Pasta Ricotta with Tomato and Eggplant (30-35 Minutes)

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This dish effortlessly combines the rich flavors of spaghetti, a light and flavorful tomato sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, aromatic basil, and tender roasted eggplant rounds into a delicious and restaurant-worthy meal. With its straightforward preparation and simple ingredients, this recipe is likely to become a family favorite after just one bite. Let’s begin!

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 8 oz spaghetti
  • 1 small eggplant, sliced into rounds
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Place the eggplant rounds on the baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 15-20 minutes, until tender and slightly golden.
  3. While the eggplant is roasting, prepare the tomato sauce. In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic and chopped onion until translucent.
  4. Add the canned diced tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
  5. Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree the sauce until smooth. If you don’t mind your sauce a little chunky, you can skip this step or just mash the tomatoes up a bit with a fork.
  6. Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and return to its original pot.
  7. Pour the tomato sauce over the pasta and gently mix until the noodles are fully coated.
  8. To assemble, plate the spaghetti with tomato sauce and add a dollop of ricotta cheese on top.
  9. Add the roasted eggplant rounds and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
  10. Drizzle with a touch of olive oil and season with additional salt and pepper if desired.

Notes

For a hint of heat, feel free to add red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce. You can also experiment with various herbs for a personalized touch if desired. Serve with a simple side salad and crusty bread and enjoy!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

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