Authentic Rigatoni alla Norma Recipe: The Best Sicilian Pasta Dish
@RecipesAll365
A classic Sicilian pasta dish featuring rigatoni, fried eggplant, rich tomato sauce, and salty ricotta salata. Simple, flavorful, and perfect for any pasta lover!
Prep Time 30 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 50 minutes mins
Course Main Cours
Cuisine Italian
- 12 oz rigatoni
- 1 eggplant cut into cubes
- 3 tbsp olive oil plus more for frying
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 14 oz crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped
- 1/2 cup ricotta salata grated
1️⃣ Salt the eggplant: Place eggplant cubes in a colander, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for 30 minutes. Rinse and pat dry.2️⃣ Fry the eggplant: Heat olive oil in a pan, fry the eggplant until golden, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.3️⃣ Make the sauce: In the same pan, heat 3 tbsp olive oil, sauté garlic, add crushed tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes.4️⃣ Cook the pasta: Boil rigatoni in salted water until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.5️⃣ Combine: Add fried eggplant to the sauce, then toss in the pasta. If needed, add pasta water to adjust consistency.6️⃣ Finish & serve: Top with fresh basil and grated ricotta salata. Enjoy warm!
- Eggplant Prep Tip: Salting helps remove bitterness.
- Cheese Swap: Use pecorino or parmesan if ricotta salata is unavailable.
Keyword #RigatoniAllaNorma #SicilianPasta #AuthenticItalian #EggplantRecipes
