Pasta con le Melanzane e Mozzarella

Pasta con le Melanzane e Mozzarella is a delightful Italian dish featuring tender pasta tossed with roasted eggplant and creamy mozzarella, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. This vegetarian supper is not only comforting but also packed with nutrients, making it an ideal meal for any occasion.

Pasta con le Melanzane e Mozzarella
30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Italian
550 kcal

Ingredients

  • Pasta (penne or rigatoni) - 160 grams
  • Eggplant - 1 medium (about 250 grams)
  • Mozzarella cheese - 150 grams
  • Olive oil - 3 tablespoons
  • Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
  • Cherry tomatoes - 200 grams, halved
  • Fresh basil - 10 leaves, chopped
  • Salt - to taste
  • Black pepper - to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese - 30 grams (optional)

Steps

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
  2. Cut the eggplant into 1 cm cubes, sprinkle with salt, and let it sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture.
  3. Rinse the eggplant under cold water, then pat dry with paper towels.
  4. Spread the eggplant cubes on a baking sheet, drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and roast for 20 minutes until golden and tender.
  5. While the eggplant is roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
  6. In a large skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat, add the minced garlic, and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  7. Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes until they start to soften.
  8. Stir in the roasted eggplant, cooked pasta, and fresh basil. Toss gently to combine, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  9. Remove from heat and add the mozzarella, stirring until it just begins to melt.
  10. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 550
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Carbs: 70 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
  • Total Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Water: 0.25 L

Health Benefits

  • Eggplants are high in antioxidants and can help lower cholesterol levels.
  • Mozzarella provides a good source of protein and calcium, supporting bone health.

Tags

ItalianVegetarianSupper