Tomato Basil Pasta alla Norma

Pasta alla Norma for Two with Le Sauce & Co. Tomato Basil Sauce

Sometimes, the best dinners are the ones that feel like a warm hug at the end of a long day. Pasta alla Norma is one of those timeless Italian comfort dishes — hearty, colorful, and bursting with fresh flavors. Traditionally hailing from Sicily, this pasta combines tender eggplant, fragrant tomato sauce, salty cheese, and fresh basil for a plate that tastes like it came straight from a charming Mediterranean kitchen. With Le Sauce & Co. Tomato Basil Gourmet Pasta Sauce, you can bring that same authentic flavor to your table in under 30 minutes — perfect for a cozy dinner for two.

A Little Backstory

The beauty of Pasta alla Norma lies in its simplicity. Legend has it that the dish was named after the opera Norma by Vincenzo Bellini, because it was considered a “masterpiece” of flavor. And truly, when you taste the combination of silky eggplant, savory tomato basil sauce, and just the right touch of cheese, you’ll understand why. The key is starting with the best ingredients — and that’s where Le Sauce & Co. comes in. Their Tomato Basil sauce is made with ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and just the right blend of seasoning, so every bite sings with flavor.

Why This Version Works for Busy Nights

While the original recipe can take a bit of time to prepare, this version keeps things weeknight-friendly without losing any of the magic. Instead of slow-cooking the sauce from scratch, you’ll simply warm Le Sauce & Co. Tomato Basil Gourmet Pasta Sauce with sautéed eggplant and garlic. The result is rich and satisfying, but light enough that you won’t feel weighed down.

Quick & Easy Recipe (Serves 2)

Ingredients

• 4 oz spaghetti or rigatoni

• 1 small eggplant, cut into ½-inch cubes

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 cup Le Sauce & Co. Tomato Basil Gourmet Pasta Sauce

• 1 small garlic clove, minced

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• ¼ cup ricotta salata (or feta), crumbled

• Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook Pasta – Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente, reserving ¼ cup pasta water before draining.

2. Sauté Eggplant – Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add eggplant, season with salt, and cook 8–10 minutes until golden and tender.

3. Add Garlic – Push eggplant aside, add garlic, and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir together.

4. Add Sauce – Pour in Tomato Basil sauce, reduce heat, and simmer 2–3 minutes.

5. Combine – Toss pasta with sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed.

6. Serve – Divide between bowls, top with ricotta salata and fresh basil.

The Perfect Dinner for Two

This dish is ideal for a date night in, a relaxed Sunday supper, or even a midweek treat. Pair it with a simple green salad and a glass of red wine, and you’ve got a restaurant-quality meal without the fuss. With Le Sauce & Co., it’s easy to turn everyday ingredients into something truly special — and this Pasta alla Norma proves it.

Pasta alla Norma for Two with Le Sauce & Co. Tomato Basil Sauce

Servings: 2
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 oz (about 115g) spaghetti or rigatoni

• 1 small eggplant, cut into ½-inch cubes

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 cup Le Sauce & Co. Tomato Basil Gourmet Pasta Sauce

• 1 small clove garlic, minced

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• ¼ cup ricotta salata (or feta), crumbled or grated

• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pasta

   • Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil.

   • Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente.

   • Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.

2. Cook the Eggplant

   • While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

   • Add the cubed eggplant and a pinch of salt. Sauté for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and tender.

3. Add Flavor

   • Push the eggplant to the side of the skillet and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

   • Stir the eggplant and garlic together.

4. Add the Sauce

   • Pour in the Le Sauce & Co. Tomato Basil Gourmet Pasta Sauce.

   • Reduce heat to low and simmer for 2–3 minutes to warm through.

5. Combine Pasta and Sauce

   • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce.

   • Toss to coat, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if you want a looser sauce.

6. Serve and Garnish

   • Divide between two bowls.

   • Top with ricotta salata and fresh basil leaves.