Step 1

We like to serve this pasta with grated Pecorino Romano cheese.

Step 2

Toss eggplant, sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt together in large microwave-safe bowl. Cover and microwave until soft, about 6 minutes. Line large plate with triple layer of paper towels. Transfer eggplant to prepared plate and let drain.

Step 3

Bring 4 quarts water to boil in large pot. Add pasta and 1 tablespoon salt and cook, stirring often, until al dente. Reserve ½ cup cooking water, then drain pasta.

Step 4

Heat oil in now-empty pot over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add eggplant and ½ teaspoon pepper and cook until eggplant begins to break down, about 4 minutes. Stir in garlic and pepper flakes and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add tomatoes and reserved cooking water and cook until tomatoes begin to break down, about 2 minutes. Off heat, add pasta to sauce and toss to combine. Sprinkle with basil and serve, drizzled with extra oil.