Pasta con Salsa di Melanzane e Pomodori

Pasta con Salsa di Melanzane e Pomodori is a vibrant and hearty vegan dish that combines tender pasta with a rich eggplant and tomato sauce. This comforting Italian meal is perfect for a cozy dinner and bursts with flavor from fresh herbs and garlic.

Pasta con Salsa di Melanzane e Pomodori
30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Italian
400 kcal

Ingredients

  • Pasta (spaghetti or penne) - 200 grams
  • Eggplant - 1 medium (about 250 grams), diced
  • Cherry tomatoes - 200 grams, halved
  • Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
  • Onion - 1 small, finely chopped
  • Olive oil - 3 tablespoons
  • Fresh basil - 10 grams, chopped
  • Salt - to taste
  • Black pepper - to taste
  • Red pepper flakes - 1/4 teaspoon (optional)
  • Nutritional yeast - 2 tablespoons (optional, for a cheesy flavor)

Steps

  1. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  3. Add the minced garlic and diced eggplant to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the eggplant is soft and slightly browned.
  4. Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another 5-6 minutes until the tomatoes are softened and the mixture becomes saucy.
  5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, along with the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
  6. Remove from heat, stir in the chopped fresh basil and nutritional yeast (if using). Adjust seasoning if necessary.
  7. Serve warm, garnished with additional basil and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 400
  • Protein: 9 g
  • Carbs: 70 g
  • Fiber: 10 g
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
  • Total Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10.5 g
  • Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

  • Rich in dietary fiber, promoting digestive health.
  • Contains antioxidants from tomatoes and eggplant, which may help reduce inflammation.

Tags

ItalianVeganDinner