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    Home » Pasta

    Pasta alla Norma - Eggplant Pasta

    Published: May 20, 2023 · by Nico Pallotta

    Jump to Recipe

    Pasta alla Norma is a classic Sicilian pasta dish with rich and creamy tomato sauce, tender roasted eggplants, and fresh basil.

    You'll love this recipe because it's tasty, healthy, easy to make in about 30 minutes, and with simple ingredients.

    pasta alla norma or eggplant pasta
    On this page:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Tips
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Storage
    • More Eggplant Recipes
    • More Pasta Recipes
    • Recipe

    In Italy, pasta alla norma is so beloved that the Italians have instituted a national pasta alla norma day on the 23rd of September to celebrate its history and tradition.

    Try it, and you'll see why. This dish represents the essence of Mediterranean cuisine.

    While eggplant pasta was already widespread in southern Italy, pasta alla norma became famous in Catania, Sicily, around the 1830s when a local chef made it in honor of famous local composer Vincenzo Bellini and its opera called Norma.

    Traditional pasta alla norma uses fried eggplant, ripe Sicilian tomatoes, and ricotta salata, a hard and salty ricotta cheese hard to find outside of Italy.

    While we love the traditional recipe, we make ours with roasted eggplants and canned whole peeled tomatoes (ideally the San Marzano variety) to have an everyday dish that is healthier and easier to make but still Sicilian in essence and flavor.

    For vegans, you can easily leave out the cheese or use vegan cheese. For vegetarians and others, you can replace the ricotta salata with coarsely grated feta cheese, pecorino romano, or parmesan cheese.

    eggplant pasta or pasta alla norma

    Ingredients

    Pasta alla Norma ingredients

    Pasta

    Try to use rigatoni pasta, like in the original Pasta alla norma recipe. Good alternatives are ziti, rotini, and penne pasta, but to be honest with you, this sauce goes well with any pasta shape.

    Eggplant (Aubergine)

    You can use globe or American eggplants, or Italian eggplants. They are the big dark-purple ones that you can find in most grocery stores. They are tender and meaty and ideal for this roasted eggplant pasta.

    Tomatoes

    We use canned whole peeled tomatoes to recreate a fresh and rich sauce in a short time. If you can, try to find the San Marzano variety, imported from Italy. We use the same for our marinara sauce, which is very similar to the sauce for this dish.

    In the traditional recipe, people use ripe Sicilian tomatoes, but those are hard to find outside of Sicily and are highly seasonal. So we recommend sticking to canned tomatoes for the best results.

    Olive oil

    Extra virgin olive oil is best. It has a richer flavor and better nutrition than regular olive oil.

    Onion and Garlic

    To add flavor to the tomato sauce. We recommend using fresh onion and fresh garlic cloves.

    Herbs and spices

    We like to add dried oregano to the tomato sauce to make it even more aromatic. Then towards the end, we add fresh basil leaves.

    We also like adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. If you don't have dried oregano, leave it out or replace it with dried or fresh thyme.

    Salt and Pepper

    This sauce requires salt and black pepper to taste great. You'll also need salt to season the pasta water. We recommend sea salt or kosher salt.

    Ricotta Salata

    Ricotta salata is a salty hard Sicilian ricotta cheese.

    It's traditionally grated on top of pasta alla norma. However, since ricotta salad might be hard to find outside Italy, you can substitute crumbled or grated feta, grated pecorino romano, or parmesan cheese for ricotta salata.

    If you are vegan, you can keep the cheese out. This eggplant pasta recipe is delicious without it.

    pasta alla norma

    Instructions

    1. Roast the eggplants

    Preheat the oven to 430°F or 220°C. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Wash and dry the eggplants, remove the stem, and slice them into 1-inch cubes (2.5 cm).

    dicing the eggplants

    Arrange the diced eggplants on the baking tray on a single layer without overlapping, and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Toss to spread seasoning.

    diced eggplant on a baking tray

    Roast for 20 minutes, flip with a spatula, and roast for 5 more minutes. While the eggplants roast, make the tomato sauce.

