Baked Pasta alla Norma

Ingredients for Baked Pasta alla Norma

• 1 medium globe aubergine, peeled, cut into 1/2" pieces

• 1125ml cherry tomatoes

• 8 garlic cloves, smashed

• 60ml extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for skillet

• 1/2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes, plus more for sprinkling

• Kosher salt

• 2 large eggs

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 110g finely grated Parmesan, divided

• 450g spaghetti

• 2 tablespoons drained capers

• 80g torn basil, plus a few whole leaves

How to make Baked Pasta alla Norma

Preheat oven to 218°C. Combine aubergine, tomatoes, garlic, 60ml oil, and 1/2 teaspoons red pepper flakes in a large ovenproof skillet, preferably cast iron. Season generously with salt and toss to combine. Roast, shaking skillet once or twice, until aubergine is tender and tomatoes burst, 25–35 minutes. Let vegetables cool while you prepare the pasta (watch out for the hot handle when you take the skillet out of the oven). Reduce oven temperature to 204°C.

Whisk eggs and tomato paste in a medium bowl until smooth, then whisk in about three-quarters of Parmesan.

Cook spaghetti in a pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Immediately drain pasta in a colander and shake to remove excess water; transfer pasta back to pot.

Add cooled vegetable mixture to pot with pasta. Wipe out skillet and drizzle in a little oil; roll around in skillet to coat. Add egg mixture to pasta and toss vigorously with tongs until pasta is evenly coated. Add capers and 80g basil and toss again to combine.

Transfer pasta mixture to skillet and press gently into an even layer. Top with remaining Parmesan, a few whole basil leaves, and an extra sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

Bake pasta until surface is nicely browned, 30–35 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes before cutting into wedges for serving.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.