We love to discover new recipes when traveling, and one of our favorite parts of any trip is bringing back dishes that capture the essence of a place.

During a visit to Florence, we stumbled upon a simple yet incredibly delicious pasta dish featuring paccheri with cherry tomatoes, garlic, and smoked scamorza cheese. It was rich, comforting, and full of bold flavors.

Surprisingly, we haven’t come across this exact recipe anywhere else, which makes it feel like a hidden gem. Naturally, we had to recreate it at home, and since then, it has become a regular in our kitchen.

This recipe is easy to prepare, using only a handful of ingredients, yet it delivers incredible depth of flavor. Whether you're looking for a quick dinner idea or a dish that feels authentically Italian, this is a must-try. So, let's see how to prepare it!

How to Make Paccheri alla Totto

• Prepare the Sauce: In a wide pan, such as a non-stick wok, heat the olive oil over low heat. Add the dried chili (if using) and the sliced garlic. Sauté gently, ensuring the garlic does not burn.
• Once fragrant, add the halved cherry tomatoes and season with salt. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes begin to soften, then gently crush them with the back of a spoon.

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• Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes on low heat before removing the pan from the heat.
• Cook the Paccheri Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the paccheri pasta and cook according to the package instructions, but always check for doneness before draining.

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• Combine and Serve: Transfer the drained paccheri directly into the sauce and toss gently. Add the cubed smoked scamorza cheese.

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• Mix carefully until the cheese melts into the pasta, creating a creamy, smoky sauce.
• Finish with freshly chopped basil.

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• Give it a final stir, and serve immediately.

And that's it! A simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that feels like a trip to Italy with every bite.

The Story Behind This Recipe

This dish is deeply rooted in Italian culinary traditions. Paccheri pasta originates from the Campania region, known for its hearty and rustic pasta dishes. Traditionally, paccheri was used in simple but bold recipes that allowed the pasta itself to shine, often paired with rich cheeses, garlic, and tomatoes—key ingredients in Southern Italian cuisine.

We adapted this recipe by using smoked scamorza cheese, which adds a deep, slightly smoky flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the cherry tomatoes and the richness of the olive oil. The simplicity of the dish is what makes it stand out: just a few quality ingredients come together to create something truly special.

Nutritionally, this dish offers a great balance of carbohydrates, healthy fats, and proteins. Paccheri pasta provides a good source of energy, while cherry tomatoes are rich in vitamins C and K. Garlic and basil contribute antioxidants, and smoked scamorza cheese adds protein and calcium. While indulgent, this pasta remains relatively light compared to heavier, cream-based recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Paccheri vs Rigatoni: What’s the Difference?

A: Both paccheri and rigatoni are tube-shaped pasta varieties, but paccheri is larger and has a smooth surface, whereas rigatoni is shorter and ridged. The size and texture of paccheri make it ideal for soaking up sauces and melted cheese.

Q: Can You Stuff Paccheri Pasta?

A: Yes! Paccheri is large enough to be stuffed with various fillings like ricotta, spinach, or ground meat. Once filled, it can be baked with tomato sauce and cheese for a delicious baked pasta dish.

Q: Paccheri Pronunciation: How Do You Say It?

A: The correct paccheri pronunciation is “PAHK-keh-ree”, with a slight emphasis on the first syllable.

Q: What Does Paccheri Mean in Italian?

A: The word “paccheri” comes from the Neapolitan term “paccare,” which means “slap” or “smack”—a reference to the sound the pasta makes when mixed with sauce.

Q: Where is Paccheri Pasta From?

A: Paccheri pasta originates from Southern Italy, particularly Campania. It has been a staple in Neapolitan cuisine for centuries, often paired with robust sauces, seafood, or cheese.

Final Thoughts

We hope you’ll give this dish a try and let us know how you like it! Tag us when you make it, and don’t forget that the full video of this recipe is available on YouTube. Be sure to like and subscribe to stay updated with our latest recipes!

Enjoy your Paccheri alla Totto, and happy cooking!

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