Description
This Pasta Alla Norma is a healthy Italian eggplant pasta made with rich, fresh tomato sauce, tender sautéed eggplant, and a savory twist of black olives. This rustic vegetarian pasta is simple, elegant, and full of classic Sicilian flavor.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 300 g pappardelle (about 10.5 oz) - spaghetti or penne also work beautifully. Because pappardelle is wider and more substantial, we use slightly less. If using spaghetti or penne, increase to 350 g (12 oz).
- 1 small eggplant (about 350-400 g / 12-14 oz), cut into 2-inch cubes
- 6 cups fresh tomato sauce (about 1.4 liters)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan (about 100 g)
- 6-8 black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add eggplant and sauté until browned and tender. Remove and set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- In a deep pot, warm the fresh tomato sauce and stir in Italian seasoning. Adjust salt and pepper carefully.
- Add sliced black olives and sautéed eggplant to the sauce. Simmer gently.
- Stir in most of the Parmesan, reserving some for garnish.
- Cook pasta until just shy of al dente. Transfer directly into the sauce and simmer for about 5 minutes, until fully cooked and well coated.
- Garnish with fresh basil and remaining Parmesan before serving.
Notes
Sauté the eggplant properly. Let it brown — that caramelization adds depth.
If the sauce feels too thick after adding the pasta, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it.
Want to make it even more traditional? Swap Parmesan for ricotta salata.
For a stronger olive presence, try Kalamata instead of standard black olives.
Note: These values are rough estimates based on common ingredients. For medical or dietary advice, it’s always best to consult a registered nutritionist or healthcare provider.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cup
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 70 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg