Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that’s bursting with flavor and comfort? Look no further than this delectable Pasta with Italian Sausage, Tomatoes, and Eggplant! In just 40 minutes, you can whip up a hearty meal that combines the savory goodness of Italian sausage, the freshness of tomatoes, and the rich, earthy notes of eggplant. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive gathering with friends, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and discover why this Italian classic is a must-try!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Pasta
- Italian sausage
- Eggplant
- Canned tomatoes
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Basil
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients: Dice the eggplant into 1/2-inch cubes. Remove Italian sausage from casings if needed. Mince 3-4 garlic cloves. Roughly chop fresh basil leaves.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add Italian sausage and cook, breaking into crumbles, until browned and cooked through (about 6-7 minutes).
- In the same skillet, add diced eggplant. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until the eggplant becomes golden and slightly tender, stirring occasionally.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Pour in canned tomatoes, crushing them with a wooden spoon. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Add most of the chopped basil, reserving some for garnish.
- Drain pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water. Add pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. If needed, add reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.
- Serve hot, garnished with remaining fresh basil. Optional: sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: Opt for pasta shapes that hold sauce well, like penne or rigatoni, to ensure each bite is packed with flavor.
- Perfectly Cook the Eggplant: To avoid a spongy texture, make sure to sauté the eggplant until it’s golden and tender. This enhances its natural sweetness and complements the dish beautifully.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh basil and high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor. If you can find San Marzano tomatoes, they will elevate your sauce to another level!
- Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: Reserve some pasta water before draining. This starchy liquid can help adjust the sauce's consistency and helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
- Garnish for Greatness: Finish your dish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a few extra basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.
- Make it Your Own: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers, or spice it up with a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 542kcal
Carbohydrates: 64g
Protein: 33g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 60mg
