasta alla Sorrentina for dinner, complement it with lighter sides like Crispy Roasted Cauliflower for a vegetable option, or start the meal with Garlic Butter Cheese Bombs as an appetizer. For a complete Italian feast, consider making Creamy Brie Chicken Rigatoni another night for a sophisticated twist on chicken pasta.

Keeping Your Leftovers Fresh and Delicious

Store leftover Chicken Pasta alla Sorrentina in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious the next day.

To reheat, I recommend adding a splash of water or chicken broth to the pasta and warming it gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat for 5-7 minutes. This prevents the pasta from drying out. You can also microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Pro tip: This dish freezes well for up to 2 months. Cool completely before freezing in portion-sized containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as directed above. The texture stays surprisingly good, though fresh mozzarella may become slightly grainy after freezing.

Your Questions About This Italian Classic Answered

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