Eggplant Ricotta Pasta

Creamy, flavorful and oh-so-comforting, this eggplant ricotta pasta is just the perfect vegetarian dinner. Roasted eggplant is tossed in a tasty tomato-based sauce and topped with fresh ricotta — simple yet utterly delicious.

📝 Ingredients

• 2 medium eggplants, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 8 oz (250 g) short pasta
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 1/2 cup (400 ml) tomato puree (passata)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 cup (250 g) fresh ricotta
• 6-8 fresh basil leaves
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). In...: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, toss the eggplant cubes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil until evenly coated. Transfer the eggplant to the air fryer basket and cook for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the eggplant is golden and tender. (If your air fryer doesn’t require pre-heating, you can toss everything in the air fryer basket from the beginning).
2. 2While the eggplant is air frying, bring a...: While the eggplant is air frying, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 2 cups of the pasta water.
3. 3In a large skillet over medium heat, add...: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the onion for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and aromatic.
4. 4Add the garlic and red chili flakes and...: Add the garlic and red chili flakes and continue to cook for 1 minute.
5. 5Stir in the tomato paste and cook for...: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add the tomato puree and dried oregano. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. 6Fold the air-fried eggplant into the tomato sauce....: Fold the air-fried eggplant into the tomato sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
7. 7Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with...: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss to combine. If the mixture seems dry, add more of the reserved pasta water.
8. 8Dollop fresh ricotta over the pasta, gently folding...: Dollop fresh ricotta over the pasta, gently folding it in to create a creamy texture. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
9. 9Tear the basil leaves by hand and sprinkle...: Tear the basil leaves by hand and sprinkle them over the pasta.
10. 10Serve immediately, with extra basil leaves and freshly...: Serve immediately, with extra basil leaves and freshly grated black pepper on top.