    Tip: You can also roast eggplants in the air fryer.

    roasted eggplant cubes

    2. Make the pasta sauce

    Warm up the olive oil in a large skillet, add finely chopped onion, and fry it for 3 minutes.

    Add pressed or grated garlic, red pepper flakes, and fry for another minute.

    soffritto with garlic and onion

    Add canned whole peeled tomatoes, rinse the can with a cup of water, and add it to the pan.

    Season with salt, pepper, and dried oregano, then crush the tomatoes with a fork and simmer on medium heat until the eggplants are ready (about 20 minutes). Stir occasionally.

    canned whole peeled tomatoes in the pan

    Add the roasted eggplant and fresh basil leaves to the tomato sauce.

    Stir and cook for two more minutes on medium-low heat, then taste and adjust for salt.

    sauce for eggplant pasta

    3. Add the pasta

    While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta al dente in a large pot of salted boiling water, then reserve one cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.

    Add the pasta to the pan with the sauce, add one ladleful of reserved pasta water, turn the heat on again, and toss the pasta for about a minute until completely coated in the sauce. Add more pasta water if required.

    pasta alla norma in a pan

    Serve with fresh basil and a drizzle of good-quality extra-virgin olive oil.

    Optionally, add a sprinkle of freshly grated ricotta salata (per tradition), crumbled feta cheese, grated pecorino romano, or parmesan cheese.

    pasta alla norma or eggplant with pasta sauce

    Tips

    How to cook pasta to perfection?

    You'll need a large pot of salted water as follows:

    • 8 ounces of pasta (230 grams): cook pasta in 2 quarts of boiling water (8 cups or 2 Liters) with 1 tablespoon of salt (15 grams). Serves 2 - 3 people.
    • 12 ounces of pasta (340 grams): cook pasta in 3 quarts of boiling water (12 cups or 3 Liters) with 1 ½ tablespoons of salt (21 grams). Serves 4 people.
    • 1 pound of pasta (450 grams): cook pasta in 1 gallon of boiling water (16 cups or 4 Liters) with 2 tablespoons of salt (30 grams). Serves 5-6 people.

    How much pasta per person?

    • 3.5 ounces (100 grams) per person if the main meal;
    • 2.8/3 ounces (80/90 grams) per person if part of a 2 - 3 course meal;
    • 2/2.5 ounces (60/70 grams) per person if part of a 3+ course meal.

    Serving Suggestions

    Pasta alla norma is a nutritious and fulfilling main dish. We would recommend siding it with a light salad such as:

    • Tomato salad
    • Artichoke salad
    • Arugula salad
    • Zucchini salad
    • Simple side salad
    • Tomato salad recipe with basil leaves
      Tomato Salad
    • Artichoke Salad with olive
      Artichoke Salad
    • Arugula salad with walnuts and red apple
      Arugula Salad
    • zucchini salad
      Zucchini Salad

    Storage

    Make ahead: eggplant pasta is best eaten right after making it, and we don't recommend making it in advance.

    Refrigerator: keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 48 hours. Warm up the pasta in the microwave for a short minute or on a pan with a tablespoon of olive oil.

    Freezing: we do not recommend freezing pasta alla norma.

    More Eggplant Recipes

    Get more easy and wholesome recipe ideas with these family-friendly eggplant meals:

    • Eggplant and yogurt dip (Greek or dairy-free yogurt, eggplant, lemon, pine nuts, etc.)
    • Breaded eggplant (breadcrumbs, eggplant, garlic powder, Italian herbs, etc.)
    • Stuffed eggplant (cherry tomatoes, pesto, eggplant, cheese or vegan cheese, etc.)
    • Eggplant curry (roasted eggplant, chickpeas, curry, turmeric, garlic, coconut milk, etc.)
    • Mutabal with parsley and lemon
      Mutabal (Eggplant & Yogurt Dip)
    • breaded eggplants with marinara sauce
      Breaded Eggplant
    • stuffed eggplants
      Stuffed Eggplant
    • Eggplant curry with rice
      Eggplant Curry

