Best 10 Pasta With Eggplant And Basil Sauce Recipes

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Pasta with eggplant and basil sauce is a classic Italian dish, combining a variety of flavors and textures for a quick and easy meal. This dish is perfect for warm summer nights or hearty fall dinners, with the option to add meat or vegetables of your choice. The star of the dish is the eggplant, a versatile ingredient that can be cooked in a variety of ways depending on your preference. Pan-fried, roasted, or grilled, the eggplant provides a smoky, earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet tomatoes and fresh basil in the sauce.

Let's cook with our recipes!

FRESH BASIL PASTA WITH EGGPLANT AND TOMATO



Fresh Basil Pasta with Eggplant and Tomato image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 3h

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1/2 cup fine semolina flour
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil
2 tablespoons finely grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons finely grated pecorino romano cheese
Kosher salt
3/4 cup whole milk
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 large eggplant (about 1 1/2 pounds), cut into 1-inch chunks
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
5 cloves garlic, smashed
Pinch of red pepper flakes
1 28-ounce can whole peeled Italian tomatoes, crushed with your hands
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil, plus 1/2 cup torn leaves
8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
Grated pecorino Romano cheese, for topping

Steps:

  • Make the pasta: Whisk both flours, the basil, both cheeses and 1 teaspoon salt in a large bowl. Whisk the milk, eggs and olive oil in a separate bowl, then pour into the flour mixture and stir with a fork until the dough comes together. Knead the dough on a floured surface with floured hands until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes, adding more flour as needed so the dough is soft but not sticky. Wrap in plastic wrap; let rest at room temperature for 2 hours.
  • Cut the dough into quarters. Working with one piece at a time (keep the rest wrapped in plastic), roll the dough through a pasta machine on the thickest setting. Continue rolling the dough through progressively thinner settings, dusting with flour as needed, until it is about 1/8 inch thick. Using a knife, cut the sheet of dough into 4-by-1/4-inch noodles. Dust the noodles with more flour, then scatter on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough. Cover the pasta with a kitchen towel and set aside until ready to cook or refrigerate up to 4 hours.
  • Make the sauce: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Toss the eggplant, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper in a large bowl. Spread on a baking sheet and roast, stirring once or twice, until tender and browned, 35 to 40 minutes. Remove to a plate and set aside.
  • Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil with the garlic and red pepper flakes in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook until the garlic is tender and golden, about 4 minutes. Add the tomatoes, then add 1 cup water to the empty can and add to the saucepan. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thickened, 35 to 40 minutes. Remove from the heat, stir in the chopped basil and season with salt and pepper.
  • Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until it floats to the top and is tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup cooking water; drain the pasta and return to the pot. Add the sauce and cook over medium heat, stirring, until coated, about 1 minute. Remove from the heat and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil, three-quarters of the eggplant, the mozzarella and 1/4 cup torn basil. Add the reserved cooking water as needed to loosen. Transfer to a large shallow bowl. Top with the remaining eggplant and 1/4 cup torn basil; sprinkle with pecorino.

PASTA WITH EGGPLANT AND BASIL SAUCE



Pasta with Eggplant and Basil Sauce image

Provided by Karin Korvin

Yield Serves 4

Number Of Ingredients 12

5 tablespoons olive oil
2 bell peppers (preferably 1 red and 1 yellow), chopped
2 small onions, chopped
1 small eggplant, unpeeled, cut into 1/2- to 3/4-inch cubes
2 large garlic cloves, chopped
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil or 1 1/2 tablespoons dried
1/4 cup chopped toasted pine nuts
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 cup canned vegetable broth
3/4 pound penne, freshly cooked
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Heat oil in heavy large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add bell peppers, onions, eggplant and garlic; sauté until onions are translucent, about 6 minutes. Add 1/2 cup basil, pine nuts, thyme and rosemary and sauté until eggplant softens, about 10 minutes. Mix in broth. Simmer sauce until eggplant is very tender and liquids begin to thicken, stirring occasionally, about 30 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Rewarm over low heat before continuing.)
  • Add penne to sauce in Dutch oven. Toss until sauce coats pasta. Transfer to large bowl. Sprinkle with Parmesan.

EGGPLANT AND BEEF PASTA SAUCE



Eggplant and Beef Pasta Sauce image

I devised this combination originally to be put on top of Rice, but it actually is a lot better on pasta, especially potato Gnocchi.

