Rigatoni with Aubergine and Pine Nut Crunch

Ingredients for Rigatoni with Aubergine and Pine Nut Crunch

• Nonstick vegetable oil spray

• 1 unpeeled large aubergine (1 1/2 to 800g), cut into 1/2-inch cubes

• 2 medium yellow peppers, cut into 1/2-inch squares

• 300g grape tomatoes

• 3 large garlic cloves, divided

• 1/3 cup olive oil

• 2 cups (firmly packed) fresh basil leaves, divided

• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided

• 60ml pine nuts

• 1 800g can whole tomatoes in juice

• 240ml double cream

• 450g rigatoni

• 450g whole-milk mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

Preheat oven to 218°C. Spray large rimmed baking sheet with nonstick spray; add aubergine and peppers. Cut tomatoes in half lengthwise; add to sheet. Using garlic press, squeeze 1 garlic clove onto vegetables. Drizzle vegetables with oil; toss. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast vegetables until tender, stirring often, 35 to 45 minutes.

Combine 2/3 cup basil, 1/2 cup Parmesan, pine nuts, and 1 garlic clove in mini processor. Blend until crumbly. Season topping with salt.

Blend tomatoes with juice, cream, 1 1/3 cups basil, and 1 garlic clove in processor until smooth. Season sauce with salt and pepper.

Cook pasta in pot of boiling salted water until just tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally; drain. Return to pot. Toss with vegetables, sauce, and 120ml Parmesan. Transfer to 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with mozzarella and pine nut topping.

Bake pasta until heated through, 25 to 35 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes and serve.

Clause de non-responsabilité

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.