Easy eggplant pasta: A comforting mediterranean-style dinner

If you’re looking for a simple, hearty and healthy dinner, this Mediterranean-inspired eggplant pasta is everything a home cook over 60 could want – comforting, budget-friendly and packed with flavour. Eggplant softens beautifully as it cooks, adding richness without heaviness, while tomatoes, garlic and basil give the dish its classic Italian warmth. It’s the perfect midweek meal using affordable ingredients you may already have in the pantry.

Eggplant Pasta Recipe
Ingredients (Serves 4)

1 large eggplant, cut into 2cm cubes
2 tbsp olive oil
1 brown onion, finely diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tin (400g) diced tomatoes
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried chilli flakes (optional)
1 cup vegetable stock
350g pasta (penne, rigatoni or spaghetti)
Salt and pepper, to taste
½ cup grated parmesan (optional or use a lighter cheese)
Fresh basil leaves, to serve

Method

Prep the eggplant
Sprinkle the cubed eggplant with a pinch of salt and set it aside for 10 minutes. This helps draw out bitterness and improves texture. Pat dry with paper towel.
Cook the eggplant
Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the eggplant and cook until lightly browned and softened (about 8–10 mins). Remove and set aside.
Build the sauce
Add remaining oil to the pan, then sauté the onion until soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic, tomato paste, oregano and chilli flakes.
Simmer
Pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable stock, stirring to combine. Return the eggplant to the pan. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and the eggplant is silky.
Cook the pasta
Meanwhile, cook pasta according to packet instructions. Drain, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water.
Combine
Toss the cooked pasta through the sauce, adding pasta water a little at a time if needed to loosen.
Serve
Season with salt and pepper, top with fresh basil and parmesan, and enjoy a warm, nourishing bowl of comfort.

Healthy Tip
Eggplant is naturally high in fibre and low in calories, making this recipe filling without being heavy – ideal for seniors looking for lighter meals that still satisfy.