BAKED PASTA ALLA NORMA

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Baked Pasta alla Norma image

Cheesy, saucy baked pasta is even more fun when you can slice it into wedges.

Provided by Claire Saffitz

Categories     Bon Appétit     Dinner     Pasta     Bake     Tomato     Eggplant     Garlic     Parmesan     Basil     Egg

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 medium globe eggplant, peeled, cut into 1/2" pieces
2 pints cherry tomatoes
8 garlic cloves, smashed
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for skillet
1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes, plus more for sprinkling
Kosher salt
2 large eggs
2 Tbsp. tomato paste
4 oz. finely grated Parmesan, divided
1 lb. spaghetti
2 Tbsp. drained capers
1/2 cup torn basil, plus a few whole leaves

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 425°F. Combine eggplant, tomatoes, garlic, 1/4 cup oil, and 1/2 tsp. 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 eggplant 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 400°F.
  • 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 1/2 cup 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.

Mubeen Amir
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This dish is a delicious and easy-to-make weeknight meal. I highly recommend it!


arron humphrey
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I don't recommend this recipe. It was a waste of time and money.


Ijaz Kan
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The instructions were a bit confusing. I would recommend rewriting them to make them more clear.


Lonjey Condes
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I found this dish to be bland. I would recommend adding more spices or herbs.


Maryam Halai
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This dish is a bit too rich for my taste. I would recommend using less cheese or cream.


Rais Rbas
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I've made this dish several times and it's always a hit. It's a great recipe to have in your back pocket.


James Phillips
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This dish is a great way to get your kids to eat vegetables. My kids love the pasta and the sauce.


JOHURA SULTANA RIM
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I love that this dish can be made ahead of time. It's perfect for busy weeknights.


Sybnujjj Guyhh
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This is my go-to pasta dish when I'm entertaining guests. It's always a crowd-pleaser.


b-bonnie the bun bun
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I made this dish for a dinner party and it was a huge hit. Everyone loved it!


Anth 302
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This dish is a bit time-consuming to make, but it's worth the effort. The final product is a delicious and impressive meal.


Suhan Hasan
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I'm not a big fan of eggplant, but I loved it in this dish. The eggplant was cooked perfectly and it had a great flavor.


Marti Aldeco
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This dish is a great way to use up leftover pasta. I always have some leftover penne or spaghetti in my pantry, and this is a great way to use it up.


Fatima Tanoli
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I love the combination of flavors in this dish. The sweetness of the tomatoes, the bitterness of the eggplant, and the saltiness of the cheese all come together perfectly.


Sarah Loving
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This is one of my favorite pasta dishes. It's so easy to make and always a hit with my family and friends.


philip bhujel
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I followed the recipe exactly and it turned out perfectly. The pasta was cooked al dente and the sauce was rich and creamy.


Okeke Ebuka
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This dish is a great way to celebrate summer produce! The flavors of the fresh tomatoes and eggplant are so vibrant and flavorful.