Cheesy Eggplant & Tomato Penne
by Amanda Keefer
Wait, there’s eggplant in there? This flavorful combo will have the family focused on a second helping rather than the assortment of veggies. Plus, eggplant is often called brain food due to the many health benefits of the vegetable.
Nutrition Tip: Did you know that eggplants are actually a type of fruit? There are many varieties, but all contain powerful antioxidants in the peel that support a healthy brain, heart, and skin.
If you love eggplant parmesan, then you’ll definitely enjoy our cheesy eggplant & tomato penne. This dish is similar to eggplant parmesan, only in this case, it’s made with penne pasta and diced veggies. It’s a hearty and filling meal that’s perfect for a winter night. And best of all, it’s easy to make.
Cheesy Eggplant & Tomato Penne Health Benefits
If you’ve been looking for a recipe for cheesy eggplant and tomato penne, look no further. This recipe is one of the tastiest and healthiest pasta dishes you’ll ever make. It contains plenty of vegetables and is packed with protein. It’s also high in vitamins and minerals.
The recipe is also versatile and can be stored for a few days in the fridge. If you’d like to have leftovers for another day, you can reheat it in the microwave for a minute or two. You can also add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach.
This dish pairs well with grilled chicken or grilled fish, but it’s also filling and yet light enough to eat as a complete meal if you would like. For vegans, you can omit the parmesan and replace it with vegan cheese.
Eggplant is a mighty vegetable! The health benefits of eggplant are plenty and include everything from weight loss to cancer prevention. This little purple veggie is nutritional powerhouse and should be included in everyone’s diet.
Here are just a few of the many health benefits of eggplant:
Weight Loss: Eggplant is low in calories and high in fiber, making it the perfect food for those looking to lose weight. Fiber helps to keep you feeling full longer, so you’ll eat less throughout the day.
Cancer Prevention: Eggplant contains compounds that have been shown to help prevent cancer. These compounds work by inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, making eggplant a great addition to any anti-cancer diet.
Heart Health: Eggplant is also good for your heart. The fiber in eggplant helps to lower cholesterol levels and keep your arteries clear.
When it comes to your health, you might be surprised to learn that sweet onion and tomatoes are two of the best foods you can eat. Here’s a look at some of the health benefits of these two delicious staples:
Sweet onion is a great source of fiber, which can help to regulate digestion and keep you feeling full longer. It’s also a good source of Vitamin C, which is important for immunity.
Tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, an antioxidant that has been linked with reduced risk of heart disease and cancer. Tomatoes also feature potassium and Vitamin C. And, let’s face it – sweet onion and tomatoes together just taste good! Add in the minced garlic and you’ve got a winning combination that can’t be beat!
To bring in a little more flavor to the mix, you could also add a little Italian seasoning. And, like we mentioned earlier, more veggies are always a good idea. This recipe can also easily be doubled or tripled if you’re serving a large group.
It’s so tasty, we’re betting you will add it to your regular rotation! Enjoy it with some crusty garlic bread and a nice salad on the side and you have an Italian inspired meal fit for a king.
Cheesy Eggplant & Tomato Penne
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 small eggplant diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 small sweet onion diced
- 1 14.5 oz. can can no-salt-added diced tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 3 cup whole grain penne pasta cooked according to package directions
- 1/2 cup shredded lowfat mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add eggplant and garlic, and cook 3 minutes. Add onion and cook 5 minutes. Add tomatoes (undrained), salt and pepper, and cook 5 minutes. Add pasta and stir to combine.
- Served topped with cheese.
