4.9 from 72 votes
Easy Penne Alla Norma (Eggplant Pasta) Recipe
This Penne Alla Norma is a plant-based spin on the classic Sicilian dish! Tender eggplant and red peppers simmered in a homemade tomato sauce, then tossed with al dente pasta. It's the perfect weeknight meal any day of the week!
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 3
Calories: 550 kcal
Course:
Lunch , Dinner
Cuisine:
Mediterranean
Ingredients
- 15-20 ounces of penne pasta
- 1 onion
- 1 garlic clove
- 10 ounces of eggplant (cut into small ¼ of an inch pieces)
- 5 ounces of red peppers (cut into small ¼ of an inch pieces)
- salt, pepper, sugar
- 10 ounces of tomato sauce
- A handful of baby spinach
- 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
- Chop the eggplant and peppers uniformly. This will ensure they cook through evenly and are nice and tender with just a few minutes of sautéing.
- Cook the pasta until al dente. "Al dente" means slightly firm to the bite. The pasta should be cooked through, but still easily hold its shape and have a chewy texture.
- Incorporate fresh herbs. If you have fresh basil or flat-leaf parsley on hand, it would be delicious as a garnish on this pasta dish.
Nutrition Information
Calories
550kcal
(28%)
Carbohydrates
106g
(35%)
Protein
20g
(40%)
Fat
4g
(6%)
Saturated Fat
0.4g
(2%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
0.3g
Monounsaturated Fat
0.1g
Sodium
461mg
(19%)
Potassium
710mg
(20%)
Fiber
16g
(64%)
Sugar
13g
(26%)
Vitamin A
2849IU
(57%)
Vitamin C
75mg
(83%)
Calcium
45mg
(5%)
Iron
2mg
(11%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 3Serving
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.