Skip to main content

Rigatoni with Eggplant and Pine Nut Crunch

4.5

(60)

Image may contain Food Pasta and Macaroni
Photo by Hans Gissinger

This hearty, veggie-filled rigatoni recipe requires a little bit of work, but makes plenty for a group and is full of flavor.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    1 hour 50 minutes

  • Yield

    8 servings

Ingredients

Nonstick vegetable oil spray
1 unpeeled large eggplant (1 1/2 to 1 3/4 pounds), cut into 1/2-inch cubes
2 medium yellow bell peppers, cut into 1/2-inch squares
2 cups grape tomatoes
3 large garlic cloves, divided
1/3 cup olive oil
2 cups (firmly packed) fresh basil leaves, divided
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1/4 cup pine nuts
1 28-ounce can whole tomatoes in juice
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 pound rigatoni
1 pound whole-milk mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 425°F. Spray large rimmed baking sheet with nonstick spray; add eggplant and peppers. Cut tomatoes in half lengthwise; add to sheet. Using garlic press, squeeze 1 garlic clove onto vegetables. Drizzle vegetables with oil; toss. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast vegetables until tender, stirring often, 35 to 45 minutes.

    Step 2

    Combine 2/3 cup basil, 1/2 cup Parmesan, pine nuts, and 1 garlic clove in mini processor. Blend until crumbly. Season topping with salt.

    Step 3

    Blend tomatoes with juice, cream, 1 1/3 cups basil, and 1 garlic clove in processor until smooth. Season sauce with salt and pepper.

    Step 4

    Cook pasta in pot of boiling salted water until just tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally; drain. Return to pot. Toss with vegetables, sauce, and 1/2 cup Parmesan. Transfer to 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with mozzarella and pine nut topping.

    Step 5

    Bake pasta until heated through, 25 to 35 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes and serve.

Read More
With a heap of fresh produce and creamy sauce, this one-pot pasta endures for a reason.
This shortcut baked rigatoni is loaded with spicy Italian sausage and topped with melted cheese. And the best part: You don’t even have to boil the pasta.
“No one complains about it being vegan because they can’t tell the difference.”
Golden beets, hot Italian sausage, and sage come together to make a quick and comforting pasta that’s far greater than the sum of its parts.
This pasta starring summer corn achieves its savory, creamy sauce thanks to one special ingredient: buttermilk powder.
Summer’s best produce cooked into one vibrant, silky, flavor-packed dish.
A go-to recipe for more than just pasta. Put it toward chicken, meatballs, and more.
Do you need heavy cream to make fettuccine Alfredo? Debatable. Will it be delicious? Undeniable.