Best 8 Penne With Eggplant Recipes

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Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Italy with our enticing collection of penne with eggplant recipes. Embark on a culinary journey where succulent eggplant and delectable penne pasta intertwine, creating dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. From the classic combination of eggplant, tomatoes, and basil to innovative takes with creamy sauces and roasted vegetables, our recipes offer a diverse range of options for every palate.
Discover the timeless charm of Pasta alla Norma, where tender eggplant, sweet tomatoes, and creamy ricotta cheese come together in a symphony of flavors. Delight in the rustic elegance of Penne with Roasted Eggplant and Cherry Tomatoes, where roasted eggplant and cherry tomatoes burst with Mediterranean sunshine. Experience the rich and creamy embrace of Penne with Eggplant and Sausage, where savory sausage and velvety sauce envelop the pasta and eggplant in a hearty embrace.
For a lighter and refreshing option, try our vibrant Penne with Grilled Eggplant and Lemon-Basil Sauce. The grilled eggplant retains its smoky essence, while the lemon-basil sauce adds a zesty brightness. If you prefer a bold and spicy kick, our Penne with Eggplant and Spicy Tomato Sauce will set your taste buds ablaze. The fiery tomato sauce and tender eggplant create a harmonious balance of heat and flavor.
In our collection, you'll also find creative twists on the classic penne with eggplant combination. Experiment with the unique flavors of Penne with Eggplant and Pesto Sauce, where aromatic pesto complements the earthy eggplant. Elevate your pasta game with Penne with Eggplant and Vodka Sauce, where a touch of vodka adds a subtle depth to the rich tomato sauce.
Each recipe is meticulously crafted to guide you through the cooking process with ease. Step-by-step instructions, detailed ingredient lists, and helpful tips ensure that you create restaurant-quality dishes in the comfort of your own kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, prepare your taste buds, and embark on a culinary adventure with our diverse selection of penne with eggplant recipes.

Here are our top 8 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

SWEET SAUSAGE AND EGGPLANT PENNE



Sweet Sausage and Eggplant Penne image

Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 40m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 medium firm eggplant
Salt
2 tablespoons EVOO, plus some for drizzling
1 pound Italian sweet sausage with fennel
3 to 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 rib celery from heart, finely chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
Pepper
One 32-ounce can crushed San Marzano tomatoes
A few fresh basil leaves, torn
Chicken stock, optional
1 pound penne or whole grain penne
Parmigiano-Reggiano, grated

Steps:

  • Peel half the skin from the eggplant and then chop into bite-size pieces. Sprinkle the eggplant with salt, and drain a few minutes on paper towels.
  • Heat the oil over medium-high heat, and add the sausage. Crumble the sausage and cook until brown. Add the garlic, celery and onions to the sausage. Pat the moisture off of the eggplant and stir the pieces into the mixture. Season with salt and pepper. Cook the vegetables, partially covered, to soften, 6 to 8 minutes. Add the tomatoes and basil. Bring to a bubble and simmer the sauce to combine the flavors.
  • Cool and store for a make-ahead meal. Reheat the sauce on the stovetop over medium heat. If the sauce is too thick add a little water or chicken stock if using to thin it out.
  • To serve, bring a pot of water to a boil. Salt the boiling water and cook the pasta to al dente. Add about 1 cup of starchy water to the sauce. Then drain the pasta and toss with the sauce. Adjust the seasoning, then serve in shallow bowls and top with grated cheese and a drizzle of EVOO.

EGGPLANT PARM PENNE RECIPE BY TASTY



Eggplant Parm Penne Recipe by Tasty image

Upgrade your pasta night with this easy spin on a classic dish!

