Roasted Eggplant & Tomato Pasta
A light yet flavorful vegetarian pasta featuring roasted eggplant, fresh tomatoes, and sweet cherry tomatoes tossed with al dente pasta. Finished with basil and Parmesan, this dish is hearty, nourishing, and perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed family dinners.
Equipment
- 2 large rimmed sheet pans
- 1 medium mixing bowl
- 1 box grater (or blender/food processor)
- 1 large skillet or sauté pan
- 1 large pot (for boiling pasta)
- 1 colander (for draining pasta)
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 2 medium globe eggplants 1 ¾–2 lbs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil divided
- Kosher salt to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes any variety
- 2 large ripe tomatoes
- ½ medium onion diced
- 4 garlic cloves thinly sliced
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional, or more to taste
- 12 ounces short pasta rigatoni, ziti, paccheri, or similar
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven for Roasting: Begin by setting your oven to 425°F (220°C). Preheating is essential for proper roasting — it ensures the eggplant develops a golden-brown crust while staying tender inside. A hot oven also prevents vegetables from steaming and turning mushy.
- Prepare and Season the Eggplant: Cut the eggplant into 1-inch cubes, keeping the pieces uniform so they cook evenly. Place the cubes on a large rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with 3 tablespoons of olive oil, then sprinkle with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Use clean hands or a spatula to toss well, making sure every piece is lightly coated in oil. Spread them into a single layer, leaving space between the cubes to allow for even roasting.
- Roast the Eggplant Until Golden: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven. Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping the cubes halfway through to encourage even browning on all sides. By the end, the eggplant should look caramelized with crispy edges and a soft, creamy interior. If your pan feels overcrowded, use two pans — crowded pans trap steam, which prevents browning.
- Roast the Cherry Tomatoes Separately: While the eggplant roasts, place the 1 ½ cups of cherry tomatoes on a smaller baking sheet. Drizzle them with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Roast for 10–12 minutes, or until the skins begin to blister and some juices start to release. Remove from the oven and set aside. These will add sweet, concentrated bursts of flavor to the final sauce.
- Prepare the Fresh Tomato Base: Take the 2 large ripe tomatoes and slice a thin piece off the bottom (opposite the stem). Hold each tomato against the large holes of a box grater, starting from the cut side, and grate until only the skin remains in your hand. You’ll be left with a pulpy, fresh tomato sauce. Transfer to a bowl and set aside. Alternative method: roughly chop the tomatoes and pulse in a blender just a few seconds until smooth but still slightly chunky.
- Sauté Aromatics for the Sauce: In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent but not browned. Stir in the thinly sliced garlic and the crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant — be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can turn bitter quickly.
- Build the Fresh Tomato Sauce: Pour the grated tomato pulp into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir to combine, then season with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened and reduced. The sauce should be fresh-tasting yet flavorful, forming the perfect base for the roasted vegetables.
- Combine Roasted Vegetables with Sauce: Once the eggplant is deeply golden and the cherry tomatoes are blistered, add them directly into the simmering tomato sauce. Stir gently to avoid crushing the tomatoes completely — you want some to remain whole for texture. Lower the heat to very low so the sauce stays warm without reducing further while you prepare the pasta.
- Cook the Pasta Until Almost Done: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. For proper seasoning, use at least 2 tablespoons of kosher salt per large pot of water. Add the 12 ounces of pasta and cook until it is 2 minutes shy of al dente, according to package directions. This undercooking is intentional, as the pasta will finish cooking in the sauce. Before draining, scoop out 1 cup of the starchy pasta water and set aside. Drain the pasta completely.
- Finish Pasta in the Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the eggplant-tomato sauce. Pour in ½ cup of the reserved pasta water to start. Increase the heat to medium and let the mixture bubble gently, stirring often. The pasta will continue cooking while absorbing the flavors of the sauce. The eggplant, being spongy, will soak up much of the liquid, so don’t worry if it looks a bit watery at first — it will thicken as it cooks. Allow this to simmer for 2–3 minutes, adding extra splashes of pasta water as needed to keep the sauce silky and cohesive.
- Add Fresh Basil and Adjust Seasoning: Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the ¼ cup of chopped fresh basil, which will brighten the dish with its fresh, herbal aroma. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or a pinch of chili flakes, depending on your preference.
- Serve and Garnish Generously: Divide the pasta among bowls or plates. Drizzle lightly with extra virgin olive oil for added richness. Top with more chopped basil and a generous dusting of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the harmony of roasted eggplant, sweet tomatoes, and aromatic herbs.
Notes
- Cut eggplant into evenly sized cubes so they roast evenly and develop a golden, caramelized exterior.
- Roast the cherry tomatoes separately to enhance their sweetness without overcooking.
- Undercook the pasta slightly; it will finish cooking in the sauce.
- Don’t skip salting the pasta water — it’s the key to seasoning the noodles from within.
- Reserve pasta water; its starch creates a silky, cohesive sauce.
- Fresh basil adds brightness; stir it in just before serving.
- Parmesan provides savory depth, but the dish is still delicious without it for a vegan option.
