 
              Penne with Eggplant, Tomatoes & Chick Peas
When you’re in the mood for something hearty, yet meatless, this fresh-tasting pasta dish is just the ticket.
Made with Crushed Tomatoes
Mutti® Polpa keeps all the freshness of freshly picked tomatoes. This unique product combines the finely cut pulpy part of the fruit with its own juice.
Ingredients
        
                  
        
                            
                          - 
                
                
                
                kosher salt
                
                              
- 
                
                10
                oz
                penne pasta
                
                              
- 
                
                1/4
                cup
                olive oil, plus additional if needed
                
                              
- 
                
                1
                
                large eggplant, peeled and diced
                
                                  (about 6+1/2 cups)
                              
- 
                
                1
                
                large sweet onion, thinly sliced lengthwise
                
                                  (about 4+1/4 cup)
                              
- 
                
                2
                tbsp
                minced garlic
                
                              
- 
                
                1
                can
                chick peas, drained and rinsed
                
                                  (15 oz.)
                              
- 
                
                1
                cans
                Mutti® Finely Chopped Tomatoes
                
                                  (14 oz., Polpa)
                              
- 
                
                
                
                freshly ground black pepper
                
                              
- 
                
                3
                oz
                crumbled ricotta salata
                
                                  (about 1 cup)
                              
- 
                
                
                leaves
                basil for garnish
                
                              
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Penne with Eggplant, Tomatoes & Chick Peas: Method
- Bring a large pot of well salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to package directions until al dente. Save ½ cup of the pasta water. Drain the penne, return to the pot, and set aside.
- Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the eggplant and cook, stirring occasionally until it begins to soften, adding more oil if necessary, to prevent sticking, 5 to 6 minutes.
- Lower the heat to medium, add the onions, and continue to cook, stirring occasionally until they begin to soften, about 6 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook until just fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the chick peas, tomatoes, ¼ cup of the pasta water, 1 tsp. salt and ½ tsp. pepper and cook until just heated through, about 2 minutes.
- Add the sauce mixture to the pot with the penne and toss until well combined. Add the remaining 1/2 cup pasta water if the mixture is too thick. Adjust the seasoning.
- Divide the penne mixture among serving bowls. Top with the crumbled ricotta salata and basil and serve.
