Pasta with Eggplant and Tomato Sauce

30 min.
Enjoy our recipe for pasta with eggplant and tomato sauce. The dish is easy to make and combines simple ingredients to create a rich taste experience. Smoky grilled eggplant and tangy tomato paste are blended smoothly to coat the penne pasta perfectly. Cook up a batch for an easy lunch or a cozy evening at home.

Ingredients

4 servings

Instructions

Questions about pasta with eggplant and tomato sauce

We have answered some common questions to help you make this dish. Discover preparation tips, storage advice, and ways to improve your cooking.
Can I prepare the eggplant and tomato sauce beforehand?

Yes, preparing the eggplant and tomato sauce ahead of time is not only possible but beneficial. The flavors blend and deepen when the sauce is made in advance, enhancing its taste if prepared a day before use. Additionally, this sauce freezes well, allowing you to save extra portions for future meals.

What is the best way to store leftover eggplant and tomato sauce?

To maintain the fresh taste of leftover eggplant and tomato sauce, immediately store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This will preserve its flavor for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the sauce by first allowing it to cool. Then, portion it into freezer bags or containers, where it can be kept for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw the sauce overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before combining it with your hot pasta.

Should I salt the eggplant before cooking?

Salting eggplants before cooking is generally unnecessary with modern varieties, as they are less bitter. However, if you choose to salt them, it can help draw out moisture and enhance the flavor. This step is optional and can be adjusted according to personal preference. 

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Tips: To make pasta with eggplant and tomato sauce

Make a delicious pasta with eggplant and tomato sauce with these helpful tips.

Avoid over-blending

When using a stick blender, blend carefully to achieve your desired consistency. Over-blending can produce a sauce that is too smooth, particularly if you prefer a textured finish.

Thin sauce with pasta water

To get the right consistency in your pasta with eggplant and tomato sauce, save a cup of water after cooking the pasta. If the sauce becomes overly thick after adding cooking cream, gradually stir in the saved pasta water until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.

Try our delicious recipe for pasta with eggplant and tomato sauce

Cook up a simple weeknight dinner with our recipe for pasta with eggplant and tomato sauce. This dish combines sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors to create a delectable meal. The vegetables are puréed into a silky-smooth sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta, providing rich and deep flavors from simple ingredients. Topped with Parmesan and ground walnuts, this pasta is ready to delight the whole family in just 30 minutes.

Are you looking for more incredible pasta recipes? Try our Crispy ravioli in tomato sauce, or double up on delicious seafood-inspired meals like Prawn Fettuccine with Béchamel Sauce.

Blended eggplant, tomato, and cooking cream for a smooth sauce

Making a delicious sauce means making a delicious dish. Roasted eggplants get nice and cozy in the oven, caramelizing and releasing their natural sugars. These sugars add an earthy sweetness that perfectly balances the tangy tomato paste when blended together. A cup of cooking cream is added to enrich the sauce, giving it a smooth and rich texture. The final result is a beautiful sauce with a stunning, slightly pinkish hue.

Topped with ground walnuts and Parmesan cheese

Garnish the beautiful bowl of pasta with ground walnuts and Parmesan cheese. The walnuts add a very mild crunch and a nutty depth that works wonderfully with the smooth sauce. The contrast of textures makes every bite interesting and satisfying. The Parmesan cheese will melt on top of the warm pasta and give the meal another layer of umami along with a delicious sharp and salty flavor.

Great as an easy lunch or family dinner

Our pasta with eggplant and tomato sauce is a fantastic choice for various occasions. This dish is quick and easy to prepare, taking just 30 minutes from start to finish. It is perfect for a weekend lunch or a simple family dinner during a busy weeknight. The recipe features rich, warm flavors that are sure to be a hit with the whole family. Make a large batch and save the leftovers for a convenient work lunch the next day.

Make it your own

Feel free to personalize your dish by swapping out some ingredients to match your preferences. While Parmesan is a fine choice, other cheeses like Pecorino, with its sharper bite, or Manchego, which introduces a nutty flavor, can also enhance the dish in great ways. For an intriguing variation, consider ricotta, known for its sharp, salty taste that pairs wonderfully with eggplant and pasta sauce. When it comes to the toppings, consider replacing ground walnuts with toasted breadcrumbs or seeds. Not only do they bring a mild crunch, but their nutty notes pair well with the rich sauce.

Tasty. Yummy. Good!

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