Pasta alla Norma - Serving Dumplings

Ingredients

• 11 ounces rigatoni
• 2 medium or large eggplants (cut into 1 inch/2,5 cm cubes)
• ¼ cup olive oil (+ 1 tbsp)
• 1 ½ tsp salt (divided)
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 shallot (finely chopped)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 14 ounces canned cherry tomatoes ((1 can))
• 1 cup puréed tomatoes
• 1 cup grated Pecorino
• 20 basil leaves
• chili flakes (for serving)