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Classic Pasta alla Norma

This traditional Sicilian pasta dish features tender eggplant and a bright tomato sauce finished with salty ricotta salata.

By Daily Recipes Book· 🌍 Italian· August 4, 2026
Classic Pasta alla Norma
dailyrecipesbook.com
Prep
20 minutes
Cook
25 minutes
Total
45 minutes
Serves
4

Pasta alla Norma is a true Italian classic that really celebrates simple, fresh ingredients. The combination of fried eggplant with a rich tomato sauce is comforting and satisfying, making it a perfect meal for when you want something special but easy to prepare at home.

My favorite trick for this dish is to salt the eggplant pieces before cooking them. This draws out any extra moisture and ensures that they get perfectly golden brown and creamy in the pan instead of soggy.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound rigatoni or penne pasta
  • 2 medium eggplants, cut into 1 inch cubes
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 cup grated ricotta salata cheese
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. 1

    Place the cubed eggplant in a colander and sprinkle with a little salt. Let it sit for 20 minutes, then pat dry with paper towels.

  2. 2

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente.

  3. 3

    While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

  4. 4

    Add the eggplant to the skillet and fry until it is golden brown and tender, about 8 to 10 minutes.

  5. 5

    Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for one minute until fragrant.

  6. 6

    Pour in the crushed tomatoes and simmer the sauce for 10 minutes.

  7. 7

    Drain the pasta and add it directly into the skillet with the sauce.

  8. 8

    Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated, then remove from the heat.

  9. 9

    Serve immediately topped with plenty of ricotta salata cheese and fresh basil.

💡 Tips

If you cannot find ricotta salata at your local store, regular feta cheese makes a fine substitute. You can keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, but it is best enjoyed warm right from the stove.

#vegetarian#pasta#italian#dinner#comfort food

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