Sicilian-Style Gemelli (Pasta Scarpariello)

Ingredients

• • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) peperoncino pepper flakes or other hot pepper flakes
  • 2/3 cup (150 ml) olive oil
  • 28 oz (796 ml) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 large eggplant, cut into 1/4-inch very small dice (1/2-cm) (or 3 small eggplants)
  • 1 lb (450 g) gemelli or rigatoni or penne rigate
  • One container 200 g bocconcini, at room temperature and torn into pieces 

  • Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, to taste
  • Salt and pepper