Pasta all Caponata, perfect for your next meatless Monday!
I make no secret of the fact that I do love pasta! Throughout all of my years as a chef, my specialties have always been Italian Style Dishes, many containing pasta as an integral part of the dish.
But with all of the world dishes I’ve created and served, it’s always the simplest dishes that make me the happiest. Pasta tossed with freshly made marinara, grilled vegetables or simply tossed in pesto make for a light, yet delicious meal.
With all the fresh vegetables in the market, I decided to make one of Lisa’s favorite bruschetta toppings and toss it with pasta instead. We couldn’t have asked for a fresher, tastier meal!
The grilled veggies made a flavorful caponata that was the perfect complement to an al dente linguine that had been tossed in extra virgin olive oil. Add a little freshly grated Pecorino Romano and you have one delicious plate of pasta.
Now all you need to complete your meal is a tossed salad, a loaf of crusty bread, and either a bottle of sparkling water or a nice light wine and you’ll have a restaurant style meal at a fraction of the cost and what could be better than that!
More Pasta Recipes You’ll Love!
Pasta alla Caponata
Ingredients
- 1 medium eggplant peeled grilled, small dice
- 1 small zucchini sliced long way grilled , small dice
- ½ cup assorted pitted olives small dice
- 1 medium tomato small dice
- 1 tablespoon chopped basil
- ¼ cup vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pound linguine or spaghetti
- Extra virgin olive oil to toss pasta
- 2 tablespoons Freshly grated Romano cheese to finish the dish
Instructions
- Coat eggplant and zucchini in olive oil season with sea salt and pepper and grill or roast until barely cooked. Allow to cool before dicing.
- Dice eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes and olives (cut in a small dice)
- Mix all of the ingredients (except pasta and cheese) together a bowl and toss until mixed well and set aside. Keep at room temp if you are using immediately. If not using right away refrigerate mixture, allowing it to come back to room temperature before using.
- Cook pasta al dente, according to instructions on the box
- Toss cooked pasta with extra virgin olive oil, top with caponata and freshly grated romano cheese.
The Ninja Baker
Your pasta stirs up fond remembrances of visiting my mother in Boston. At Faneuil Market many from the North End would display their dishes and desserts. But I daresay many have not been as lovely and light as the pictured creation from Chef Dennis =)
Helene D'souza
Dinner time is approaching here and I was just going to cook some pasta. Great timing chef! 😉
Jeanette
Caponata is one of my favorite ways to enjoy all the fresh summer produce. I’ve never tried it on pasta – what a great idea!
Chef Dennis Littley
thanks Jeanette! It really was a very simple and delicious meal!
Jersey Girl Cooks
I love pasta too. It’s great with caponata…delish!
Chef Dennis Littley
Thanks Lisa, we did enjoy it!
Sandie@afoodieaffair.com
Looks delicious Dennis! Pasta with Marinara and seasonal veggies are so good!
Chef Dennis Littley
thanks Sandie, It was a delicious dinner!
Michael Toa
You know me, I love pasta too Chef! And I adore aubergines with pasta… so delicious. Love this dish very much.
Chef Dennis Littley
thanks Michael, it was a really tasty dish!
Betty Ann @Mango_Queen
Oh how delicious! Must try this one. Even if it isn’t summer, I can have this alla caponata all year long. Thanks for sharing, Chef Dennis. Happy fall season!
Chef Dennis Littley
My pleasure Betty Ann! Happy Fall to you as well!
Happy Valley Chow
Pasta is definitely one of my favorite meals and your dish here looks incredible! Great job Chef Dennis!
Chef Dennis Littley
Thank you! I don’t think I could ever do without pasta!
RavieNomNoms
Chef that looks amazing!! Such a lovely and simple pasta!
Chef Dennis Littley
Thanks Raven! I do love pasta!
Ugo
I’m definately trying this out tonyt. Will tell yu how it went
Chef Dennis Littley
Thanks! let me know how you like it.
Laura (Tutti Dolci)
I love caponata, perfect pasta dish!
Chef Dennis Littley
Thanks Laura!