This Eggplant, Caramelized Onion, Tomato and Burrata Pasta is perfect for all that gorgeous summer eggplant. It’s a hearty dish that never fails to impress!
Hi guys and Happy Thursday! The weekend’s in sight along with a relaxing weeks vacation for Tom and I, so today I’m celebrating with a huge bowl of Eggplant, Caramelized Onion, Tomato and Burrata Pasta! Care to join me??
Eggplant season is in full swing in the lovely Garden State, so there’s no better dish to serve up than this tasty pasta loaded with tender eggplant, savory caramelized onion, juicy tomatoes and creamy burrata. I hope you guys are eggplant fans because this dish is so easy and flavorful it’s sure to become part of your summer menu.
I have to say I haven’t been an eggplant lover my whole life. And it’s not because I didn’t like the taste. It was mainly because I didn’t even give it a try until I was in my 30’s. I know, crazy it took me that long. I’m always game for trying anything new, but frankly the opportunity never presented itself. Once I tried it though, I was hooked.
My first taste of eggplant was in something called an Eggplant Stack from a little market at the Jersey Shore that sold the most amazing prepared foods ever. I shared it with you guys back in January of 2015. If you missed it, it’s definitely worth a peek! Unfortunately, because of Hurricane Sandy that little market in Normandy Beach, New Jersey is no longer in business. But I remember almost every single dish they ever served up, so I’ve been creating them at home for years.
What’s almost even better than the taste of this dish is the list of health benefits that eggplant boasts! It’s low in calories, contains no fat and it’s high in fiber. It contains certain phyto nutrients which nourish the brain and improve blood circulation. And studies show that eggplant can help lower “bad” cholesterol. Woot! Woot!
So come on folks, grab some eggplant and make this one a regular on your summer menu! Hope you enjoy and have a great weekend!
Ingredients
- 1-2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 2 cups yellow onion sliced thin and quartered
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- 4 cups eggplant cut into 1/2 inch cubes
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 28 ounce can San Marzano whole peeled tomatoes with juices, crushed
- 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes
- 1 lb. gemelli pasta
- 8 oz. burrata
- 1/3 cup basil leaves julienned
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add onions, salt and pepper and cook until caramelized, about 25 minutes.
- Add eggplant and garlic and continue to cook for 5 minutes.
- Add crushed tomatoes and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer.
- While sauce is simmering cook pasta al dente according to package directions.
- Drain pasta and add to tomato sauce.
- Add burrata and basil. Toss to coat.
- Remove from heat.
- Sprinkle with parmesan and season to taste with salt and pepper.
Karen @ Seasonal Cravings
I rarely eat eggplant but you make me want to try it with this lovely pasta dish. Have a great vacation, Mary Ann!
Mary Ann
Thanks Karen! This dish is so easy and flavorful! I always make it during the summer because I can get the most beautiful eggplant from a farm nearby. You enjoy your weekend!
Alida | Simply Delicious
This recipe looks so delicious Mary Ann! I really love all those fresh summery flavours with the creamy burrata. Just lovely! Enjoy your holiday!
Mary Ann
Delicious AND easy Alida! I’m so looking forward to just relaxing next week! Have a wonderful weekend!
Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop
I’ll join you for dinner! This pasta says total comfort and deliciousness!
Mary Ann
Please do Kathy! This one’s a keeper! Happy weekend!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary
Ummm I’d like to join you in devouring a big ‘ole bowl of this pasta… and on a weeks vacation. Lol! I hope you guys have a fabulous, relaxing time, Mary Ann! Okay, back to this dish. I wasn’t a fan of eggplant when I was really little, but I grew to love it! Especially when it’s prepared like this- with caramelized onions, tomato, pasta AND burrata! Talk about a fully loaded dish!! So much deliciousness going on here! I need this!! Pinned! Cheers, friend!
Mary Ann
Thanks Cheyanne! I’m going to try to relax most of the week! Some yummy cocktails and beach time. I don’t ask for much! You have a great weekend too!
Fiona
Looks fantastic! I’m with you on eggplant or as we Brits call it – Aubergine , not my favorite , but this looks yummy!
Mary Ann
Thanks Fiona! Hope you have a wonderful weekend! Stay cool. It will be close to 100 here! UGH!
Geraldine | Green Valley Kitchen
Please save me a big bowl of this, Mary Ann. It’s my idea of a perfect, comforting dinner. Love it!
Mary Ann
Will do Geraldine!! So glad you like it! Happy weekend!
Carol
Looks good but tomatoes are on my not to eat list, go figure not eating tomatoes living in Jersey during the summer. This is going to be one of my few cheat days.
Mary Ann
Oh no Carol!! I’d have to cheat! Hope you have a great weekend!
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers
I really just want to sit down and dig in to that bowl! Such great ingredients and pasta and burrata. Perfect dinner :)
Mary Ann
It’s one of my favorite summer pasta dishes Jennifer!
Carolyn Needham
I made this tonight for dinner with some neighbors. It was so fresh and healthy delicious! Everyone loved it!!!
Mary Ann
Yay! So glad you all liked it!
