Pasta with aubergine and tomato sauce

Pasta with aubergine and tomato sauce

30 min
Enjoy our recipe for pasta with aubergine and tomato sauce. The dish is easy to make and combines simple ingredients to create a rich taste experience. Smoky grilled aubergine and tangy tomato paste are blended smoothly to coat the penne pasta perfectly. Cook up a batch for an easy lunch or a cosy evening at home.
https://arlauk.cmsstage.com/recipes/pasta-with-aubergine-and-tomato-sauce/

Instructions

  • In a pan, fry garlic in olive oil and then add tomato paste while stirring.
  • Add grilled aubergine and stir.
  • Mash the ingredients well with a stick blender.
  • Add the remaining ingredients and cooking cream to the sauce and let it simmer for a little while.
  • Add pasta and stir, then serve the dish hot.
  • Garnish with ground walnuts and Parmesan cheese.
Enjoy!

FAQ: Questions about pasta with aubergine and tomato sauce

We have answered some common questions to help you perfect this dish. Discover preparation tips, storage advice, and ways to improve your cooking.

Can I prepare the aubergine and tomato sauce beforehand?
Yes, preparing the aubergine and tomato sauce ahead of time is not only possible but beneficial. The flavours blend and deepen when the sauce is made in advance, enhancing its taste if prepared a day before use. Additionally, this sauce freezes well, allowing you to save extra portions for future meals.
What is the best way to store leftover aubergine and tomato sauce?
To maintain the fresh taste of leftover aubergine and tomato sauce, immediately store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This will preserve its flavour for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the sauce by first allowing it to cool. Then, portion it into freezer bags or containers, where it can be kept for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw the sauce overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before combining it with your hot pasta.
Should I salt the aubergine before cooking?
Salting aubergines before cooking is generally unnecessary with modern varieties, as they are less bitter. However, if you choose to salt them, it can help draw out moisture and enhance the flavour. This step is optional and can be adjusted according to personal preference. 

Ingredients

Penne pasta, cooked
2 cups
Grilled aubergines (about 250 g)
1 cup
Garlic clove, chopped
1
Olive oil
2 tbsp
Tomato paste
1 tbsp
Fresh basil
1 tsp
Salt
1 tsp
Black pepper
¼ tsp
Arla® LactoFREE Whipping and cooking cream (about 250 g)
1 cup
Parmesan cheese
½ cup
Ground walnuts
1 tsp
Other recipes
See more

Tips: Perfect your pasta with aubergine and tomato sauce

Master the art of pasta with aubergine and tomato sauce with these helpful tips.

Avoid over-blending

When using a stick blender, blend carefully to achieve your desired consistency. Over-blending can produce a sauce that is too smooth, particularly if you prefer a textured finish.

Thin sauce with pasta water

To get the right consistency in your pasta with aubergine and tomato sauce, save a cup of water after cooking the pasta. If the sauce becomes overly thick after adding cream, gradually stir in the saved pasta water until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.

Try our delicious recipe for pasta with aubergine and tomato sauce

Cook up a simple weeknight dinner with our recipe for pasta with aubergine and tomato sauce. This dish combines sweet, smoky, and tangy flavours to create a delectable meal. The vegetables are puréed into a silky-smooth sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta, providing rich and deep flavours from simple ingredients. Topped with Parmesan and ground walnuts, this pasta is ready to delight the whole family in just 30 minutes.

Are you looking for more incredible pasta recipes? Try our fried ravioli in tomato sauce, or double up on delicious seafood-inspired meals like prawn fettuccine or creamy crayfish pasta.

Blended aubergine, tomato, and cream for a smooth sauce

Making a delicious sauce means making a delicious dish. Roasted aubergines get nice and cosy in the oven, caramelising and releasing their natural sugars. These sugars add an earthy sweetness that perfectly balances the tangy tomato paste when blended together. A cup of cooking cream is added to enrich the sauce, giving it a smooth and rich texture. The final result is a beautiful sauce with a stunning, slightly pinkish hue.

Topped with ground walnuts and Parmesan cheese

Garnish the beautiful bowl of pasta with ground walnuts and Parmesan cheese. The walnuts add a very mild crunch and a nutty depth that works wonderfully with the smooth sauce. The contrast of textures makes every bite interesting and satisfying. The Parmesan cheese will melt on top of the warm pasta and give the meal another layer of umami along with a delicious sharp and salty flavour.

Perfect as an easy lunch or family dinner

Our pasta with aubergine and tomato sauce is a fantastic choice for various occasions. This dish is quick and easy to prepare, taking just 30 minutes from start to finish. It is perfect for a weekend lunch or a simple family dinner during a busy weeknight. The recipe features rich, warm flavours that are sure to be a hit with the whole family. Make a large batch and save the leftovers for a convenient work lunch the next day.

Make it your own

Feel free to personalise your dish by swapping out some ingredients to match your preferences. While Parmesan is a fine choice, other cheeses like Pecorino, with its sharper bite, or Manchego, which introduces a nutty flavour, can also enhance the dish in great ways. For an intriguing variation, consider ricotta salata, known for its sharp, salty taste that pairs wonderfully with aubergine and pasta sauce. When it comes to the toppings, consider replacing ground walnuts with toasted breadcrumbs or seeds. Not only do they bring a mild crunch, but their nutty notes pair well with the rich sauce. 

Arla Foods UK
Arla Foods Ltd
4 Savannah Way
Leeds Valley Park, Leeds, LS10 1AB
Company registration number: 02143253
Call us: 0113 382 7000
Write to us
Other Arla sites
Arla in other countries
Key information
Follow Us
© Arla Foods amba 2024