It all started with one bite at my Sicilian friend’s house. I was maybe 10 years old, sitting at a crowded table with loud voices, warm bread, and a plate of something I’d never had before..Pasta alla Norma. I didn’t know what it was called, but I knew it was life changing. Sicily has a way of doing that — whether it’s a plate of pasta like this or crispy arancini (Sicilian rice balls) passed around at a family gathering.

I raced home, busting through the door like I discovered gold. “Mama! They made this pasta with eggplant… and sauce… and cheese… it was SO GOOD!” She just smiled, nodded, and said, “Okay, we’ll make it.”

And now? She makes it better than I even remembered. Creamy, savory & cozy. If you love Southern Italian flavors that lean bold and unapologetic, Spaghetti alla Puttanesca lives in that same sun-soaked corner of the table.
And these days, I pair it with a chilled glass of Gratsi White because… well, I’m grown now and mama says I’m allowed.
Some dishes just stay with you. This one never left. It’s the kind of dish that belongs at an Italian-style apericena — where pasta, wine, and stories stretch long into the evening.

Add a plate of fried olives on the side and suddenly it feels like you’re in a tiny Sicilian kitchen with nowhere else to be.

Step 1: Fry the Eggplant Until Golden

Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry eggplant in batches until golden and tender. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 2: Build the Tomato and Basil Sauce

In a separate pan, gently sauté onion until soft. Add marinara sauce, fried eggplant, and fresh basil. Simmer on low heat.

Step 3: Cook the Penne Rigate Al Dente

Cook penne rigate until al dente. Drain and add directly to the sauce. Toss to combine.

Step 4: Toss and Finish with Cheese

Plate and top with grated Parmigiano. Serve warm.