Pasta Recipe With Shrimp, Eggplant, Garlic And Tomato Sauce

Looking for a quick and flavorful pasta dish? This pasta with shrimp, eggplant, garlic, and tomato sauce is easy to make and packed with fresh, vibrant flavors. The smoky roasted eggplant combined with juicy shrimp and a rich tomato-garlic sauce will have your taste buds begging for more.

Why You’ll Love Pasta Recipe With Shrimp, Eggplant, Garlic And Tomato Sauce

• Rich in Flavor: The combination of roasted eggplant, garlic, and tomato sauce creates a deep, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the tender shrimp. Every bite is packed with deliciousness!
• Simple to Prepare: With just a few easy steps, you can make a restaurant-quality meal right at home. Roasting the eggplant ahead of time makes everything come together quickly.
• Healthy Ingredients: This pasta dish is full of fresh, wholesome ingredients like shrimp, garlic, and tomatoes. It’s a balanced meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
• Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe to your preferences by adding extra veggies, swapping in your favorite pasta, or adjusting the spices for a bit more heat.
• Perfect for Special Occasions or Weeknights: Whether you’re cooking for a special dinner or just a quick weeknight meal, this pasta is elegant yet simple enough to impress any crowd.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs peeled and deveined shrimp, tail off – Peeled, deveined, and tail-off shrimp provide a tender, juicy protein that pairs perfectly with the sauce.
• 1 lb pasta – Use your favorite pasta shape, such as spaghetti, linguine, or penne, to soak up all the delicious sauce.
• 2 medium eggplants – Roasted until tender, eggplant adds a smoky, rich flavor to the dish.
• 1 can (14 oz) chopped tomatoes – Canned tomatoes make the sauce easy and convenient without sacrificing freshness.
• 6 garlic cloves, minced – Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with a deep, savory taste.
• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil – Adds richness and helps bring out the flavors of the garlic and shrimp.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Season to taste for a perfectly balanced dish.

See the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Pasta Recipe With Shrimp, Eggplant, Garlic And Tomato Sauce

• Baking Sheet: To roast the eggplants evenly until they are tender.
• Large Non-Stick Pan: Perfect for sautéing the garlic, tomatoes, and shrimp, and simmering the sauce.
• Pot for Cooking Pasta: A large pot to cook the pasta according to package instructions.
• Spoon for Scooping Eggplant: Helps to easily remove the roasted eggplant flesh from its peel.
• Measuring Spoons: To measure the olive oil and ensure accurate seasoning.

Directions:

Bake the eggplants in 375 F oven for 45 minutes, or until tender (this step can be done in advance).

Cut the baked eggplant in half, scoop out the eggplant flesh with a spoon and discard the peel.  Chop the eggplant into small pieces.

If the shrimp is frozen, defrost it.  See info on defrosting frozen shrimp fast.

Cook the pasta according package directions.

While the pasta is cooking, make the sauce.  For the sauce, heat the oil in a large non-stick pan.  Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.  Add chopped tomatoes and chopped eggplant.  Stir.  After it boils, reduce heat to low, cover the pan and simmer for 5 minutes.  Add shrimp, stir and cook for 2 minutes.  Turn off the heat.

When the pasta is cooked, drain it, and mix with the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and extra flavor.
• A slice of cheesy garlic bread will help you scoop up all that delicious sauce.
• A simple green salad like lettuce and tomato, fresh parsley with tomato, and green salad with cauliflower perfectly with this hearty pasta.
• Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for a cheesy finish.
• A red wine like Sangria complements the shrimp and garlic flavors beautifully.

Tips For Success

• Roast the Eggplant Properly: Make sure the eggplant is fully roasted and tender before adding it to the sauce. Under-roasting can result in a slightly bitter taste, while roasting it fully brings out its natural sweetness and makes it easy to scoop out the flesh.
• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it! It only needs about 2 minutes in the pan. Overcooking can make shrimp rubbery and less flavorful, so take it off the heat as soon as it turns pink.
• Save Some Pasta Water: Before draining the pasta, reserve a cup of the starchy pasta water. If your sauce feels a bit thick after combining with the pasta, adding a splash of pasta water will help loosen it and create a silkier texture.
• Salt in Layers: Add salt at different stages of cooking (while roasting the eggplant, in the pasta water, and in the sauce). This ensures that the flavor builds and is evenly distributed throughout the dish.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce before adding the shrimp and pasta. You can add more garlic, salt, or even a dash of red pepper flakes if you prefer a bit of heat. Adjusting the flavors at the end can make the dish truly perfect.