Provided by Kira5029

Categories     Meat

Time 45m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

450 g eggplants
500 g beef mince
6 garlic cloves
6 small red chilies
2 canned tomatoes
1 onion
100 ml red wine
mushroom
Tabasco sauce
salt
pepper
dry oregano
butter
olive oil

Steps:

  • Cut Eggplant into pieces and soak in salted water for about 20 minutes. Take out and dry.
  • Slowly melt butter and olive oil together in a large pan, make sure not Add the finely chopped chili and garlic and simmer on a low heat for a few minutes.
  • Add the chopped onion - cook on low for a few minutes.
  • Add the mushrooms, make sure there is enough oil.
  • Add the eggplant and leave to cook until the eggplant is soft.
  • In the meantime cook the beef mince in a separate pan, if you want a stronger garlic flavour, add some crushed garlic to this as well.
  • Add one tin of tomatoes to the Beef Mince, and one to the Eggplant, let it cook for a few minutes, then put a splash of red wine in the Eggplant. (This doesn't really matter how you want to do it, because the next step is putting the mince in the eggplant pan anyway!).
  • Add the beef mince to the other pan.
  • Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
  • Add some dry oregano to the sauce, salt, pepper and some Tabasco sauce. Only add as much Tabasco sauce as you think you can handle, but you should put in some because it does make a difference to the sauce.
  • If the sauce is looking a bit watery, add some more butter at different stages in the cooking process.
  • Serve over pasta (Try it over Gnocchi!) and put some grated Parmesan cheese on top. Season to your taste.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 414.6, Fat 25.6, SaturatedFat 9.7, Cholesterol 88.8, Sodium 164.5, Carbohydrate 18.2, Fiber 5.6, Sugar 8.3, Protein 24.6

PASTA WITH EGGPLANT AND BASIL PESTO



Pasta With Eggplant and Basil Pesto image

To toast the pine nuts, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 350 degree F oven until lightly toasted, about 5 to 6 minutes. Cool completely before using

Provided by Phil Franco

Categories     European

Time 45m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 cups basil
1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
2 garlic cloves
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus extra for seasoning
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper, plus extra for seasoning
2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 lb short-cut pasta
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus 1/2 cup
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium eggplant, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • For the pesto: In a blender or food processor, pulse the basil, pine nuts, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper until finely chopped. With the machine running, gradually add the oil until the mixture is smooth and thick. Add the cheese and pulse until just incorporated. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Set aside.
  • For the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water. Put the pasta into a large serving bowl and add 1/2 cup of the Parmesan. Toss until coated.
  • In a large, nonstick skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the eggplant and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Cook, stirring frequently, until the eggplant turns golden brown, about 8 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and cool slightly. Add the pesto and toss until the eggplant is coated.
  • Add the eggplant mixture to the serving bowl with the pasta and toss until all of the ingredients are coated. Thin out the sauce with a little pasta water, if needed. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1065.7, Fat 64.6, SaturatedFat 11.9, Cholesterol 22, Sodium 684.8, Carbohydrate 96.2, Fiber 9, Sugar 6.9, Protein 27.8

EGGPLANT PASTA



Eggplant Pasta image

Easy and quick pasta dish!

Provided by alands18

Categories     Fruits and Vegetables     Vegetables     Eggplant

Time 55m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 5

¼ cup olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 eggplant, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 (28 ounce) can plum tomatoes with juice, chopped
1 (16 ounce) package rigatoni pasta

Steps:

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; cook and stir garlic until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Add eggplant; cook, stirring constantly, until eggplant is softened, about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes and juice; cook until sauce is slightly reduced, about 20 minutes.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, about 13 minutes. Drain and transfer to a serving bowl.
  • Pour sauce over pasta.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 294.6 calories, Carbohydrate 48.8 g, Fat 8.3 g, Fiber 5.2 g, Protein 8.9 g, SaturatedFat 1.3 g, Sodium 144.7 mg, Sugar 5.8 g

PASTA WITH ROASTED EGGPLANT SAUCE



Pasta with Roasted Eggplant Sauce image

If you like eggplant, you should try this! The sauce for this pasta is made by roasting eggplant and garlic in the oven, then making a paste from it after it's soft. Make sure you find the perfect eggplant, otherwise it could leave you with a bitter recipe. It turned out great for me!

