July 18, 2016

Eggplant Parmesan Pasta Skillet

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This dreamy one-pot eggplant parmesan pasta skillet has all the flavors of the classic dish without the hassle! Packed with tender eggplant, whole wheat pasta and fresh basil, it all cooks in one skillet. Vegetarian with dairy free and vegan options.

A black skillet filled with Eggplant Parmesan Pasta.

I absolutely, one hundred percent consider eggplant special occasion food. And because of this, I have a super hard time wrapping my brain around using it for everyday meals.

Which I realize is completely silly, especially considering the fact that I adore eggplant.

But, it’s not my fault. I blame my family. Eggplant was always around for major holidays and other special events (in various Italian-style dishes). And then it would disappear all other times of the year. Hence my association.

You would think that since I’ve been cooking for myself for many, many years now that this connection would have disappeared. But nope. Still going strong. 

So, I’m trying to break free of this mindset and we are going everyday with today’s eggplant parmesan pasta skillet!

Everything cooks in one big skillet (even the pasta), resulting in minimal clean up. <— The best.

A black skillet filled with Healthy Eggplant Pasta with a wooden spoon in the pan.

Tips & Tricks For This Eggplant Parmesan Pasta

  1. Try to weigh your eggplant at the store to get around the required 2 pounds. But, just in case, it’s about 2 medium-ish (on the slightly smaller side) eggplants.
  2. As for the cook time for the eggplant – if you like your eggplant really tender (like my husband, he likes everything borderline mushy), you may need to cook it a bit longer than what’s listed down below. Cook it to your liking.
  3. You also may or may not need to add more salt to the dish, depending on your taste. I like to wait until the very end, since it will also depend on how salty your cheese is. I usually end up adding a tad bit more salt.

Also, let’s be clear. This skillet is for eggplant lovers only! It is most certainly packed with this pretty purple veggie!

A black skillet filled with Eggplant Pasta with a wooden spoon in the dish.

Tools I Love & Use To Make This Recipe (may contain affiliate links):

Calphalon Nonstick 13-inch Deep Skillet – This is the skillet I use (and love) for this recipe. It’s nice and deep and everything fits comfortably (and won’t overflow when you stir!).

Additional Eggplant Recipes You Might Enjoy:

Did you make this recipe? Rate and review it down below! I’d love to hear from you.

One-pot eggplant parmesan pasta skillet! All the flavors of the classic dish in a simple, everyday recipe! Packed with eggplant, whole wheat pasta and fresh basil!

Eggplant Parmesan Pasta Skillet

Yield: 4 to 6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

This dreamy one-pot eggplant parmesan pasta skillet has all the flavors of the classic dish without the hassle! Packed with tender eggplant, whole wheat pasta and fresh basil, it all cooks in one skillet. Vegetarian with dairy free and vegan options.

Ingredients

  • 2 ½ tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 large cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 to 2 ¼ pounds eggplant, cut into ½ inch cubes
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ to ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 (5 ounce) bag fresh baby spinach leaves
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 ½ cups low sodium vegetable broth
  • 8 ounces uncooked whole wheat penne pasta
  • 1 ¼ cups shredded mozzarella cheese*
  • ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese**
  • plenty of chopped fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Add the olive oil to a large (deeper style) nonstick skillet set over medium heat. When hot, add in the onion and cook for about 2 minutes, until it starts to soften. Add in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  2. Add in the eggplant, salt and red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 7 to 8 minutes.
  3. Add in the spinach and cook until wilted. Remove all the veggies to a medium bowl and set aside.
  4. To the now empty skillet, add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth and pasta. Mix to combine.
  5. Bring the liquid just to a boil, then cover, reduce the heat and simmer fairly vigorously for about 11 to 13 minutes, stirring occasionally (and more frequently toward the end of the cooking time), until the pasta is al dente and almost all of the liquid is absorbed.
  6. Reduce the heat to low. Add the eggplant mixture back into the skillet and mix to combine. Sprinkle the top with the mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Recover and continue to cook for about 3 to 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted.
  7. Turn off the heat. Let the pasta stand for about 5 minutes, then garnish with the fresh basil. Season with additional salt / red pepper flakes as needed.

Notes

*To keep this dairy free / vegan - use your favorite non dairy shredded cheese.

**To keep this dairy free / vegan - use your favorite non dairy shredded cheese (either a parm or just more mozzarella).

You can use another smaller whole wheat pasta shape here - just make sure that it has an 11 to 13 minute cook time (according to package directions).

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 313Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 14mgSodium: 843mgCarbohydrates: 44gFiber: 9gSugar: 11gProtein: 13g

Nutrition data shown is an estimate provided by an online calculator and is for informational purposes only. It should not be considered a substitute for a medical professional’s advice.

© Ashley / Cook Nourish Bliss
Cuisine: Italian / Category: Main Dish
Dairy Free, Main Dish, Meatless, Nut Free, Pasta, Recipes (ALL), Soy Free, Vegan, Vegetarian, Weeknight
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