Provided by Prego

Categories     Dinner

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 eggplant, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 tablespoon kosher salt
½ cup Italian-style bread crumbs
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
¼ cup canola oil
16 oz dried penne pasta
1 jar Prego® Traditional Italian Sauce
8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, torn into 1-inch pieces
¼ cup roughly chopped fresh basil leaves, divided

Steps:

  • Line a baking sheet with paper towels. Spread the eggplant on the prepared baking sheet and season with the salt. Let sit for 20-30 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
  • While the eggplant drains, add the bread crumbs and flour to 2 separate small bowls. Beat the eggs in a third small bowl.
  • Pat the eggplant dry with paper towels. Dredge each piece of eggplant in the flour to coat thoroughly, shaking off any excess. Dip each piece in the eggs, then coat in the bread crumbs, pressing to adhere.
  • Heat the canola oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, add the eggplant to the hot oil and fry until golden brown on all sides, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined sheet tray to drain.
  • *Tip: Eggplant can alternatively be oven or air fried. Cooking times will vary.
  • Heat the Prego® Traditional Italian Sauce in a medium pot over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until warmed through.
  • Add the cooked penne, fried eggplant, mozzarella, and half of the basil to the sauce, and toss to combine.
  • Garnish with remaining basil.
  • Enjoy!

PENNE WITH EGGPLANT (AUBERGINE)



Penne With Eggplant (Aubergine) image

Make and share this Penne With Eggplant (Aubergine) recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Vino Girl

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 40m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 (16 ounce) package ziti pasta or 1 (16 ounce) package rice penne
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cups cubed eggplants
1 cup finely chopped onion
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 (26 ounce) jar fat free pasta sauce
1/3 cup finely chopped fresh basil
1 1/2 cups shredded parmesan cheese or 1 1/2 cups Italian cheese blend, divided

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain well.
  • Meanwhile heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
  • Add eggplant and onion; sauté 8 minutes or until onion is browned.
  • Stir in garlic; sauté 3 minutes.
  • Add salt, pepper, and pasta sauce; bring to a simmer.
  • Reduce heat, and cook 5 minutes.
  • Remove from heat; stir in basil.
  • Toss eggplant mixture with pasta.
  • Sprinkle with 1 cup cheese; toss gently.
  • Top evenly with remaining 1/2 cup cheese.

PENNE WITH EGGPLANT PUREE RECIPE



Penne With Eggplant Puree Recipe image

Make and share this Penne With Eggplant Puree Recipe recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Jencathen

Categories     Penne

Time 40m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 medium eggplant (unpeeled, cut into 1 inch cubes)
1 pint tomatoes (cherry or grape)
3 garlic cloves, whole
6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon salt (kosher or sea)
1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (less (or more)
1/4 cup pine nuts
1 lb penne pasta
1/2 cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated)

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degree F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, combine the eggplant, tomatoes, garlic, 3 TBSP olive oil, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes. Spread the veggies on the baking sheet in an even layer. Roast in the oven until veggies are tender and the eggplant is golden about 35 minutes.
  • While the veggies are roasting, place the pine nuts in a small baking dish. Place in the oven on the rack below the veggies. Roast until golden about 4 minutes, stirring once. Remove from oven and cool.
  • Meanwhile cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 1/2 cups of the cooking liquid. Transfer pasta to a large bowl.
  • Transfer the roasted veggies to a food processor. Add the remaining 3 TBSP olive oil and pulse until the veggies are ppuréed, but not too smooth. It should still be chunky.
  • Transfer the puréed veggies to the bowl with the pasta. Add the Parmesan cheese. Stir to combine. Add the reserved cooking liquid 1/2 cup at a time until the pasta is saucy.
  • Sprinkle with the pine nuts and serve.

PENNE WITH GRILLED TOMATOES AND EGGPLANT



Penne with Grilled Tomatoes and Eggplant image

Categories     Cheese     Pasta     Tomato     Picnic     Vegetarian     Backyard BBQ     Eggplant     Grill     Grill/Barbecue     Healthy     Bon Appétit

Yield Makes 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 1-pound eggplant, trimmed, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick rounds
1 pound tomatoes, halved lengthwise
Nonstick olive oil spray
8 ounces penne pasta
1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large garlic clove, pressed
1/4 cup freshly grated pecorino Romano cheese (about 1 ounce)

Steps:

  • Prepare barbecue (medium heat). Spray both sides of eggplant slices and tomato halves with olive oil spray. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill eggplant slices until brown and tender and tomato halves until charred, turning occasionally, about 10 minutes for eggplant slices and about 7 minutes for tomato halves. Cool.
  • Cut eggplant into 1/2-inch-wide strips. Cut tomatoes into 1-inch pieces.
  • Meanwhile, cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to bite. Drain pasta. Return pasta to same pot.
  • Add eggplant, tomatoes, parsley, olive oil and garlic to pasta and toss to blend. Stir in grated cheese. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve warm or at room temperature. (Can be prepared 2 hours ahead.)