    More Pasta Recipes

    If you like this Pasta alla Norma, you'll love these delicious pasta ideas. They make a nutritious and tasty dinner:

    • Tomato and basil pasta (canned tomatoes, spaghetti, fresh basil, onion, garlic, etc.)
    • Spaghetti aglio e olio (spaghetti, garlic, parsley, red pepper flakes, olive oil, etc.)
    • Pasta Puttanesca (capers, parsley, canned tomatoes, garlic, spaghetti, etc.)
    • Artichoke pasta (olives, pine nuts, mint, pasta, jarred artichokes, lemon, etc.)
    • Lemon pasta with spinach (spaghetti, garlic, parmesan cheese, lemon, etc.)
    • Penne arrabbiata (penne pasta, canned tomatoes, red pepper flakes, onion, etc.)
    • Artichoke pasta in a white bowl
      Artichoke Pasta
    • Pasta Puttanesca in a white bowl
      Pasta Puttanesca
    • Lemon Pasta recipe with a silver fork
      Lemon Pasta
    • garlic and oil pasta aglio olio
      Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

    For many more pasta ideas, check out our pasta category page.

    Recipe

    Pasta Norma with fresh basil

    Pasta alla Norma (Eggplant Pasta)

    Author: Nico Pallotta
    Pasta alla Norma is a classic Sicilian pasta dish with rich and creamy tomato sauce, tender roasted eggplants, and fresh basil.
    You'll love this recipe because it's tasty, healthy, easy to make in about 30 minutes, and with simple ingredients.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Share Recipe
    5 from 4 votes
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 30 minutes mins
    Total Time 40 minutes mins
    Course First Course, Main
    Cuisine Italian
    Servings 4 people
    Calories 504 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 12 ounces rigatoni pasta

    Roasted Eggplant

    • 2 medium eggplants
    • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
    • ⅓ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

    Tomato Sauce

    • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
    • 1 medium onion
    • 2 cloves garlic
    • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
    • 1 can (28 oz or 800 g) whole peeled tomatoes
    • 1 cup water
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    • 10 leaves fresh basil
    • 1 handful ricotta salata grated. Sub parmesan, pecorino, feta, or vegan cheese.
    Keep screen on

    Instructions
     

    1. ROAST THE EGGPLANTS

    • Preheat oven to 430°F or 220°C. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
      Wash and dry 2 medium eggplants, remove stem, and slice them into 1-inch cubes (2.5 cm).
      dicing the eggplants
    • Arrange diced eggplants on baking tray on a single layer, and toss with 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, ⅓ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
      diced eggplant on a baking tray
    • Roast for 20 minutes, flip with a spatula, and roast 5 more minutes. While the eggplants roast, make the tomato sauce.
      roasted eggplant cubes

    2. MAKE THE PASTA SAUCE

    • Warm up 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet, add 1 medium onion (finely chopped), and fry it for 3 minutes.
      Add 2 cloves garlic (pressed or grated), ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, and fry for another minute.
      soffritto with garlic and onion
    • Add 1 can (28 oz or 800 g) whole peeled tomatoes, rinse the can with 1 cup water, and add it to the pan.
      Season with 1 teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon dried oregano, then crush tomatoes with a fork and simmer on medium heat until the eggplants are ready (about 20 minutes). Stir occasionally.
      canned whole peeled tomatoes in the pan
    • Add roasted eggplant and 10 leaves fresh basil to the tomato sauce.
      Stir and cook for two more minutes on medium-low heat, then taste and adjust for salt.
      sauce for eggplant pasta