Variations And Substitutions

• Vegetarian Version: If you’d like to make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the shrimp and add more vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms. These veggies will add texture and flavor while keeping the dish hearty.
• Use Different Pasta: While the recipe calls for traditional pasta, you can easily swap it out for whole wheat pasta, gluten-free pasta, or even zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a low-carb option. The sauce pairs well with any type of pasta, so feel free to use your favorite.
• Spice It Up: If you like a little heat in your pasta, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic or even mix in some spicy Italian sausage. You can also drizzle the finished dish with a bit of chili oil for extra kick.
• Cheesy Addition: For an even creamier and richer flavor, stir in a few spoonfuls of ricotta or mascarpone cheese into the sauce just before serving. It will add a smooth, velvety texture to the tomato sauce.
• Swap the Protein: Not a fan of shrimp? You can easily replace it with grilled chicken, sausage, or even a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh. Each option will add its own unique flavor and texture to the dish.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the pasta is fully cooled before sealing the container to avoid condensation, which can make the pasta soggy.
• Reheating on the Stovetop: To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to the pasta and gently warm it in a pan over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and heat just until the shrimp and pasta are warmed through.
• Reheating in the Microwave: If you prefer the microwave, transfer a portion of the pasta to a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely with a lid or microwave-safe wrap, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals until warmed through.
• Freezing: You can freeze the sauce separately for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop. It’s best not to freeze the pasta and shrimp, as they can become mushy when thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes! You can prepare parts of the recipe ahead of time. For example, you can roast the eggplant in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can also cook the shrimp and sauce, then refrigerate them separately. When you’re ready to serve, simply cook the pasta and combine everything together.

What type of shrimp should I use?

For convenience, it’s best to use peeled and deveined shrimp with the tails off. You can use either fresh or frozen shrimp for this recipe. If using frozen, make sure to defrost them thoroughly before adding them to the sauce. If you like larger shrimp, you can opt for jumbo or large shrimp, but cooking time may vary slightly.

Can I make this pasta recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta. There are plenty of gluten-free options available that work well with this sauce, like rice pasta or chickpea pasta. Just be sure to follow the package instructions for the gluten-free pasta as cooking times may vary.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes, this pasta recipe is generally kid-friendly. The mild tomato sauce and shrimp are usually a hit with kids. If your children aren’t fans of eggplant, you can try blending the sauce to make it smoother, or substitute the eggplant with other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers that they might prefer.

What should I do if I don’t like eggplant?

If you’re not a fan of eggplant, you can substitute it with other vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Each of these alternatives will work well with the tomato and garlic flavors in the sauce. You can also skip the eggplant altogether and focus on the shrimp and tomato sauce for a simpler dish.

Can I add cheese to this recipe?

Yes! Although this recipe doesn’t include cheese, you can sprinkle Parmesan or Pecorino Romano on top for added flavor. If you prefer a creamier sauce, stir in some ricotta or mascarpone cheese just before serving to add richness.

What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?

This recipe works with almost any pasta shape, but long pasta like spaghetti or linguine are particularly good because they hold the sauce well. However, shorter pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni will also work nicely, especially since the sauce has pieces of eggplant and shrimp that can nestle into the pasta.

Other Easy Pasta Recipes

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Creamy Garlic Shrimp Linguine Pasta Recipe: Juicy shrimp are tossed in a luscious creamy garlic sauce and served over perfectly cooked linguine for a restaurant-quality seafood pasta.

Healthy Chicken Pasta Salad – Easy Main Dish Recipe: This light and refreshing pasta salad features grilled chicken, crisp vegetables, and a zesty dressing for a healthy and satisfying main dish.

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Ground Meat and Ricotta Baked Pasta Shells Casserole Recipe: This comforting baked casserole features pasta shells stuffed with seasoned ground meat and creamy ricotta, all baked in a rich tomato sauce.

Ground Meat and Onion Simple Pasta Recipe: A quick and easy pasta dish made with ground meat, sautéed onions, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce for a satisfying weeknight meal.

More Italian Recipes

• Grilled Italian Sausage with Peppers
• Easy Chicken Parmigiana Recipe (Italian Parmesan Chicken)
• Baked Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions Recipe