8 Ways to Upgrade Your Pasta with Eggplant

overhead shot spicy eggplant pasta
Photo: Buckwheat Queen

Step up your pasta game by incorporating the always adaptable eggplant. This richly hued produce item (which is actually a fruit) is mellow, versatile, and undeniably delicious. Whether it's simmered in a Bolognese sauce or used as a substitute for traditional noodles in lasagna, eggplant is the answer when standard pasta just won't do. Here are eight eggplant pasta recipes we know you'll love.

01 of 08

Spicy Eggplant and Pasta with Pancetta

overhead shot spicy eggplant pasta
Buckwheat Queen

This peppery pasta dish is made with cherry tomatoes, red wine, diced eggplant, and red pepper flakes. Store-bought marinara sauce makes it easy to create this lovely, filling meal in under an hour.

02 of 08

Eggplant Rollatine

Awesome Eggplant Rollatine
Awesome Eggplant Rollatine. Polly Phlebotomy

"What a great dish," says home cook John. "Make extra because this is one that's even better the next day. Slice the eggplant lengthwise or you won't be able to roll it. I have also added sun-dried tomatoes and basil from our garden to the filling."

03 of 08

Roasted Eggplant Lasagna

Roasted Eggplant Lasagna
Photo by SunnyDaysNora.

Eggplant slices are slow-roasted before being layered in place of traditional noodles. An Italian cheese blend, fresh thyme, and minced garlic make this sumptuous dish extra special.

04 of 08

Mediterranean-Style Eggplant Pasta

eggplant pasta
Debbie

"This was fairly easy to make and super yummy," says Haley Egesdahl. "The hubby and the 6 year old were happy and they requested that I make it again." Red wine vinegar gives this dish a kiss of acidity that is absolutely delicious.

05 of 08

Pasta Melanzana

eggplant pasta with green sauce
Rachel Boo Trujillo

A blend of cubed eggplant, lemon juice, spinach, and Parmesan cheese makes the perfect mid-week meal. Ready in just 25 minutes, this tangy, cheesy dish will forever change the way you see eggplant.

06 of 08

Eggplant Bolognese

eggpant bolognese on patterned cream plate
Linda T

A treasured classic gets an update from silky, chopped eggplant. Sausage simmers with diced tomatoes, mushrooms, and yellow onions for a rich, herbaceous sauce that is ready to be poured over the pasta of your choice.

07 of 08

Pasta alla Norma

Pasta alla Norma (Eggplant Pasta)
AllrecipesPhoto

This dish takes its name from an Italian opera, and the flavors are aptly well harmonized. "Super delicious," says Bill Stern. "Rich flavors. I grilled the eggplant to save on oil. Definitely a keeper."

08 of 08

Quick Vegan Eggplant Pasta

pot of vegan eggplant pasta
Eileen Arocha

A delectable pasta dish that celebrates eggplant by combining it with zippy capers, onions, and whole tomatoes. A generous amount of fresh basil gives this dish freshness and balance.

Was this page helpful?

You’ll Also Love