Provided by TERESA64151

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Sauce Recipes     Pasta Sauce Recipes     Tomato

Time 45m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 small eggplants, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
6 cloves garlic, crushed and peeled
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 (16 ounce) package penne pasta
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 yellow onion, finely chopped
1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 cup fresh basil leaves

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  • Spread eggplants and garlic cloves on a rimmed baking sheet. Brush with 1/2 cup olive oil; season with salt and pepper.
  • Roast in the preheated oven until soft, about 20 minutes.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil while eggplants and garlic are roasting. Add penne and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion; cook and stir until softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Place eggplants and garlic in a food processor; process into a smooth paste. Stir paste into the onions in the skillet. Stir in tomatoes. Cook until heated through, about 5 minutes. Season sauce with salt and pepper. Toss hot penne and basil into the sauce and mix together.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 827.2 calories, Carbohydrate 104.8 g, Fat 37.8 g, Fiber 12.4 g, Protein 19.5 g, SaturatedFat 5.5 g, Sodium 359.1 mg, Sugar 15 g

PASTA WITH EGGPLANT SAUCE



Pasta with Eggplant Sauce image

This was my mother's recipe and is a nice way to incorporate eggplant into a meal. The thick, chunky sauce is splendid. I like to have it with a glass of red wine, crusty Italian bread and a tossed salad.-Jean Lawrence, Rochester, New York

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 40m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 large eggplant, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1 garlic clove, chopped
1/4 cup olive oil
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) Italian stewed tomatoes, cut up
1/2 cup dry red wine or chicken broth
1 can (6 ounces) Italian tomato paste
1 can (4-1/2 ounces) sliced mushrooms, drained
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 pound thin spaghetti
Grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • In a Dutch oven, saute the eggplant, onion, parsley and garlic in oil until tender. , Stir in the tomatoes, wine, tomato paste, mushrooms, sugar, oregano and salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until thickened, 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally., Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions. Drain pasta. Serve with sauce. Sprinkle with cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 385 calories, Fat 11g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 782mg sodium, Carbohydrate 61g carbohydrate (11g sugars, Fiber 7g fiber), Protein 11g protein.

EGGPLANT CAPONATA PASTA WITH RICOTTA AND BASIL



Eggplant Caponata Pasta With Ricotta and Basil image

This weeknight pasta is inspired by traditional caponata, a tangy, salty-sweet Italian dish made with sautéed eggplant, tomatoes, caramelized onions, capers, anchovies, olives and vinegar. Though caponata is often served as a side, salad or relish, this eggplant sauté forms the foundation of a hearty vegetarian pasta. For the best results, taste and season your eggplant mixture with salt and pepper as you cook little by little - or even recklessly. It should taste quite salty and tangy on its own, but will mellow when tossed with pasta, pasta water and creamy ricotta.

Provided by Alexa Weibel

Categories     dinner, weekday, pastas, main course

Time 30m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

Kosher salt and black pepper
1/3 cup raisins, preferably yellow
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more if desired
2 small Italian eggplants (2 pounds total), trimmed and cut into 3/4-inch cubes
12 ounces orecchiette (or other shaped pasta)
1/3 cup finely chopped shallot (about 1 small shallot)
1/4 cup pine nuts
3 tablespoons drained brined capers
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon red-pepper flakes
1/3 packed cup thinly sliced fresh basil leaves, plus more torn leaves for garnish
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 cup fresh ricotta or burrata (about 8 ounces)

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the raisins, sugar, 1 tablespoon salt and 1 cup water to a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat and let cook about 2 minutes, then cover and set aside.
  • In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1/4 cup olive oil over medium-high. Stir in half the eggplant to coat evenly in the oil, season generously with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and browned in spots, 7 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl. (Eggplant should brown and tenderize but still maintain its shape.) Heat another 1/4 cup oil, then add remaining eggplant; season and repeat.
  • While the eggplant cooks, add the pasta to the boiling water and cook until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain pasta. (You might not use all the pasta water.)
  • Add another 2 tablespoons oil to the skillet and reduce the heat to medium. Cook the shallot, pine nuts, capers, garlic and red-pepper flakes, stirring frequently, until the shallot is tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to the bowl with the eggplant, along with the sliced basil and vinegar.
  • Strain the soaked raisins, discarding the soaking liquid, then add the raisins to the eggplant mixture and toss to coat. Season generously with salt and pepper. The mixture should taste quite aggressively salty and tangy, but it will mellow when tossed with pasta and ricotta. (Eggplant mixture can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to 2 days.)
  • Add eggplant mixture, pasta and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water to the pot. Toss to coat over medium heat until eggplant is warmed, adding extra pasta water if necessary. Divide among shallow bowls, top with ricotta and additional torn basil and serve immediately. Pass with additional olive oil for drizzling, if desired.

