Cheesy Eggplant Pasta Bake with a Crispy Topping

This Eggplant Pasta Bake recipe is a comforting and satisfying dish that combines tender roasted eggplant with al dente pasta in a creamy tomato sauce. Topped with a crispy breadcrumb and cheese topping, this bake is bursting with flavors and textures. It's the perfect weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a gathering. This recipe can be easily customized to your taste preferences by adding additional vegetables, herbs, or spices. Serve it with a side salad for a complete and delicious meal.

Ingredients

• 2 medium-sized eggplants, sliced
• 1 pound penne pasta
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place the sliced eggplants on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are golden and tender. Remove from the oven and set aside.
3. While the eggplants are roasting, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the marinara sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes.
5. In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the marinara sauce. Add a layer of cooked penne pasta followed by a layer of roasted eggplant slices. Spread half of the ricotta cheese over the eggplant layer.
6. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients, ending with a layer of marinara sauce. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and bread crumbs on top.
7. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes in the preheated oven. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
8. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
9. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot.
10. Enjoy this delicious and creamy Eggplant Pasta Bake!

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