One-Pot Pasta with Eggplant & Garlic

There’s something deeply comforting about pasta bubbling away in a rich tomato sauce—especially when it comes together in one pan. This eggplant and garlic pasta is one of those simple, no-fuss dishes I turn to when I want something nourishing but don’t feel like doing a mountain of dishes.

The inspiration for this recipe comes from Mediterranean flavors I grew up with: velvety eggplant, sweet-tart tomatoes, and plenty of garlic. Everything cooks together in the same pan, including the pasta, which soaks up all the flavor as it simmers.

You can keep this recipe as minimal or as fancy as you like. Sometimes I finish it with fresh basil. Other times, I just crack some black pepper over the top and dig in. It’s also easily adaptable—choose your favorite pasta, skip the cheese to make it vegan, or add a pinch of chili flakes for a bit of heat.

This is truly a pantry-friendly recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

One-pot pasta with eggplant, garlic and tomato sauce; garnished with fresh parsley

Ingredients

• 2 aubergines, diced

• 3-4 garlic cloves, finely sliced

• 400g peeled tomatoes (or canned)

• 250g linguine or pasta of choice

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or sunflower oil

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Dried oregano

• Dried basil (optional)

• Chili flakes (optional)

• Fresh basil or parsley to garnish (optional)

• Grated parmesan or pecorino (optional)

Instructions

Heat the oil in a large, deep pan over medium heat. Add the diced eggplant and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until it begins to soften and brown.

Add the garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Pour in the tomatoes, stir, and then add 2 cups of water—just enough to cover the pasta. Bring to a simmer. Add the pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10–12 minutes, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened.

Season with salt, black pepper, oregano, and optional dried basil or chili flakes. If the sauce thickens too quickly, splash in a bit more water.

Serve with fresh herbs and grated cheese, if using.

Happy cooking!