AubergineGarlicPastaSpinach

Aubergine and Garlic Penne

One of the most mouthwatering aromas – roasted vegetables and garlic. A tasty alternative to more traditional pasta sauces, this is a delicious way to incorporate more vegetables and nutrients into your recipe repertoire with the addition of aubergine and spinach.

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cooking Time: 50 mins
4 people

Used in this recipe

Ingredients

2 large aubergines, halved and flesh scored
1 small garlic bulb
2 tbsp Filippo Berio Classico Olive Oil
75g grated hard pecorino (remove to make vegan)
500g penne
200g spinach
1 small bunch basil, leaves torn
Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oil to drizzle

Method

Preheat the oven to 180ºC.
Line a roasting tray and place the aubergine halves and the whole garlic bulb on it, drizzled with 2 tbsp Filippo Berio Classico Olive Oil. Roast for 30-45 minutes until softened.
Once cooked, scoop out the aubergine flesh and place in a food processor. Add the (peeled) garlic cloves, 50g of pecorino, season and blend until combined but not too smooth.
Cook the penne in salted boiling water according to packet instructions. Strain the pan, keeping a cup of pasta water.
In a large frying pan, wilt the spinach with a splash of water. When cooled, squeeze the excess water and coarsely chop.
Add the spinach back into the frying pan with the penne and aubergine sauce. Use the saved pasta water to loosen the sauce if necessary.
Add the remaining 25g pecorino, basil, seasoning and drizzle with Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oil before serving.

Classico Olive Oil

From £10.99

This versatile all-purpose Olive Oil is excellent for sautéing, grilling and roasting or as a base for sauces. Delicious with everything from meat and poultry to your favourite vegetables. Oil comprising exclusively olive oils that have undergone refining and oils obtained directly from olives.