Penne With Eggplant
Description
This comforting Penne with Eggplant offers a rustic, home-style Italian experience. The eggplant is roasted until tender and caramelized, then combined with earthy mushrooms and a savory tomato sauce enriched with dry red wine. Fresh herbs like basil and oregano provide aromatic depth, while a touch of part-skim mozzarella adds a creamy finish. Its a hearty, satisfying main dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. The combination of soft pasta, tender vegetables, and rich sauce creates a balanced texture and flavor profile that appeals to the whole family. Simple to prepare with pantry staples, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste without the fuss.Ingredients
Directions
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Cook penne in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente.
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Drain the penne, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking water before setting the pasta aside.
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Peel the eggplant and cut it into 1/3-inch cubes.
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Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
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Add the eggplant cubes and saut for about 5 minutes until browned and translucent.
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Transfer the cooked eggplant to a bowl and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
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Add the chopped onion and sliced mushrooms, sauting for 3 minutes until the onion is transparent and mushrooms are browned.
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Return the eggplant to the skillet and stir in the tomato sauce, dried basil, bay leaf, dried oregano, and red wine.
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Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, reducing heat if it begins to boil vigorously, until flavors meld.
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If the sauce is too thick, stir in some of the reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
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Remove the bay leaf and discard it.
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Stir the cooked penne and shredded cheese into the skillet.
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Cook, stirring constantly, until the cheese is melted and the pasta is coated.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve hot immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 242.6kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 13.9g22%
- Saturated Fat 2.0g10%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 438.7mg19%
- Total Carbohydrate 29.7g10%
- Dietary Fiber 9.9g40%
- Sugars 5.8g
- Protein 4.7g10%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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