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Pasta alla Norma (Eggplant Pasta)
5 from 15 votes

Pasta alla Norma (Eggplant Pasta)

Pasta alla Norma is a classic dish featuring rigatoni pasta tossed in a rich marinara sauce made from San Marzano tomatoes cooked with garlic, olive oil, and fresh basil. Roasted globe eggplant rounds out the hearty components, while ricotta salata adds a salty, tangy finish. The combination delivers a balanced texture with tender pasta and soft, flavorful eggplant, ideal for a comforting entree highlighting traditional Italian flavors.

Prep Time
30 mins
Cook Time
1 hr
Total Time
1 hr 30 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 655 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

For the marinara sauce:
  • 1 28- ounce whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes with purée, canned
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 4 garlic peeled and smashed, cloves
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
  • 2 basil fresh sprigs
For the pasta:
  • 2 ½ pounds globe eggplant
  • kosher salt
  • extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 pound rigatoni pasta
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ cup basil plus more for serving, torn leaves
  • 2 cups marinara sauce or you can use jarred, easy homemade
  • ricotta salata cheese or pecorino or cotija if you can’t find it

Instructions

For the Marinara Sauce:
    Cup of Yum
  1. Pour the tomatoes and purée into a bowl and crush with your hands or the back of a spoon, then set aside.
  2. Add the extra-virgin olive oil and garlic cloves in a large skillet, and bring to medium heat. As the garlic begins to sizzle, stir occasionally, and cook until fragrant and golden, about 5 minutes. Monitor the heat so the garlic doesn't cook too quickly or burn. Add the red pepper flakes and cook for another 30 seconds.
  3. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the oil cool slightly. Carefully stir the tomato paste into the garlic and oil. Be EXTRA mindful so the oil doesn't splatter and burn you as the paste is added—and cook for 1-2 minutes. Spoon the tomatoes into the pan with the oil and paste and season with salt and pepper. Add the basil sprigs and bring to a boil. Reduce to a bubbling simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes. Stir to mix the oil that rises to the top, then discard the basil sprigs and garlic. Remove sauce from heat.
For the Pasta:
  1. While the sauce is simmering, roast your eggplant. Preheat your oven to 425°F. Cut the ends off the eggplants. Slice them in half, vertically, then cut them into ½-inch (half-moon) shaped pieces. Brush a sheet pan with olive oil and arrange the eggplant pieces in an even layer. Use two sheet pans if needed. Brush the eggplant tops with olive oil, sprinkle with kosher salt, and place in the oven to roast until golden brown, for about 30 minutes or so.
  2. While the eggplant roasts, fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, salt the water generously. Add the pasta and cook until al dente. Use a mug or Pyrex to reserve ¾ cup of the pasta water. Drain, then add the pasta, basil, marinara, and roasted eggplant to the large pot you cooked the pasta in. Gradually stir in the pasta water (start with ½ cup, then add more if needed) and stir well to combine. Taste and add more salt or red pepper flakes if desired. Transfer the pasta to a serving bowl and top with freshly grated ricotta salata and more basil.

Notes

  • If ricotta salata cheese is unavailable, pecorino or cotija cheese offer good alternatives.
  • Torn fresh mozzarella, while milder and less tangy, can also be used for a creamy texture.

Nutrition Information

Calories 655kcal (33%) Carbohydrates 112g (37%) Protein 20g (40%) Fat 16g (25%) Saturated Fat 2g (10%) Polyunsaturated Fat 2g (12%) Monounsaturated Fat 10g (50%) Sodium 1068mg (45%) Potassium 1357mg (29%) Fiber 15g (60%) Sugar 18g (36%) Vitamin A 574IU (11%) Vitamin C 28mg (31%) Calcium 128mg (13%) Iron 5mg (28%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4 Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 655

% Daily Value*

Calories 655kcal 33%
Carbohydrates 112g 37%
Protein 20g 40%
Fat 16g 25%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g 12%
Monounsaturated Fat 10g 50%
Sodium 1068mg 45%
Potassium 1357mg 29%
Fiber 15g 60%
Sugar 18g 36%
Vitamin A 574IU 11%
Vitamin C 28mg 31%
Calcium 128mg 13%
Iron 5mg 28%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.