Rigatoni With Eggplant, Peppers, and Tomatoes

Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Servings: 6
Yield: 6 servings

Description

Eggplant cubes, fresh basil, and olives are accented with a fresh tomato sauce in this delicious pasta recipe.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 eggplants, diced with skin
1 red bell pepper, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
salt and black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
6 tomatoes - peeled, seeded, and chopped
1 sprig fresh thyme, chopped
1 pound rigatoni pasta
12 basil leaves, chopped
12 black olives, sliced

Directions

1 Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the diced eggplant in the hot oil, stirring frequently, until lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Stir in the red pepper and garlic; season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes.
2 Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir in the chopped tomatoes, and bring to a simmer; season with fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until the tomatoes have reduced slightly, about 15 minutes.
3 bring a large pot of lightly-salted water to a boil; stir in the rigatoni and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until tender but still firm to the bite, about 13 minutes. Drain and return to the pot.
4 Stir the eggplant mixture into the pasta along with the basil and olives. Spoon the tomato sauce overtop to serve.