PASTA WITH EGGPLANT AND BASIL SAUCE

Pasta with Eggplant and Basil Sauce image

Provided by Karin Korvin

Yield Serves 4

Number Of Ingredients 12

5 tablespoons olive oil
2 bell peppers (preferably 1 red and 1 yellow), chopped
2 small onions, chopped
1 small eggplant, unpeeled, cut into 1/2- to 3/4-inch cubes
2 large garlic cloves, chopped
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil or 1 1/2 tablespoons dried
1/4 cup chopped toasted pine nuts
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 cup canned vegetable broth
3/4 pound penne, freshly cooked
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

Heat oil in heavy large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add bell peppers, onions, eggplant and garlic; sauté until onions are translucent, about 6 minutes. Add 1/2 cup basil, pine nuts, thyme and rosemary and sauté until eggplant softens, about 10 minutes. Mix in broth. Simmer sauce until eggplant is very tender and liquids begin to thicken, stirring occasionally, about 30 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Rewarm over low heat before continuing.)
Add penne to sauce in Dutch oven. Toss until sauce coats pasta. Transfer to large bowl. Sprinkle with Parmesan.