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    Home » Healthy

    Spicy Eggplant Pasta

    Published: Sep 26, 2017 / Updated: Sep 2, 2018 / 8 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my affiliate disclosure for more details.

    Jump to Recipe

    This spicy eggplant pasta recipe is a simple, healthy, and quick vegetarian pasta dish. It's ready in under half an hour - perfect for busy weeknights.

    close-up of spicy eggplant pasta in white bowl with a fork

    I know how busy everyone is, so I like to include plenty of healthy, ready-in-less-than-half-an-hour meals on this blog, and many more will be coming in the next few months as we move into the busy fall/winter seasons.

    This recipe is basically Pasta alla Norma, a Sicilian pasta with eggplant and tomato. Some recipes use ricotta salata cheese, but I took some liberties and just used parmesan reggiano for this version.

    I made this the day I got back from vacation, and I just wanted to git 'er done, not hunt for ricotta salata (it's not the same as the ricotta we all know - it's a much drier version that can be grated). Alternatively, you can omit the cheese altogether to make the sauce vegan if you wish.

    bowl of spicy vegetarian eggplant pasta

    This eggplant pasta sauce is really simple to make. Sauté the eggplant for 10-12 minutes, add in the rest of the sauce ingredients, toss with the pasta and a bit of the pasta water, and voilà!

    This is a great pasta recipe for those who prefer not to have a creamy sauce.

    metal skillet with spicy vegetarian eggplant pasta

    I can't believe I don't have an eggplant pasta on here yet. I have other eggplant recipes, including my favorite Greek roasted eggplant dip, and my ever-popular grilled eggplant and spinach salad.

    Eggplant is so versatile, and it gives a nice, meaty (lack of better word) texture to otherwise meatless dishes.

    bowl of healthy spicy eggplant pasta with a fork

    This healthy eggplant recipe is one of those meals that transitions perfectly from summer to fall. Eggplant is hearty and filling, but the dish is still quite light and fresh. The eggplants at my local grocery store were still looking very nice. I know you can get them year-round, but I sometimes find it to be slim pickings in the winter.

    You want to choose an eggplant with a firm, glossy skin. The ones that don't look as good also tend to be more bitter. I didn't find it necessary to salt the eggplant beforehand to "sweat" out any bitterness, but if you want to do that step, it can't hurt.

    And, like with most of my recipes, you can adjust the spice to your liking. You can even leave out the red pepper flakes entirely if you choose. Whatever floats your boat. 🙂 Hope you like this healthy aubergine pasta recipe.

    close-up of spicy vegetarian eggplant pasta in a bowl

    Will you make this eggplant pasta sauce?

    Talk to me in the comments below!

    This spicy eggplant pasta recipe is a simple, healthy, and quick vegetarian pasta dish. It's ready in under half an hour - perfect for busy weeknights. 

    Spicy Eggplant Pasta

    This spicy eggplant pasta recipe is a simple, healthy, and quick vegetarian pasta dish. Ready in under half an hour, so it's perfect for busy weeknights. 
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 15 mins
    Total Time 25 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Italian
    Servings 4
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients
     

    • 1 medium eggplant cut into 1" pieces
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 4 cloves garlic minced 
    • 1 (14 fluid ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
    • 3 dashes Italian seasoning
    • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes or to taste
    • Large handful fresh basil torn 
    • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
    • 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese or ricotta salata 
    • Salt & pepper to taste
    • 8 ounces uncooked pasta

    Instructions
     

    • Boil a pot of salted water and cook pasta al dente according to package directions. 
    • Meanwhile, warm the oil in a skillet on medium-high heat. Add the eggplant pieces and sauté for about 10-12 minutes, or until they're cooked through and lightly browned, stirring fairly often. If the pan gets really dry, add in some more oil. 
    • Add the garlic and cook for about 20 seconds (stir constantly), or until fragrant (don't let it burn). 
    • Add the tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and basil, and scrape the brown bits from the bottom of the pan to add more flavor to the sauce. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes.
    • When the pasta is ready, add a few tablespoons of the pasta water to the sauce if desired, and toss the pasta with the sauce. Season to taste with salt & pepper. Sprinkle with the parmesan cheese and parsley and serve immediately. 
    Keyword eggplant pasta sauce, spicy eggplant pasta
    Author Natasha Bull
    « Healthy Breakfast Egg Muffins
    15 Minute Sweet Chili Shrimp Zoodles »

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    1. Linda says

      July 7, 2019 at 8:24 PM

      5 stars
      My husband is not fond of meatless meals...but he loved it and even had seconds. I had some fresh summer squash., so I added that too. Thanks for the recipe.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        July 7, 2019 at 8:53 PM

        I am so pleased to hear it, Linda! Thanks for leaving me a comment 😀

        Reply
    2. Marissa says

      September 26, 2017 at 5:57 PM

      5 stars
      Just put this on the menu for next week because, omg, it looks AMAZING!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        September 26, 2017 at 6:01 PM

        Thanks, friend! I hope you enjoy it. 💛

        Reply
    3. Diane Angelucci says

      September 26, 2017 at 9:15 AM

      This looks so good, and my husband loves eggplant! I'll have to try this while eggplant is still available in our local farm stands!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        September 26, 2017 at 9:16 AM

        Thanks, Diane!! I hope you two enjoy it. 🙂

        Reply
    4. Natasha's Sister says

      September 26, 2017 at 8:51 AM

      5 stars
      Let me guess. You're not making this for me either?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        September 26, 2017 at 8:54 AM

        Right you are.

        Reply

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