Creamy Penne with Roasted Eggplant and Basil
Discover the delicious harmony of flavors in this Creamy Penne with Roasted Eggplant and Basil. This hearty one-dish meal combines tender penne pasta with savory roasted eggplants, a vibrant tomato sauce, and a touch of fresh basil. Perfect for family gatherings or meal prep, this recipe serves 8 and is not only satisfying but also nutritious. Enjoy the layers of taste and texture in every bite, making this dish a delightful addition to your weeknight rotations.
8
Servings
300
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Penne pasta
1 (16 ounce package, cooked according to package directions)
Olive oil
1 (tablespoon)
Eggplant
3 (cups, cubed)
Onion
1 (cup, finely chopped)
Garlic
3 (cloves, minced)
Salt
1 (teaspoon)
Crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 (teaspoon)
Fat-free pasta sauce
1 (26 ounce jar)
Fresh basil
1/3 (cup, finely chopped)
Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 (cups, shredded, divided)
Instructions
1
Cook the penne pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain the pasta and set aside.
2
Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the cubed eggplant and finely chopped onion. Sauté for about 8 minutes or until the onion begins to caramelize.
3
Stir in the minced garlic, cooking for an additional 3 minutes until fragrant.
4
Add salt and crushed red pepper flakes, then pour in the pasta sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and reduce the heat, allowing it to cook for 5 minutes to marry the flavors.
5
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the finely chopped fresh basil, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
6
Combine the eggplant mixture with the cooked penne pasta in a large mixing bowl. Toss gently to coat the pasta with the sauce.
7
Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the pasta and toss gently once more to incorporate.
8
Transfer the pasta to a serving dish and evenly top with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese before serving.
Nutrition Information
10
Fat
40
Carbs
12
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Penne with Roasted Eggplant and Basil?
It is a hearty one-dish meal that combines tender penne pasta with savory roasted eggplants, a vibrant tomato sauce, and fresh basil.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat products.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 8 people.
How many calories are in a serving of this pasta dish?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What type of pasta is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one 16-ounce package of penne pasta.
What are the nutritional values for fat and protein?
Each serving contains 10 grams of fat and 12 grams of protein.
How much eggplant do I need to prepare?
You will need 3 cups of cubed eggplant.
How do I cook the eggplant and onions?
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and saute the eggplant and onions for about 8 minutes.
When should I add the garlic?
Stir in the minced garlic after the onions begin to caramelize, and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
What gives the dish its spicy kick?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes for heat.
What kind of sauce is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifies a 26-ounce jar of fat-free pasta sauce.
How long should the sauce simmer?
The sauce should simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to marry.
How much fresh basil is needed?
You will need 1/3 cup of finely chopped fresh basil.
When do I add the fresh basil?
Remove the skillet from the heat before stirring in the finely chopped fresh basil.
What type of cheese is used in this dish?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 cups of shredded Parmesan cheese.
How is the cheese distributed in the recipe?
One cup of cheese is tossed into the pasta mixture, and the remaining 1/2 cup is used as a topping.
Should I add salt to the pasta water?
The instructions recommend cooking the penne according to package directions but omitting salt and fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a single serving?
There are 40 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this dish good for meal prep?
Yes, this recipe is described as being perfect for family gatherings or meal prep.
What size skillet should I use?
A large skillet is recommended for sauteing the vegetables and heating the sauce.
How much olive oil is used?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
How much garlic is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 cloves of minced garlic.
What is the first step in preparing this dish?
The first step is to cook the penne pasta, drain it, and set it aside.
How much onion is required?
You need 1 cup of finely chopped onion.
What is the total amount of salt added to the sauce?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of salt in the eggplant and sauce mixture.
Can this recipe be considered comfort food?
Yes, 'comfort food' is one of the tags associated with this recipe.
What is the total ingredient count for this dish?
There are 10 main ingredients in this recipe.
How do I combine the pasta and the sauce?
Combine the eggplant mixture and cooked penne in a large mixing bowl and toss gently to coat.
Is there any cholesterol in this recipe?
The provided data does not list a specific cholesterol value.
What cuisine style is this recipe?
This recipe is classified under Italian cuisine.