1. Home
  2. International
  3. Italian Recipes
  4. Pasta alla Norma Recipe

Traditional Pasta alla Norma

2023-07-11

By Chef Giovanni

Italian Cuisine

Main Course

3 Easy Ways to Cook Eggplant for a Flavorful Pasta Sauce: Instant Pot, Air Fryer, and Induction Cooker

Create a Rich, Hearty Eggplant Tomato Sauce in Under 15 Minutes with the Instant Pot

Use the sauté function to quickly brown the eggplant cubes, then pressure cook with tomatoes and seasonings for a rich sauce in under 15 minutes. Perfect for a hearty, one-pot meal!

Air Fry Crispy Eggplant Slices for a Healthier Crunchy Pasta Addition

Skip frying! Air fry eggplant slices at 375°F for 12 minutes for a crispy texture with a fraction of the oil. Add them to your pasta for a healthier, crunchy addition.

Simmer the Perfect Tomato Sauce with Precision Using an Induction Cooker

Use the induction cooker to simmer your tomato sauce at a low, controlled heat, allowing the flavors to develop fully without worrying about burning. The even heat makes it easy to perfect your sauce.

Tips and Suggestions on Pasta alla Norma

Choosing the right eggplant

The eggplant is a key ingredient in Spaghetti alla Norma, and it's important to choose the right one. Look for firm, shiny eggplants without any bruises or scars. Choose an eggplant that is fresh and has small seeds, as this will have a milder flavor.

Salting the eggplant

Salting the eggplant before cooking can help to remove any bitterness and prevent it from absorbing too much oil. To do this, cut the eggplant into cubes or slices, sprinkle salt over it, and let it sit for about 30 minutes, may this article save you time 10 Tips for Guru-Style Cuts.

Preparing the tomato sauce

A good tomato sauce is essential to any pasta recipe, and Spaghetti alla Norma is no exception. The sauce should be made with fresh, ripe tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil. It's important to cook the garlic slowly over low heat until it becomes fragrant, but be careful not to burn it. Give our article a shot The Charm of Italian Sautéing.

Cooking the spaghetti al dente

Spaghetti alla Norma is traditionally served with spaghetti, which should be cooked al dente so that it's firm to the bite. Make sure to cook the spaghetti in plenty of salted boiling water for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Combining and serving

Spaghetti alla Norma is typically served by tossing the cooked spaghetti with the eggplant and tomato sauce. Be sure to mix everything together well so that the spaghetti is evenly coated. Finally, garnish with fresh basil leaves and grated ricotta salata for added flavor.

Avoiding mushy eggplant

Be careful not to overcook the eggplant, as it can become mushy and spoil the texture of the dish. Cook it until it's tender but still holds its shape.

Using a good quality cheese

The ricotta salata is an important element of Spaghetti alla Norma and provides a salty and slightly tangy flavor to balance the sweetness of the tomato sauce. Be sure to use a good quality ricotta salata for the best results.

Classic Pasta alla Norma Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 pound spaghetti
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1 large eggplant, diced
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 12 fresh basil leaves

Instructions

  1. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions.
  2. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the eggplant and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, about 10 minutes.
  3. Add the onion, garlic, and red pepper flakes and cook until the onion is tender, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add the tomatoes, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes.
  5. Drain the spaghetti and return it to the pot. Add the sauce and toss to combine.
  6. Top with Parmesan cheese and basil leaves to serve.

Cooking Time

Preparation Time 15 min

Cook Time 30 min

Total time 45 min

Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: 660
  • Fat: 26 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 90 g
  • Fiber: 9 g
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Protein: 20 g

Variations for Pasta alla Norma

Rigatoni Alla Norma

This version is made by tossing rigatoni with a rich tomato sauce, sautéed eggplant, and a generous sprinkle of ricotta salata for a classic Sicilian dish.

Rigatoni Alla Norma

Gnocchi alla norma

This version is made by pairing soft gnocchi with a robust eggplant and tomato sauce, topped with creamy ricotta for a comforting twist on a traditional favorite.

Gnocchi alla norma

Asian Pasta alla Norma

This version is made by infusing traditional ingredients with Asian flavors, featuring eggplant and a savory sauce served over noodles for a unique fusion dish.

Asian-Style Pasta ala Norma

Potato Pasta

This version is made by incorporating potato into the pasta dough, creating a tender base for a traditional eggplant and tomato sauce, delivering a hearty meal.

Potato Pasta

Eggplant And Mushroom Rotini

This version is made by combining savory mushrooms with eggplant and rotini pasta in a flavorful tomato sauce, adding depth and texture to a classic dish.

Eggplant And Mushroom Rotini (Pasta Alla Norma)

Zucchini Pasta Alla Norma

This version is made by spiralizing fresh zucchini to replace traditional pasta, then topping it with a rich eggplant and tomato sauce for a lighter alternative.

Zucchini Pasta Alla Norma

Eggplant pasta

This version is made by featuring roasted eggplant in a vibrant tomato sauce, served over your favorite pasta for a simple yet delicious Sicilian treat.

Pasta alla norma (Eggplant pasta)

Pasta alla Norma with Lamb

This version is made by adding tender pieces of lamb to the classic eggplant and tomato sauce, lending rich flavors and hearty protein to the dish.

Pasta alla Norma with Lamb

Fettuccine Alla Norma

This version is made by pairing broad fettuccine noodles with a velvety eggplant and tomato sauce, topped with creamy ricotta salata for a delightful Italian experience.

Fettuccine Alla Norma

Pasta Norma Recipe Review

Go to Top