Italian Turkey and Tomato Basil Eggplant Roll Pasta Bake
Try this Italian Turkey and Tomato Basil Eggplant Roll Pasta Bake recipe
Try this Italian Turkey and Tomato Basil Eggplant Roll Pasta Bake recipe
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup basil pesto
- 1 cup red wine
- 2 cloves garlic (minced or grated)
- salt + pepper (to taste)
- 8 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese
- 3/4 pound angel hair pasta
- 2 large eggplants cut lengthwise into thin slices
- 1 pound lean ground turkey or ground chicken
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes or sub 1 (14 ounce) can san marza
- 1 cup milk (may sub water if in a pinch)
- 1/4 cup fresh mixed italian herbs (i use basil oregano +
- 4 ounces mozzarella cheese (sliced)
- fresh parsley + basil (for serving)
- Carbohydrate 284.803282104695 g
- Cholesterol 375.007876837016 mg
- Fat 57.9725531798862 g
- Fiber 41.907901037693 g
- Protein 83.913923200134 g
- Saturated Fat 24.628145762915 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (2809g)
- Sodium 577.440307641552 mg
- Sugar 242.895381067002 g
- Trans Fat 5.69730289036626 g
- Calories 2287 calories
Step-by-step
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Boil the pasta until al dente, drain and add to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Add the pesto + 1 tablespoons olive oil and toss well to combine and then evenly coat the pasta.
- Meanwhile, season the eggplant with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Working in batches, cook the eggplant until light golden, 2 minutes on each side. Transfer the eggplant to a paper-towel-lined plate.
- Heat the same skillet over medium heat and add the remaining olive oil. Add the ground turkey or chicken and the garlic and begin breaking up the meat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until well browned, about 5 minutes. Add the cherry tomatoes and tomato paste, give everything a good stir and cook 3-5 minutes.
- Slowly pour in the red wine and milk. Season with salt + pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer, simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the sauce has thickened. Remove from the heat and stir in the fresh herbs, crushed red peppers flakes + parmesan. Allow to cool slightly.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Spoon about 1/3 of the turkey mixture over the pasta. Grab the eggplant slices and place a little of the turkey mixture in the center, roll up the eggplant and nestle it into the pasta and stand up right. Repeat with the remaining eggplant slices. Depending on how large your eggplants are, you may not need all the slices.
- Dollop the ricotta cheese over the eggplant and then add the mozzarella.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and gooey. Garnish with fresh herbs. Enjoy!
My Italian Escape: A Pasta Bake Adventure
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious, healthy meals can feel like a constant uphill battle. Weeknights are a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework help, and the never-ending laundry pile. But even amidst the chaos, I refuse to sacrifice good food. That’s where this Italian Turkey and Tomato Basil Eggplant Roll Pasta Bake comes in. It's a recipe that feels incredibly indulgent yet is surprisingly straightforward, perfect for those evenings when I want something comforting and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
The inspiration struck me during a recent trip to Italy. The vibrant colours, the intoxicating aromas, and of course, the food! Each bite was an explosion of flavour – a symphony of fresh ingredients, herbs, and perfectly cooked pasta. I craved that taste back home, a comforting reminder of sunshine-filled days spent exploring ancient ruins and charming villages. I decided to replicate the flavors I loved most into a dish that fit my busy lifestyle. And so, my version of an Italian dream was born.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. The ground turkey offers a leaner alternative to traditional Italian meat sauces, making it a healthier option without compromising on flavour. The eggplant adds a lovely depth and texture, absorbing the rich tomato sauce beautifully. The combination of basil, oregano, and crushed red pepper adds a touch of warmth and spice. And the creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella? Pure heaven.
But it’s not just about the taste. This recipe also embodies practicality. Much of the prep can be done ahead of time. The eggplant can be sliced and prepped earlier in the day, and the turkey sauce can be simmered while I attend to other tasks. This allows for a streamlined cooking process on busy weeknights, which is crucial for me. It's a recipe that allows me to create a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant-quality time commitment.
The process is incredibly satisfying too. Rolling up those eggplant slices, filled with the fragrant turkey mixture, feels almost meditative. It's a chance to disconnect from the daily grind and focus on the creation of something delicious and nourishing. The aroma that fills the kitchen during baking is utterly irresistible – a fragrant promise of the comforting meal to come.
And the best part? My family absolutely loves it. Even my picky eaters, usually quick to criticize any attempt at a “healthy” meal, devour this pasta bake without complaint. The vibrant colours, the diverse textures, and the satisfyingly comforting taste make it a crowd-pleaser. It’s a dish that brings us all together, fostering a sense of warmth and togetherness around the dinner table – a welcome respite from the pressures of modern life.
So, if you're looking for a flavorful, satisfying, and relatively easy meal that will impress your family and friends, look no further. This Italian Turkey and Tomato Basil Eggplant Roll Pasta Bake is a winner. It's a dish that celebrates the vibrant flavours of Italy while adapting to the demands of a busy life – a testament to the fact that delicious and healthy doesn't have to be complicated.
This recipe is a constant reminder that even on the busiest of days, taking a little time to create something special is worth it. The warmth of family, the aroma of delicious food, the simple act of cooking and sharing a meal – these are the things that truly matter. And this pasta bake is a celebration of all those things. It's more than just food; it's a moment of connection, a touch of Italian sunshine on a busy weeknight.
