Pasta Arrabbiata with Eggplant

 In

Pasta Arrabbiata with Eggplant

Yields1 Serving
 Salt to taste
  1 pound penne pasta
  1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper (eyeball it)
  1 large eggplant, peeled and chopped
  2 pounds chopped tomatoes
  Flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped (a generous handful)
  Freshly ground black pepper
  1 cup ricotta cheese
  20 basil leaves, shredded
  Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Romano cheese, to pass around the table
1

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Salt the water, add the pasta and cook until al dente. Drain, reserving a ladle of the water.

2

While the pasta is working, in a large, deep skillet, heat the olive oil, the garlic, and the crushed red pepper over medium-high heat. Add the eggplant, season with salt and cook until tender, 12 to 15 minutes.

3

Using a potato masher or the back of a wooden spoon, break up the eggplant into a coarse, thick sauce. Stir in the tomatoes and heat through, then stir in the parsley and simmer for a couple of minutes. Season with salt and black pepper. Stir in the reserved pasta cooking water, add the pasta and toss.

4

To serve, divide the pasta among 4 shallow plates or bowls. Place 1/4 cup ricotta cheese alongside each serving (to mix into each bite of the pasta as you eat it). Sprinkle with the basil.

Ingredients

 Salt to taste
  1 pound penne pasta
  1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper (eyeball it)
  1 large eggplant, peeled and chopped
  2 pounds chopped tomatoes
  Flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped (a generous handful)
  Freshly ground black pepper
  1 cup ricotta cheese
  20 basil leaves, shredded
  Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Romano cheese, to pass around the table

Directions

1

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Salt the water, add the pasta and cook until al dente. Drain, reserving a ladle of the water.

2

While the pasta is working, in a large, deep skillet, heat the olive oil, the garlic, and the crushed red pepper over medium-high heat. Add the eggplant, season with salt and cook until tender, 12 to 15 minutes.

3

Using a potato masher or the back of a wooden spoon, break up the eggplant into a coarse, thick sauce. Stir in the tomatoes and heat through, then stir in the parsley and simmer for a couple of minutes. Season with salt and black pepper. Stir in the reserved pasta cooking water, add the pasta and toss.

4

To serve, divide the pasta among 4 shallow plates or bowls. Place 1/4 cup ricotta cheese alongside each serving (to mix into each bite of the pasta as you eat it). Sprinkle with the basil.

Pasta Arrabbiata with Eggplant