PASTA WITH EGGPLANT SAUCE



Pasta With Eggplant Sauce image

Provided by Moira Hodgson

Categories     dinner, pastas, main course

Time 2h25m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 large or three small eggplants
Coarse salt
Flour for dredging
1 1/2 to two 2 cups peanut or safflower oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 pound ground beef
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1 1/2 pounds tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 pound tortiglioni
1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons fresh chopped basil
Freshly grated parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Cut the eggplant in slices one-quarter-inch thick. Place slices in layers in a colander, salting as you go. Leave for one hour. Wipe the eggplant dry with paper towels.
  • Dredge the slices lightly with flour. Heat the oil in a large skillet and fry the eggplant a few slices at a time until golden on both sides. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  • Prepare the sauce. Using one-quarter cup of the oil you have used for the eggplant, sautee the onion until soft. Add the meat, oregano, cinnamon, salt and pepper, tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook for one hour, covered.
  • Cut eggplant into strips.
  • Cook the pasta in five quarts boiling water, until al dente.
  • Place the pasta in a heated serving dish. Add the sauce and arrange the eggplant on top. Sprinkle with the basil and serve. Pass the cheese separately.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 941, UnsaturatedFat 53 grams, Carbohydrate 71 grams, Fat 66 grams, Fiber 7 grams, Protein 19 grams, SaturatedFat 8 grams, Sodium 889 milligrams, Sugar 9 grams, TransFat 1 gram

PASTA WITH ROASTED EGGPLANT, RICOTTA, AND BASIL



Pasta with Roasted Eggplant, Ricotta, and Basil image

Categories     Cheese     Herb     Pasta     Vegetable     Appetizer     Quick & Easy     Fall     Gourmet     Vegetarian     Pescatarian     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     No Sugar Added     Kosher

Yield Serves 2

Number Of Ingredients 11

3/4 pound eggplant, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 4 cups)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped fine (about 1 cup)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 medium red bell pepper, sliced thin (about 1 cup)
1/2 pound vine-ripened plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped (about 4)
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar, or to taste
1/2 pound rotelle or ziti
1/4 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
freshly grated Parmesan cheese to taste

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 450°F.
  • In a jelly-roll pan toss eggplant with 1 tablespoon oil and salt and pepper to taste and roast in oven, shaking pan occasionally, until golden and tender, 15 to 20 minutes.
  • While eggplant is roasting, in a heavy skillet cook onion, garlic, and bell pepper with salt and pepper to taste in remaining tablespoon oil over moderate heat, stirring, until softened.
  • Add tomatoes and simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes and pepper are tender, 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Stir in vinegar and roasted eggplant.
  • In a kettle of boiling salted water cook pasta until al dente and drain well, reserving about 3/4 cup cooking water. In a bowl toss pasta well with sauce, ricotta, basil, Parmesan, salt and pepper to taste, and enough reserved cooking water to reach desired consistency.

Tips:

  • To ensure your eggplant is not bitter, choose younger eggplants with a smooth, glossy skin.
  • To remove the bitterness from the eggplant, sprinkle it with salt and let it sit for 30 minutes before cooking. Then, rinse it off and pat it dry.
  • Use a large skillet or Dutch oven to cook the eggplant and sauce, so that there is plenty of room for everything to cook evenly.
  • Cook the eggplant in batches if necessary, so that it doesn't overcrowd the pan and cook evenly.
  • Once the eggplant is cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
  • To make the basil sauce, use fresh basil leaves for the best flavor.
  • If you don't have any pine nuts on hand, you can substitute walnuts or almonds.
  • Serve the pasta with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and additional basil leaves for garnish.

Conclusion:

Pasta with eggplant and basil sauce is a delicious and easy-to-make vegetarian dish. It's perfect for a weeknight meal or a casual lunch. The eggplant is tender and flavorful, the sauce is creamy and herbaceous, and the pasta is perfectly al dente. With a few simple tips, you can make this dish at home and enjoy a taste of Italy in your own kitchen.

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