Gerlinde | Sunnycovechef
This would be a perfect meal for me but my husband doesn’t like eggplants. I have to eat it by myself. It looks delicious.
Mary Ann
More for you then Gerlinde!! Happy weekend my friend!
Kate @ Framed Cooks
I love the twirly pasta you have going on, and of course anything with burrata in it has me at hello! Another great one, Mary Ann!
Mary Ann
I know, burrata is a favorite!! So creamy!Thanks so much Kate!
Traci | Vanilla And Bean
I’m a BIG eggplant fan and love this time of year because of eggplant (because of eggplant!). It’s fresh and local right now.. problem is Rob is not a fan. I can’t understand why. LOVE this big bowl of pasta, Mary Ann! I’d totally faceplant! Have a beautiful weekend! xo
Mary Ann
I am too Traci, but as usual, my picky Tom is not. No problem though because that means more for me! Lol! Hope your weekend is fabulous too!
Cathy | whatshouldimakefor.com
wow. this looks unbelievable Mary Ann. i’m a huge eggplant lover and that burrata. just stop it! i wish that market was still here because you’re making me long for one of those eggplant stacks right now!
Mary Ann
Ha! I miss that market so much. It was right at the end of our street in NB. Dangerous!! Have a great weekend Cathy!
Amanda @ Cookie Named Desire
This looks amazing! i am always looking for new recipes for eggplant. It is one of my favorite vegetables! And I guess it never really sunk in until now that you are also from NJ lol I am so glad to find another kinda local blogger (There aren’t a many in this area!)
Mary Ann
Thanks so much Amanda! Yay, another Jersey girl! Hope you’re having a great summer!
Megan - The Emotional Baker
In the past, I didn’t like eggplant’s texture, but now I love it! I had my first pasta dish the other day! I can’t wait to try this version – I’m sure it’s delicious :)
Mary Ann
I hope you enjoy it Megan!!
Dawn @ Girl Heart Food
I didn’t realize eggplant was so good for you! And I love it too, so bonus :) !! I would love a big ol’ bowl of this right now. Perfect comfort food, isn’t it? Pinned, of course :) Have a relaxing break, Mary Ann! Enjoy!
Mary Ann
Thanks so much Dawn! Looking forward to some cocktails, delicious food and time with friends! You have a wonderful week!
Liz @ Floating Kitchen
This sounds like the perfect easy Summer dinner! I haven’t eaten much eggplant yet this year (I don’t know why!), so I think I need to get my butt to the store and make this ASAP!
Mary Ann
Sounds like a plan! I was channeling my “inner Liz” for my Thursday’s post! A delicious cocktail coming your way!! You’re going to LOVE it!
Michelle | The Secret Ingredient Is
Oh my goodness – everything about this pasta…. just YES. I absolutely adore this combination of ingredients – so flavorful and delicious. I’m a big fan of throwing eggplant into a bowl of pasta, and this is just perfection, I’d eat it for breakfast right now if I could. Especially with that burrata!
Mary Ann
Thanks so much Michelle! I know! Burrata! So creamy and delicious!
Matt
Love everything happening in the pasta Mary Ann!
Mary Ann
Yes! It’s one of my favorites Matt!
Tessa | Salted Plains
I love eggplant and am so loving the flavors in this pasta! I feel crazy because I’ve never had burrata. What is wrong with me! Haha. I cannot wait to make this – I know my husband will love it too.
Mary Ann
I’m glad Tessa! I think you’ll both enjoy it! Have a great week!
rebecca | DisplacedHousewife
Holy Moley Mary Ann!! This is one beautiful plate of pasta!! Love the eggplant…burrata…heaven!! xo
Mary Ann
Ha! Thanks so much Rebecca! It’s one of my summer favorites! I love my eggplant all summer long!
Nicole @ Young, Broke and Hungry
I’ve been a huge fan of eggplant since I can remember and pairing it with burrata sounds so dang good!
Mary Ann
It is Nicole! Go for it!
Jessica DeMay
This pasta looks so delicious and packed with flavor! I hope you are having an amazing, relaxing vacation!
Mary Ann
Thanks Jessica! It’s going great so far! Enjoy the pasta!
Laura | Tutti Dolci
Such a gorgeous summery pasta, this looks like a winner!
Mary Ann
Thanks Laura! It is at our house!
Sarah
I’m finally getting over my fear of eggplant!! My husband loves eggplant and I was always opposed to the mushiness, but I’ve been becoming more and more open to it. This looks like the perfect combination of flavors and one that we would both love. Beautiful! p.s. can’t wait for you cocktail recipe ;)
Mary Ann
Thanks Sarah! I can’t wait to share the cocktail tomorrow! I had it when I was down in Charleston visiting Sean! It’s so delicious!
Mick
This looks absolutely delicious!!
Mary Ann
It’s a family favorite Mick! Enjoy it if you give it a go!
lori pomphrey
Mare, made this last night for an unexpected crowd…super delicious!!
Loved it!
xxx
lcp
Mary Ann
So glad you liked it Lore!! XO