Best 6 Grilled Eggplant And Garlic Pasta Recipes

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## Grilled Eggplant and Garlic Pasta: A Flavorful and Satisfying Dish ##

Are you seeking a tantalizing and flavorful dish that combines the smokiness of grilled eggplant with the aromatic and savory flavors of garlic and pasta? Look no further than our grilled eggplant and garlic pasta recipe. Our carefully crafted recipe guides you through the process of creating a delectable dish that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Embark on a culinary journey where tender and juicy eggplant slices are grilled to perfection, infusing them with a smoky and slightly charred flavor. The grilled eggplant is then combined with a luscious sauce made from fresh garlic, fragrant herbs, and a touch of tangy sun-dried tomatoes, creating a flavorful and aromatic base for the pasta.

Our recipe features two variations to cater to different preferences. The first variation involves simmering the grilled eggplant in a rich tomato sauce, resulting in a hearty and comforting dish. Alternatively, the second variation showcases the grilled eggplant tossed in a vibrant pesto sauce, offering a bright and herbaceous flavor profile.

Both variations are served over perfectly cooked pasta, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. The tender eggplant, the savory sauce, and the al dente pasta come together to create a culinary masterpiece that is sure to impress your family and friends.

So, gather your ingredients, prepare your grill, and let's embark on a culinary adventure to create this delectable grilled eggplant and garlic pasta dish.

Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!

PASTA ALLA NORMA (EGGPLANT PASTA)



Pasta alla Norma (Eggplant pasta) image

Recipe video above. This is a traditional Italian pasta dish from Sicily, usually begun by cooking eggplant on the stove in a hefty amount of oil. I prefer roasting the eggplant - less oil plus the eggplant holds its shape better, especially when you roast at a high temp to caramelise the surface!Finishing with a good amount of fresh basil is traditional but even if you don't have any, there's other alternatives to add a touch of other flavour - such as fresh thyme, or extra dried herbs in the sauce.This is an excellent and satisfyingly "meaty" vegetarian main dish that will have even card-carrying carnivores asking for seconds!

Provided by Nagi

Categories     Mains

Number Of Ingredients 15

800g / 1.6 lb eggplant (, cut into 2.5cm/1" cubes (2 medium/large ones))
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp each salt and pepper
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 garlic cloves (, finely minced)
1/2 small onion (, very finely chopped (or 2 eschallots))
1/4 cup dry white wine (, anything not too sweet or woody (Note 1))
700g / 24 oz tomato passata ((aka tomato puree, Note 2))
1/4 cup water
1 tsp dried Italian herbs (or oregano)
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (, optional (for a hint of heat))
1/2 tsp each salt and pepper
300g / 10 oz spaghetti or other pasta, long or short ((macaroni, rigatoni, penne, ziti, fettucini, bucatini))
1/2 cup basil leaves (, roughly chopped (Note 3))
Parmesan cheese (, grated (or ricotta salata if you have it - more traditional))

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 240°C / 450°F (220°C fan). Line a tray with baking / parchment paper.
  • Toss eggplant with oil, salt and pepper. Spread on the tray and roast for 20 minutes.
  • Flip, then roast for a further 5 minutes. Cool on tray (this helps the eggplant hold its shape when tossing).
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil. Start cooking the pasta a couple of minutes after you start making the sauce (next section), until al dente or to your liking.
  • Heat oil in a very large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, cook for 20 seconds until golden, then add onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until translucent and cooked through.
  • Increase heat to medium-high and add wine, if using. Let it simmer, scraping the base of the pan to deglaze, until the wine mostly evaporates.
  • Add tomato passata. Now pour the water into the passata bottle, screw on the lid, shake, and pour that in too (waste nothing!)
  • Add dried herbs, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Stir and simmer 5 minutes.
  • Stir in eggplant, then add cooked and drained pasta. GENTLY toss until pasta is coated in the sauce (so the eggplant doesn't turn into complete mush!).
  • Serve immediately, garnished with a good pinch of fresh basil and parmesan.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 530 kcal, Carbohydrate 83 g, Protein 15 g, Fat 16 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, Sodium 828 mg, Fiber 12 g, Sugar 18 g, ServingSize 1 serving

