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Pasta alla Norma

A classic Sicilian pasta dish featuring tender eggplant, rich tomato sauce, fresh basil, and salty ricotta salata. Perfect for a flavorful vegetarian meal that's both quick and comforting.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 people
Calories 480 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 400 g pasta (rigatoni, penne, or spaghetti)
  • 2 medium eggplants, cubed
  • 4 tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 800 g canned crushed tomatoes
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • a handful fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 100 g ricotta salata, grated or crumbled

Instructions
 

  • Salt the cubed eggplant and let sit in a colander for 20 minutes. Rinse and pat dry.
  • Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the eggplant in batches until golden and soft. Set aside on paper towels.
  • In another pan, heat remaining 2 tbsp olive oil. Sauté the onion until soft, then add garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute.
  • Add crushed tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15–20 minutes until thickened.
  • Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
  • Add fried eggplant to tomato sauce and mix gently. Toss pasta and reserved water into the sauce.
  • Stir in fresh basil and serve topped with ricotta salata.

Nutrition

Serving: 1peopleCalories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 14gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 550mgFiber: 8gSugar: 8g
Keyword Budget-Friendly Recipes, Easy Weeknight Dinners, Healthy Comfort Food, High Protein Meals, Meal Planning Chicken, Quick Family Meals
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