Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that perfectly marries rich flavors and comforting textures: Pork Sausage Pasta with Roasted Eggplant and Tomato Sauce! This Italian-inspired recipe is not just a meal; it's a culinary experience that brings the warmth of home-cooked goodness right to your table. With succulent pork sausage, tender roasted eggplant, and a luscious tomato sauce, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. In just 40 minutes, you can whip up a delightful dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds. Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to create a gourmet meal that feels like a special occasion!
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 lb pork sausage, casings removed
- 1 eggplant, diced
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Dice the eggplant into 1-inch cubes. Toss the eggplant cubes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Roast the eggplant in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the pieces are golden brown and tender.
- While the eggplant roasts, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
- In a large skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon.
- Cook the sausage for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it's fully browned and no pink remains.
- Add minced garlic to the sausage and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Add the tomato sauce to the sausage, stirring to combine. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Gently fold the roasted eggplant into the sausage and tomato sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce seems dry, add some reserved pasta water.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated parmesan cheese.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: Opt for pasta shapes that hold sauce well, like penne or rigatoni, to enhance every bite of your dish.
- Roasting the Eggplant: Make sure to spread the eggplant cubes in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure even roasting and avoid sogginess.
- Sausage Selection: For added flavor, consider using spicy or herbed pork sausage. It will give your dish an extra kick that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the roasted eggplant.
- Pasta Water Magic: Don’t forget to reserve that pasta water! It’s a secret weapon for adjusting the sauce’s consistency, making it creamier and helping it cling to the pasta.
- Garnish Generously: Elevate your dish by garnishing with fresh basil or additional grated parmesan cheese before serving for that restaurant-style finish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 85mg
