4.9 from 72 votes
Easy Penne Alla Norma (Eggplant Pasta) Recipe
Easy Penne Alla Norma is a pasta dish featuring penne cooked al dente mixed with a savory sauce of sautéed eggplant, red pepper, onion, and garlic simmered in tomato sauce balanced with a touch of sugar. Baby spinach is stirred in before combining with the pasta, adding freshness. Optional chili flakes bring mild heat.
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
25 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings:
3
Calories:
550 kcal
Course:
Lunch, Dinner
Cuisine:
Mediterranean
Ingredients
- 15-20 ounces penne pasta
- 1 onion
- 1 garlic clove
- 10 ounces eggplant cut into small ¼ of an inch pieces
- 5 ounces red pepper cut into small ¼ of an inch pieces
- salt
- black pepper
- sugar
- 10 ounces tomato sauce
- baby spinach a handful
- chili flakes optional
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the package (usually about 10 to 12 minutes).
- Meanwhile, in a hot pan, start by frying the onions and garlic in some olive oil. In 2 to 3 minutes you can add to the pan the eggplant and peppers. Season with salt and pepper and let them cook for 5 minutes.
- Now add the tomato sauce and some sugar to balance the acidity.
- Let it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes and add the spinach.
- Now the pasta should be ready - drain it and put it in the sauce straight away. Take it off the heat and serve!
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Cut eggplant and peppers uniformly into small ¼-inch pieces to ensure even cooking and tenderness.
- Cook pasta until al dente—cooked through but still firm to the bite—to provide good texture.
- Fresh basil or flat-leaf parsley garnish complements the dish with additional flavor and color.
Nutrition Information
Calories
550kcal
(28%)
Carbohydrates
106g
(35%)
Protein
20g
(40%)
Fat
4g
(6%)
Saturated Fat
0.4g
(2%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
0.3g
(2%)
Monounsaturated Fat
0.1g
(1%)
Sodium
461mg
(19%)
Potassium
710mg
(15%)
Fiber
16g
(64%)
Sugar
13g
(26%)
Vitamin A
2849IU
(57%)
Vitamin C
75mg
(83%)
Calcium
45mg
(5%)
Iron
2mg
(11%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 3 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 550
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 550kcal | 28% |
| Carbohydrates | 106g | 35% |
| Protein | 20g | 40% |
| Fat | 4g | 6% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.4g | 2% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3g | 2% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.1g | 1% |
| Sodium | 461mg | 19% |
| Potassium | 710mg | 15% |
| Fiber | 16g | 64% |
| Sugar | 13g | 26% |
| Vitamin A | 2849IU | 57% |
| Vitamin C | 75mg | 83% |
| Calcium | 45mg | 5% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.