30-60 min6-8 servingsbocconcini

Eggplant Parmigiana Pasta

By Urvashi Pitre

6-8 servings

30-60 min

Easy

Recipe Details

Course: Dinner, Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Prep Time: 12 min

Cook Time: 15 min

Total Time: 30-60 min

Cooking Technique: Pressure Cook

Cuisine: Italian

Diet: Egg Free, Nut Free, Vegetarian

Yield: 6-8 servings

Ingredients

4 cups Eggplant
1 can diced tomatoes
1/2 cups Water
1 cup diced onion
3 tbsp Unsalted butter or vegetable oil
3 garlic cloves
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp dried Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp red pepper flakes
9 oz penne pasta
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups small mozzarella balls, bocconcini

I posted this recipe in my Facebook group as a thank-you to the great folks in there, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. The really nice thing about it is that the eggplant takes on a variety of flavors and almost disappears in the dish, making it a great way to sneak some veggies into the picky eaters at your dinner table.

INSTRUCTIONS

In the Instant Pot, combine the eggplant, tomatoes, water, onion, 2 tbs of the butter, garlic, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
Add the pasta, and stir. I know it doesn’t look like there will be enough water to cook the pasta. But #trustUrvashi, because the vegetables will release a lot of water. Secure the lid on the pot. Close the pressure-release valve. Select MANUAL/PRESSURE COOK and set the pot at HIGH pressure for 7 minutes. At the end of the cooking time, allow the pot to sit undisturbed for 10 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure.
Meanwhile, in a small skillet, melt the remaining 1 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add the bread crumbs and mix well. Remove from the heat; allow to cool. Mix with the Parmesan cheese and set aside.
Preheat the broiler. Add the mozzarella balls to the pasta, and transfer the pasta to a casserole dish. Sprinkle with the bread crumb mixture and broil for 2 to 3 minutes. Serve.

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About the chef

Urvashi Pitre

Urvashi Pitre is a renowned cookbook author, blogger, and tech enthusiast who specializes in creating recipes that bring people together. Her passion for food began in her childhood home, where meals were a shared experience of love and community. With a background in client services and entrepreneurial ventures, Pitre has written several highly-rated cookbooks, focusing on simplifying cooking with gadgets like the Instant Pot and air fryer. She’s celebrated for her ability to deliver delicious, easy-to-follow recipes for home cooks.

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