How to Cook a Scrumptious Pasta Alla Norma

If you love pasta and you’re looking for a new and exciting flavor to taste, then a Pasta Alla Norma will be sure not to disappoint. Requiring just 15 minutes of active prep time, here is your guide to cooking a scrumptious Pasta Alla Norma that is sure to impress.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound rigatoni
• Salt
• Ground black pepper
• Basil
• Ricotta salata
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 pound eggplant, cut into cubes
• 1 chopped onion
• 1 dried oregano
• 1 can crushed tomatoes
• 3 cloves garlic

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kathy Wakile (@kathywakile)

Instructions:

1. Boil a large pot of water. Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Once complete, reserve one cup of pasta water.
2. In a separate large pot, heat the olive oil and add the eggplant cubes. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until the eggplant is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
3. Season the eggplant with salt and place it on a plate to drain.
4. Leave just two tablespoons of oil in the pot, draining the rest. Add the onion and cook for about 5 minutes until soft. Add the garlic, oregano, and red pepper and cook for 1 more minute. Season with salt and pepper before allowing the simmer for another 10 minutes.
5. Add the pasta and the remaining 1/4 cup of pasta water to the pot of oil. Add the eggplant and mix the pot. Add more pasta water if you need to break up the sauce further.
6. Serve with basil and ricotta salata and enjoy.