PASTA WITH GRILLED EGGPLANT SAUCE



Pasta With Grilled Eggplant Sauce image

Provided by Florence Fabricant

Categories     dinner, pastas, main course

Time 1h5m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 medium-size eggplants, about 1 pound each
Salt
5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 pound penne or rigatoni
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 large garlic cloves, minced
6 ripe plum tomatoes, chopped
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Slice the eggplants horizontally one-half-inch thick. Dust the slices with salt, place in a colander over a bowl and set aside for 30 minutes.
  • Light a barbecue or an oven broiler.
  • After 30 minutes rinse the salted eggplant in cold water and pat dry on paper towels. Brush the eggplant slices with four tablespoons of the olive oil and grill or broil them, turning them once, until they are lightly browned.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
  • While the water is coming to a boil, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet. Add the onion and saute over medium heat until it turns golden, add the garlic and saute a few seconds longer. Chop the grilled eggplant and add it to the skillet. Remove from heat.
  • Boil the pasta until it is al dente, about eight minutes. Drain it. Reheat the onion and eggplant mixture in the skillet and add the tomatoes. Mix. Add the pasta, mix again, fold in the basil and season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Serve at once with Parmesan cheese on the side.

ITALIAN GRILLED EGGPLANT WITH BASIL AND PARSLEY (MELANZANE GRIGLIATE AL BASILICO E PREZZEMOLO)



Italian Grilled Eggplant with Basil and Parsley (Melanzane Grigliate al Basilico e Prezzemolo) image

This Italian side dish (aka 'contorno') couldn't be easier! We make this often during the summer, when we have an abundance of basil and parsley growing in our garden. Works well with zucchini, too!

Provided by Kim's Cooking Now

Categories     Appetizers and Snacks

Time 20m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 eggplant, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
⅛ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Steps:

  • Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate.
  • Brush eggplant lightly with olive oil on both sides. Stir together remaining olive oil, garlic, and salt in a small bowl.
  • Arrange eggplant slices on the preheated grill and cook, turning occasionally, until tender and browned, 3 to 4 minutes per side.
  • Arrange grilled eggplant on a platter. Brush with the olive oil and garlic mixture until eggplant has absorbed the oil. Sprinkle with the chopped basil and parsley and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 203.8 calories, Carbohydrate 8.4 g, Fat 19 g, Fiber 4.7 g, Protein 1.5 g, SaturatedFat 2.7 g, Sodium 76.3 mg, Sugar 3.2 g

SUMMER PASTA WITH GRILLED EGGPLANT SAUCE



Summer Pasta with Grilled Eggplant Sauce image

Even though the exterior of eggplant is a gorgeous deep purple color; the beauty of this vegetable lies on the inside. This recipe takes advantage of the fact that the flesh of grilled eggplant transforms into a luscious creamy sauce that's perfect for dressing up little tubes of rigatoni. To make the most of summer's bounty, cherry tomatoes are grilled alongside the eggplant until bursting with juices, then mixed into this summer vegetable pasta.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 45m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Grated zest (about 1 teaspoon) and juice of 1 lemon
1 pound mezze rigatoni
1 large eggplant, about 1 1/4 pounds
11 ounces cherry tomatoes (about 2 cups), halved (quartered if large)
3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup ricotta
1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese, plus more for serving
1 cup packed basil leaves, chopped, plus more for serving
1/2 cup packed parsley leaves, chopped, plus more for serving
Crushed red pepper flakes, for serving (optional)

Steps:

  • Prepare a grill for high heat.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lemon juice to the boiling water and cook the pasta according to the package directions for al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, drain the pasta and return it to the pot; set aside.
  • Pierce the eggplant a few times with a fork or knife. Place on the grill, cover and cook, turning every 8 to 10 minutes, until completely charred all over and the flesh is soft when pressed, 25 to 30 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl and let cool slightly for 10 minutes.
  • While the eggplant cooks, prepare 2 sheets of foil, each 12-by-12-inches, and stack them together. Place the tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper in the center of the foil. Fold over 2 opposite sides of the foil then fold in the remaining sides to create a tight seal. When 15 minutes of cooking time remain for the eggplant, add the foil pack to the grill and cook until juices start to bubble out of the top (this means the tomatoes and garlic are sufficiently cooked without having to open the pack), 13 to 15 minutes.
  • Remove the eggplant to a cutting board (keeping any juices that accumulated in the bowl) and squeeze gently to crack the skin and expose the flesh. Use a spoon to remove the flesh, transfer to the large bowl and mash lightly with the spoon or a potato masher (you should have about 1 cup of flesh); discard the skin. Stir in the ricotta and Pecorino Romano until smooth then pour into the pot with the pasta and mix until combined. Fold in the contents of the foil pack (including any juices that accumulated), the basil, parsley, lemon zest, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper; stir until combined, adding the reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, to thin out the sauce if needed. Serve with more basil, parsley, Pecorino Romano and crushed red pepper flakes if using.

