Pasta With Eggplant

The traditional Pasta Alla Norma, also known as pasta with eggplant, is a recipe that combines two flavors in one easy dish. Slightly caramelized and roasted eggplant is tossed together in a rich tomato sauce. If this is the first time you have ever made a dish with eggplant, you will be surprised how this will quickly become one of your family's favorite pasta dishes.

This quick pasta recipe starts with a large pot of water to cook the spaghetti in until al dente. 1-inch cubes of fresh eggplant are tossed with olive oil and air-fried until golden brown. Next, a hearty yet simple tomato sauce is created using basil, jalapeño, garlic, and dried oregano. It is one of our favorite ways to enjoy fresh basil leaves and eggplants with a simple marinara sauce.

Jump to:

• Pasta Alla Norma
• Ingredients you'll need
• Adaptable recipe – make it your own!
• Before you begin: essential tools
• Step by step: instructions
• Your questions answered: FAQs
• My notes
• Storage
• Make ahead
• Perfect pairings: what to serve with
• You'll also like
• Pasta with eggplant

Save this recipe by clicking on the ❤️ heart on the right-hand side of the screen or in the recipe card.

Pasta Alla Norma

• The perfect way to use up fresh eggplant from your garden.
• Easy vegetarian meal or side dish
• A great way to get kids to eat veggies
• Versatile dish as you can add more diced vegetables such as onions, red peppers, mushrooms, fresh tomatoes or zucchini.
• The meaty texture of the eggplant makes this a hearty and satisfying meal.

This eggplant recipe is one of those iconic Italian dishes that everyone will enjoy. Simple ingredients from your pantry are chopped and added to a marinara sauce.

Ingredients you'll need

Note: This is an overview of the ingredients. You'll find the full measurements and instructions in the recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.

Ingredient notes

• Eggplants: Use 2.5 pounds of your favorite eggplants and cut into 1-inch cubes.
• Olive oil: Keeps the eggplants from sticking together as well as from sticking in the air fryer.
• Salt: Adding salt before cooking eggplant helps to draw out moisture as well as keep it from getting soggy.
• Onion: Adds a delicious taste to the dish.
• Garlic: A staple in Italian cooking.
• Oregano: Compliments the dish and brings out the flavor.
• Jalapeño: You can omit this if you want but it gives a delicious touch of heat and flavor.
• Basil: Fresh basil gives the best flavor but dried basil can be used as well.
• Tomato puree: A large 28oz can of tomato puree
• Black pepper
• Spaghetti: Linguine, fettuccine or spaghetti - pick your favorite.

Adaptable recipe – make it your own!

• Stir in mozzarella or ricotta for an extra cheesy twist.
• Add sliced mushrooms or red bell peppers to the sauce.
• Sprinkle red pepper flakes on top or a drizzle of chili oil for a touch of heat.
• Top with fresh shredded parmesan cheese or pecorino romano.

Before you begin: essential tools

The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

• Air fryer
• Wooden spoon
• Large pot

Don't forget to check out my Amazon storefront for some of my favorite products!

Step by step: instructions

Note: This is an overview of the instructions. The detailed instructions are in the recipe card below.

1. Cut eggplants into 1-inch cubes and season with salt. Pour in olive oil and toss to coat; massage with your fingers to distribute the oil well.
2. Air fry eggplants at 350°F for 10-15 minutes on each side, and set aside.
3. In a large skillet or pot over medium heat, add oil, then sauté onion for 2-3 minutes. Add garlic, oregano, jalapeño, chopped basil and continue to sauté for 30 seconds.
4. Pour in tomato puree and water and season with salt and pepper. Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes. Stir in eggplants, then add pasta and toss everything together to coat pasta with sauce.

Your questions answered: FAQs

My notes

• You can cook eggplants in a skillet over medium heat or roast in the oven on a sheet pan in an even layer.
• Use pretty much any pasta you like.

Storage

Refrigerate - Store leftover pasta with eggplant in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheat in the microwave with a splash of water or on a low-flame stovetop, stirring occasionally.

Make ahead

• It's best to use disposable gloves and avoid touching your eyes when dicing up the jalapeño. Hands should be washed when finished.
• When the eggplant cubes cook they may shrink a little bit when roasted.

Perfect pairings: what to serve with

I like serving this eggplant pasta recipe with a side of bread. Like this perfect Overnight Focaccia or garlic bread made my favorite way in the air fryer.

If you feel fancy, serve it with some bruschetta with balsamic glaze or this mozzarella bruschetta. You can also put together your own salad and add a drizzle of honey balsamic glaze.

For a big Italian feast, finish your meal with a slice of creamy Tiramisu.

You'll also like

When I was young, I did not appreciate eggplant as it should be. Now I drool over anything eggplant and always looking for ways to use this creamy, underrated vegetable. Check these Mediterranean eggplant recipes for more ideas.

This is one of the best fulfilling vegetarian and meatless main dishes. The mouthfeel of eggplants will satisfy your tastebuds, and you will not miss the meat. If you have a lot of eggplants, bookmark this post on how to store eggplants, you'll need it.