Eggplant, mushrooms and diced tomatoes combine with onion, garlic and a splash of balsamic vinegar to make a rich tasting meatless ragu that’s hearty and flavorful enough to satisfy vegetarians and meat lovers alike.
Pasta with Eggplant and Mushroom Ragu
Roasted eggplant, sautéed mushrooms and tomatoes are the key ingredients in this flavorful and satisfying meatless pasta dinner.
Ingredients
- 10 ounces pasta, cavatappi, penne
- 1 large eggplant, about 1-3/4 lbs
- Olive oil
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, very finely chopped
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 2-1/2 cups diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Parmigiano-Reggiano for grating
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a large, shallow baking pan with parchment paper.
- Put a large pot of salted water on to boil for the pasta.
- Peel the eggplant and cut it into 3/4-inch cubes. Transfer the cubes to a large bowl and drizzle with 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper and toss to combine.
- Arrange the eggplant in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and roast until tender and lightly caramelized, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- While the eggplant roasts, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft and translucent, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic and continue cooking until fragrant, 1 minute more.
- Add the mushrooms, season with salt and pepper and cook until they’re golden brown, 5 to 7 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, tomato paste and oregano. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes, then add the eggplant to the pan.
- Continue cooking for 7 to 8 minutes longer, stirring occasionally. Stir in the parsley and reduce the heat to low to keep warm.
- Cook and drain the pasta according to package directions and return it to the pan. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- To serve, divide the pasta between four plates or pasta bowls. Top with the eggplant ragu and some grated Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Have you tried this recipe?Did you add your own special touch? We’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment and a rating to share your thoughts with others.
Nikki says
My husband (an avid Midwest meat-eater) and father loved this recipe! Serious kudos to you and this recipe! Love it!
Claire @ Claire K Creations says
I love how the eggplant makes the sauce look meaty. Yum!