These eggplant pasta recipes will be the hit of any pasta night!
Eggplant, with its rich and meaty texture, is a versatile vegetable. It adds a delightful depth of flavor to any dish it graces.
One of the most popular ways to enjoy this marvelous vegetable is by incorporating it into pasta dishes.
Eggplant pasta recipes are not only yummy but also a wonderful way to include more vegetables in your diet.
Once you try these recipes, you’ll put them on repeat for sure!
1. Pasta alla Norma
The eggplant in this dish is fried and combined with a tangy tomato sauce, herbs, and chili flakes.
This pasta is traditionally garnished with ricotta salata, a crumbly and slightly salty cheese. However, since it’s difficult to find in most places, you can use Parmesan or Pecorino.
I love this dish because it’s a true celebration of Sicilian cuisine. It’s really a timeless favorite that exemplifies the beauty and simplicity of Sicilian cooking.
Each mouthful is a burst of Mediterranean flavors. There’s a vibrant combination of sweet, savory, and tangy elements.
2. Roasted Eggplant Pasta
Here’s a delightful dish that highlights the smoky and tender flavors of roasted eggplant.
First, there’s naturally creamy and slightly sweet eggplant. Then, it’s combined with al dente pasta, aromatic herbs, and a rich tomato sauce. It’s a truly satisfying and comforting meal.
Roasting the eggplant adds a depth of flavor and a wonderful caramelized texture to the dish.
As the eggplant roasts in the oven, its natural sugars intensify, creating a rich and smoky taste. Yum!
3. Eggplant Parmesan
This beloved recipe transforms humble eggplant slices into a hearty and satisfying dish. It layers them with tomato sauce, cheese, and fresh herbs.
Parmesan cheese is also grated over the top, providing a savory and nutty flavor. You can also use Pecorino instead of Parmesan, or even Grana Padano.
So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and savor the flavors of this timeless Italian classic.
4. Cherry Tomato Eggplant Pasta
Sautéed with garlic, herbs, and a hint of chili flakes, the eggplant becomes tender and flavorful in this dish. Tossed with al dente pasta, the cherry tomatoes burst with juiciness, infusing it with a delightful freshness.
This simple yet satisfying pasta is a celebration of summer’s bounty. It showcases the natural sweetness of cherry tomatoes and eggplant in every delicious bite.
5. Eggplant Pasta Casserole
Here’s a delightful baked dish that combines tender eggplant, pasta, rich tomato sauce, and melty cheese. Layers of flavors and textures create a comforting and satisfying meal.
The eggplant becomes soft and flavorful while the tomato sauce adds tanginess.
This casserole is perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners. It’s a delicious way to enjoy the versatility of eggplant.
7. Eggplant Puttanesca
This Mediterranean-inspired recipe is bound to be a hit! It’s a delicious, vibrant, and savory pasta dish.
Tender eggplant, tangy olives, rich tomato sauce, and aromatic herbs create a symphony of flavors. The eggplant adds a satisfying, meaty texture to the dish. And the olives provide a briny and tangy punch.
The robust tomato sauce, infused with onion and chili flakes, is the cherry on top.
8. Simple Bucatini and Eggplant
Bucatini is a delightful and easy-to-make pasta dish that focuses on simplicity and flavor. The long, hollow noodles are cooked until al dente and tossed with a simple yet delicious sauce.
Mediterranean herbs add a subtle richness, while red pepper flakes provide a hint of spice.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, allowing the quality of the ingredients to shine through.
With minimal effort, you can enjoy a satisfying and comforting meal. It’s both quick to prepare and full of flavor.
9. Ricotta and Eggplant Lasagna
Here’s another amazing recipe. Layers of tender roasted eggplant and creamy ricotta cheese are nestled between lasagna sheets.
The tomato sauce adds tanginess, while melted mozzarella cheese creates a gooey topping. The combination of the creamy ricotta and the smoky eggplant creates a satisfying and indulgent bite.
It’s an all-around winner!
10. Pasta with Eggplant, Portobello, and Tomatoes
This dish is a celebration of hearty and wholesome flavors that will please both vegetarians and meat-eaters.
Tender eggplant, meaty portobello mushrooms, and juicy tomatoes create a flavorful combination. If you don’t have portobellos, you can use pretty much any other mushroom type.
The vegetables are sautéed until caramelized and tossed with al dente pasta. A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds freshness and aroma.
I can’t tell you the number of times this recipe has saved me in a pinch. I always make it when my vegetarian friends pop by for a drink (or two).
11. Pasta with Creamy Eggplant Walnut Sauce
This dish is a wonderful option for vegetarians and those looking for a creamy pasta alternative.
The eggplant is roasted until soft and blended with walnuts to create a rich and nutty sauce.
Sometimes all we crave are loaded carbs. But incorporating healthy ingredients makes it even better.
Serve it with a crisp and refreshing salad for an additional nutritional boost. If you want extra crunch, add almonds or cashews alongside walnuts.
12. Indian-Spiced Eggplant Ravioli
This unique recipe features delicate ravioli filled with a fragrant and spiced eggplant mixture.
The pasta dough is rolled out and filled with the seasoned eggplant mixture, creating pockets of delightful flavors. You can also get store-bought dough if it’s more convenient. But I promise, pasta isn’t that difficult to make at home!
The combination of the rich, earthy eggplant filling and the aromatic Indian spices is incredible.
It’s amazing how the rich culinary traditions of India are paired with the comforting familiarity of Italian pasta.
And ghee also adds a unique twist you won’t find in other dishes.
13. Eggplant Pasta with Fresh Vegetables
Looking for an egg-cellent way to spruce up your pasta night? Here’s an amazing eggplant pasta and fresh veggie recipe.
Infused with onion, garlic, and herbs, the eggplant adds a depth of flavor. It’s guaranteed to satisfy.
Each twirl of pasta reveals a garden of delights, creating a medley that’s as satisfying as it is healthy.
You can always experiment and use other veggies you have in your pantry.
14. Eggplant Pomodoro Pasta
Here’s a mouth-watering dish that perfectly combines the flavors of Italy in one delicious bowl. It features tender chunks of eggplant cooked to perfection and paired with a rich tomato sauce.
The result is a hearty and satisfying meal that will warm you up from the inside out. You’ll savor the aromatic spices and burst of flavors that make this dish stand out from the rest.
Whether you’re entertaining friends or enjoying a cozy night in, this pasta is sure to impress.
15. Chickpea Pasta with Eggplant
This dish showcases the harmonious union of creamy eggplant and the velvety goodness of chickpea and pasta.
Picture tender chunks of roasted eggplant, bathed in a luscious sauce. It’s absolutely irresistible and takes minutes to make!
The eggplant, with its luxurious texture, adds a hint of smokiness and depth to every forkful. The chickpeas and al-dente pasta offer a delightful chew and a subtle nutty flavor.
This remarkable creation combines the best of both worlds. It features the rich flavors of the Mediterranean, plus the nourishment of legumes.