Spicy eggplant and pasta with pancetta –Welcome to a delightful culinary experience with this Spicy Eggplant Pasta recipe. This dish beautifully combines the rich flavors of eggplant with the zest of spices, creating a pasta dish that is both satisfying and unique. Perfect for dinner gatherings or a cozy night in, this recipe will surely impress your taste buds and those of your guests.
Spicy Eggplant Pasta
Get ready to indulge in a flavorful fusion of ingredients that creates a comforting yet exciting meal. Here’s how to prepare this enticing dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium-sized eggplant, diced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound pasta of your choice (spaghetti or penne works well)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once heated, add the diced eggplant and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until it starts to soften and turn golden brown.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, continuing to sauté until the onions become translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the red pepper flakes and cook for another minute to release the flavors. Then add the can of diced tomatoes (with juice), salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Once the sauce is ready, toss in the cooked pasta, mixing until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat everything through.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
This Spicy Eggplant Pasta is a wonderful way to enjoy the versatility of pasta while embracing the health benefits of eggplant. The combination of flavors will leave you craving more!