Its a classic for a reason.

It makes something purely and completely delicious out of simple but high-quality ingredients.

A perfect example is pasta alla norma.

pasta alla norma on a plate

Simply Recipes / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Jennifer Wendorf / Prop Styling by Phoebe Hauser

Its a classic for a reasonand forgivingly easy to make at home.

Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large high-sided skillet over medium-high heat.

Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon of the salt.

pot of pasta alla norma with a serving spoon and surrounded by bowls of toppings (one with basil leaves, another with shredded cheese, and last with crushed peppers)

Simply Recipes / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Jennifer Wendorf / Prop Styling by Phoebe Hauser

Add 2 tablespoons of the oil to the hot skillet (still over medium-high heat).

Repeat the cooking process once more with the remaining eggplant and additional 2 tablespoons of the oil.

Transfer to the plate with the cooked eggplant and sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt.

slices of eggplants seared in a pot for pasta alla norma recipe

Simply Recipes / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Jennifer Wendorf / Prop Styling by Phoebe Hauser

Carefully wipe the skillet clean.

Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the skillet and heat over medium heat.

Add the garlic and 1/4 teaspoon of the red pepper flakes.

cooked eggplant pieces in a pot for pasta alla norma recipe

Simply Recipes / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Jennifer Wendorf / Prop Styling by Phoebe Hauser

Saute until the garlic has started to turn golden brown, about 1 minute.

Add the tomatoes and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.

Reduce the heat to medium and add the torn basil.

cooked eggplant pieces on a paper towel lined plate for pasta alla norma recipe

Simply Recipes / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Jennifer Wendorf / Prop Styling by Phoebe Hauser

Cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened slightly, about 10 minutes.

Stir and fold to coat the pasta well in the sauce.

Add the reserved cooked eggplant and stir to combine.

tomato sauce added to the pot for pasta alla norma recipe

Simply Recipes / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Jennifer Wendorf / Prop Styling by Phoebe Hauser

Remove from the heat and stir in 1/2 cup of the ricotta salata.

Garnish with the remaining 1/4 cup cheese, 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper, and basil leaves.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day.

tomato sauce cooked in a pot (slightly thickened) for pasta alla norma recipe

Simply Recipes / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Jennifer Wendorf / Prop Styling by Phoebe Hauser

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cooked rigatoni added to pot with tomato sauce for pasta alla norma recipe

Simply Recipes / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Jennifer Wendorf / Prop Styling by Phoebe Hauser

cooked eggplant pieces mixed into pasta in the pot for pasta alla norma recipe

Simply Recipes / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Jennifer Wendorf / Prop Styling by Phoebe Hauser

pasta alla norma on a plate at a table setting with another serving on a plate, a bowl of shredded cheese, a bowl of crushed peppers, a table napkin, and two glasses of wine

Simply Recipes / Photo by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Jennifer Wendorf / Prop Styling by Phoebe Hauser