    3. ADD THE PASTA

    • Cook 12 ounces rigatoni pasta al dente in a large pot of salted boiling water. Reserve one cup of pasta cooking water.
      Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce, add one ladleful of reserved pasta water, turn the heat on again, and toss the pasta with the sauce for 1 minute. Add more pasta water if required.
      pasta alla norma in a pan
    • Serve with fresh basil and a drizzle of good-quality extra-virgin olive oil.
      Optionally, add a sprinkle of freshly grated ricotta salata. Or use crumbled feta, pecorino Romano, parmesan cheese, or non-dairy cheese.
      pasta alla norma

    Video Recipe

    Pasta alla Norma (eggplant pasta)

    Notes

    Nutrition information is an estimate for one serving out of 4.
    SUBSTITUTIONS
    • Rigatoni pasta: you can use any pasta.
    • Canned whole peeled tomatoes: sub crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato puree, or fresh ripe tomatoes.
    • Basil: sub fresh parsley.
    • Ricotta salata: sub crumbled feta, grated parmesan, pecorino, or non-dairy cheese.
    STORAGE
    Make ahead: eggplant pasta is best eaten right after making it, and we don't recommend making it in advance.
    Refrigerator: keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 48 hours. Warm up the pasta in the microwave for a short minute or on a pan with a tablespoon of olive oil.
    Freezing: we do not recommend freezing pasta alla norma.
     

    Nutritional Values

    Nutrition Facts
    Pasta alla Norma (Eggplant Pasta)
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    504
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    14
    g
    22
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    3
    g
    19
    %
    Trans Fat
     
    0
    g
    Polyunsaturated Fat
     
    2
    g
    Monounsaturated Fat
     
    8
    g
    Cholesterol
     
    6
    mg
    2
    %
    Potassium
     
    792
    mg
    23
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    81
    g
    27
    %
    Dietary Fiber
     
    10
    g
    42
    %
    Sugar
     
    12
    g
    13
    %
    Protein
     
    15
    g
    30
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    259
    IU
    5
    %
    Vitamin B6
     
    0.4
    mg
    20
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    8
    mg
    10
    %
    Vitamin E
     
    3
    mg
    20
    %
    Vitamin K
     
    24
    µg
    23
    %
    Calcium
     
    88
    mg
    9
    %
    Folate
     
    75
    µg
    19
    %
    Iron
     
    2
    mg
    11
    %
    Manganese
     
    1
    mg
    50
    %
    Magnesium
     
    85
    mg
    21
    %
    Zinc
     
    2
    mg
    13
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Did you like this recipe?Leave us a comment below or find us on Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, TikTok, and Facebook.

    If you liked this pasta alla norma, you might also enjoy:

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      25 Easy Eggplant Recipes
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      40 easy dinners
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      40 Easy Pasta Recipes
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      30 Easy Italian Recipes

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Suzanne

      July 11, 2023 at 8:45 pm

      5 stars
      Just made this and it was DELICIOUS! So rich and flavourful. Roasted the eggplant in the air fryer (great time saver - thanks for the tip). I love the look of all your recipes and plan to make more dishes. My kind of food (and hubby’s so we will definitely try more). Your Tik Tok videos are ace too. Thanks so much 😊.

      Reply
      • Louise

        July 12, 2023 at 7:08 am

        Hi Suzanne,
        I'm delighted that you and your husband like the pasta. So happy you could use the air fryer tip, it's so handy 🙂
        Thank you for your kind words, and for following along on our socials. All the best,
        Louise

        Reply

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    Nico and Louise founders of the Plant-Based School.

    Hi, we are Nico Pallotta and Louise Vestergaard, and we love cooking! Welcome to our blog.

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    Nico and Louise founders of the Plant-Based School.

    Hi, we are Nico Pallotta and Louise Vestergaard, and we love cooking! Welcome to our blog.

    Here we share veggie-packed recipes for the whole family.

    Omnivores, flexitarians, vegetarians, and vegans, you are ALL WELCOME!

    More about us →

    Trending

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