Rigatoni con Melanzana (Pasta with Eggplant)

A white plate of penne with a chunky tomato and eggplant sauce garnished with fresh basil leaves.

Rigatoni con Melanzana Pasta is a delightful Italian dish that combines tender rigatoni with sautéed eggplant (melanzana), offering a perfect balance of flavors. The rich, savory tomato sauce clings to the ridged pasta, while the eggplant adds a creamy, slightly sweet texture. Often enhanced with garlic, fresh basil, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, this dish is both hearty and comforting.

You'll want to eat it for its delicious combination of wholesome ingredients, the satisfying texture of rigatoni, and the way the eggplant absorbs the flavors of the sauce.

Vegetarian. Skip the cheese and it is vegan.

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper (2 tsp salt and ½ tsp pepper)
  • 8 – 10 fresh basil leaves, minced

Directions:

Peel and cut the eggplant into ½ inch to ¾ inch cubes. Place in a bowl and sprinkle with salt. Let the eggplant sit for 45 minutes, allowing the bitter juices to be purged. Rinse, drain, and pat cubes dry. Heat a deep pan to medium-high, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and allow it to heat up until it shimmers. Do not let it smoke. Add the eggplant and sauté until browned and soft. Drain and set aside.
Heat up the pan again and add the two remaining tablespoons olive oil. Heat until hot. Add tomatoes, onion, carrot, oregano, garlic, salt and pepper and basil leaves. Cook for one-half hour, stirring often to prevent from sticking to the pot and burning.

Start heating up the water for the pasta

Pour the sauce into a pot and add the eggplant. Heat to medium, and stir gently for 15 to 20 minutes.

Cook the pasta, drain, reserving a cup of the water, and place into a hot bowl. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the reserved water and stir mixing thoroughly. Pour the sauce on top of the pasta, sprinkle with grated cheese, and serve.

Products featured in this recipe

Italiano 100% Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Italiano 100% Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Italiano 100% Extra Virgin Olive Oil

From $24.95