Pasta alla Norma – A Classic Sicilian Eggplant Pasta Recipe
Looking for a hearty, vegetarian-friendly Italian pasta that’s bursting with Mediterranean flavor? Pasta alla Norma is a traditional Sicilian recipe made with sautéed eggplant, a rich tomato sauce, and topped with fresh basil and salty ricotta salata cheese. It’s the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and comforting—and it’s easier to make than you might think.
This authentic Pasta alla Norma recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners, meatless Mondays, or impressing guests with a taste of Sicily.
Ingredients for Pasta alla Norma
To make this delicious eggplant pasta dish, you’ll need the following:
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (rigatoni, penne, or spaghetti work well)
- 2 medium eggplants (cut into ½-inch cubes)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for frying)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes or tomato puree
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- A handful of fresh basil leaves
- Ricotta salata or Parmesan cheese (grated, for topping)
How to Make Pasta alla Norma

Step 1: Prepare the Eggplant
Sprinkle the cubed eggplant with salt and let sit in a colander for 20–30 minutes. This helps remove bitterness. Rinse and pat dry.
Step 2: Cook the Eggplant
Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Fry the eggplant in batches until golden and tender. Set aside on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 3: Make the Tomato Sauce
In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil. Sauté garlic and onion until soft. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
While the sauce is simmering, boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add fried eggplant to the tomato sauce. Toss in the cooked pasta and a splash of pasta water to help the sauce cling to the noodles. Mix gently.
Step 6: Serve
Serve hot, topped with grated ricotta salata or Parmesan and fresh basil leaves.
Tips and Variations

- Grill or roast the eggplant instead of frying for a lighter version.
- Use ricotta salata for authentic Sicilian flavor, but Parmesan or pecorino work in a pinch.
- Add chili flakes if you like a little heat.
- Make it vegan by skipping cheese or using a dairy-free alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pasta alla Norma?
Pasta alla Norma is a traditional Sicilian pasta dish made with eggplant, tomato sauce, and ricotta salata cheese. It’s a famous recipe from Catania, Sicily.
Can I use canned eggplant or jarred sauce?
Fresh eggplant and homemade sauce give the best flavor, but you can use shortcuts if needed. Just adjust seasoning to taste.
Make Pasta alla Norma Tonight

This Pasta alla Norma recipe is a true celebration of Italian simplicity—just a few humble ingredients come together to create something rich, satisfying, and timeless. Whether you’re a pasta lover or looking for a new vegetarian dinner idea, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
Visit my website for more traditional chicken recipes and easy weeknight pasta meals that everyone will love. Give this a try—and bring a little bit of Sicily to your table.