GRILLED RATATOUILLE PASTA SALAD



Grilled Ratatouille Pasta Salad image

Slice up grilled eggplant and zucchini and toss with hot pasta, fresh tomatoes, herbs, and mozzarella for an almost instant ratatouille-inspired pasta dinner with all sorts of nice chargrilled flavors.

Provided by Anna Stockwell

Categories     Grill     Zucchini     Eggplant     Pasta Salad     Tomato     Mozzarella     Vinegar     Thyme     Basil     Summer     Dinner     Kid-Friendly     Small Plates     Vegetarian     Pasta

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 medium zucchini (about 1 1/2 lb.), halved lengthwise
1 medium or 2 small eggplants (about 1 lb.), cut into 1" wedges
3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
2 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, divided
1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, divided
10 oz. penne or casarecce pasta
1 large or 2 medium heirloom or beefsteak tomato (about 1 lb.), cut into 1" pieces
8 oz. Ciliegini (mini fresh mozzarella balls), drained, halved
2 Tbsp. white balsamic or white wine vinegar
1 Tbsp. thyme leaves
1 cup basil leaves

Steps:

  • Prepare a grill for medium heat. Toss zucchini, eggplant, and 1/4 cup oil on a rimmed baking sheet; season with 1 tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. pepper. Grill, turning often, until steamy, tender, and charred all over, 8-12 minutes. Return to baking sheet and let cool.
  • Cook pasta according to package directions.
  • Slice grilled vegetables into bite-size pieces and transfer to a large bowl. Add tomato, cheese, vinegar, thyme, and 1 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp. pepper, and 1/2 cup oil and mix to combine. Drain pasta and immediately add to bowl with vegetables. Mix well to combine, then top with basil.
  • Do Ahead: Vegetables can be grilled 3 days ahead. Transfer (whole) to an airtight container and chill.

PASTA WITH ROASTED EGGPLANT, PEPPER AND GARLIC



Pasta With Roasted Eggplant, Pepper and Garlic image

Provided by Melissa Clark

Categories     dinner, easy, weekday, pastas, main course

Time 1h

Yield 3 to 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 1/4 pounds eggplant, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
7 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 3/4 teaspoons kosher salt
3/4 teaspoon pepper
2 small red bell peppers, seeded and cut into 1/4-inch strips
9 garlic cloves, unpeeled, lightly crushed
1 1/2 teaspoons red wine vinegar, more to taste
3/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 pound whole-wheat pasta, like penne or rigatoni
3/4 cup ricotta cheese
Chopped basil or chives

Steps:

  • Turn on the broiler and set a rack 6 inches from the heat. Toss the eggplant with 2 tablespoons oil, 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and spread it in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Broil, tossing once halfway through, until the eggplant is golden but not cooked through, 5 to 6 minutes. Turn off the broiler and heat the oven to 375 degrees.
  • Toss the peppers and garlic with 1 tablespoon oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Spread on another baking sheet in a single layer. Roast the eggplant, peppers and garlic until they are tender, 30 to 40 minutes.
  • Slip the garlic cloves from their peels and mash them in a small bowl with 3/4 teaspoon salt. Whisk in the remaining 4 tablespoons oil, the vinegar and the pepper flakes.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions; drain. Toss with the vegetables, the mashed garlic, the ricotta and the herbs. Add more salt and vinegar to taste.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 587, UnsaturatedFat 22 grams, Carbohydrate 64 grams, Fat 31 grams, Fiber 11 grams, Protein 16 grams, SaturatedFat 7 grams, Sodium 874 milligrams, Sugar 12 grams

Tips:

  • When choosing eggplants, opt for smaller, younger ones as they have fewer seeds and absorb less oil.
  • To prevent the eggplant from becoming bitter, sprinkle it with salt and let it rest for 30 minutes before cooking. Then, rinse it thoroughly and pat it dry.
  • Use a grill pan or outdoor grill to char the eggplant for a smoky flavor.
  • Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the eggplant. Cook it in batches if necessary.
  • For a creamy sauce, use a combination of ricotta cheese and Parmesan cheese.
  • Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, to the pasta for extra flavor.

Conclusion:

Grilled eggplant and garlic pasta is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. The smoky flavor of the grilled eggplant pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce and al dente pasta. This dish is also versatile and can be customized to your liking. For example, you can add different vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers, to the pasta. You can also use a different type of cheese, such as feta or mozzarella, in the sauce. No matter how you make it, grilled eggplant and garlic pasta is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

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