PENNE WITH EGGPLANT, OLIVES AND FETA CHEESE



Penne with Eggplant, Olives and Feta Cheese image

Categories     Cheese     Olive     Pasta     Vegetable     Sauté     Vegetarian     Dinner     Feta     Eggplant     Fall     Spring     Summer     Winter     Bon Appétit     Pescatarian     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     Kosher

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

8 tablespoons olive oil
3/4 pound red bell peppers, diced
6 large garlic cloves, chopped
1/2 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
1 1 1/4-pound eggplant, unpeeled, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 tablespoon dried leaf oregano
1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes in juice
1 cup thinly sliced fresh basil
1/2 cup coarsely chopped pitted Kalamata olives or other brine-cured black olives
1/4 cup tomato paste
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
12 ounces penne pasta
14 ounces feta cheese, crumbled

Steps:

  • Brush 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish with 2 tablespoons oil. Heat remaining 6 tablespoons oil in heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Add bell peppers, garlic and crushed pepper; sauté 3 minutes. Add eggplant and oregano. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover; cook until eggplant softens, stirring often, about 15 minutes. Mix in tomatoes with juices, 1/2 cup basil, olives, tomato paste and vinegar. Cover; simmer until all vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally, about 12 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until just tender but still firm to bite; drain well. Stir pasta into vegetable mixture. Transfer to prepared dish. Cover dish with foil. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Refrigerate.)
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake pasta covered until heated through, about 20 minutes (40 minutes if refrigerated). Sprinkle with feta, then 1/2 cup basil.

PENNE WITH GRILLED CHICKEN AND EGGPLANT



Penne With Grilled Chicken and Eggplant image

Make and share this Penne With Grilled Chicken and Eggplant recipe from Food.com.

Provided by KelBel

Categories     Chicken Breast

Time 1h

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

3 tablespoons olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 (28 ounce) can fire-roasted tomatoes (Muir Glen)
1/2 cup white wine or 1/2 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper
2 boneless chicken breast halves
1 large eggplant, slice 1/2 inch thick
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
1 tablespoon fresh oregano
8 ounces penne pasta
1/4 cup parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • In large saucepan, saute garlic in 1 Tbl oil for 1 minute. Add tomatoes and cook 5 minutes. Add wine, tomato paste, sugar, salt and pepper. Simmer 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • While sauce is simmering, grill chicken and eggplant, brushing them with the remaining 2 Tbl oil, 6-10 minutes or until done, turning once.
  • Cut chicken and eggplant into 1 inch pieces and add to tomato mixture. Add basil and oregano. Simmer 10 minutes.
  • Cook penne pasta in boiling salted water until aldente, about 15 minutes.
  • Top cooked pasta with sauce and sprinkle with parmesan.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 523.1, Fat 17.5, SaturatedFat 3.8, Cholesterol 46.7, Sodium 484.3, Carbohydrate 65.6, Fiber 13.5, Sugar 10.4, Protein 24.9

Tips:

  • Choose the right eggplant: Select firm and shiny eggplants with deep purple skin. Avoid those with blemishes or bruises.
  • Soak the eggplant before cooking: Soaking the eggplant in salted water helps remove its bitterness and reduce the oil absorption.
  • Cook the eggplant properly: Eggplant can be roasted, grilled, sautéed, or fried. Make sure to cook it until it is tender but not mushy.
  • Use a good quality olive oil: Olive oil is the traditional fat used in Italian cooking. It adds a delicious flavor to the dish.
  • Don't overcrowd the pan: When cooking the eggplant, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This will prevent it from cooking evenly.
  • Season the dish to taste: Taste the dish and adjust the seasonings accordingly. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed.

Conclusion:

Penne with eggplant is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner. It is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. With its flavorful combination of eggplant, tomatoes, and cheese, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

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