Baked Pasta Eggplant Parmesan Casserole

Name: Eggplant Parmesan Pasta Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Ingredients: 4 cups chopped eggplant (cut into about 1/2 inch cubes); 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 Tablespoon olive oil; one medium onion (or half of a large one, chopped); 2 cloves garlic, (minced); 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper, (optional); 1/2 cup dry red wine; 28 oz. canned crushed tomatoes; salt and pepper; 8 oz. penne or ziti (cooked slightly al dente, according to package instructions (substitute gluten free if needed)); 8 oz. fresh mozzarella, (thinly sliced); 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs ((substitute gluten free if needed)); Optional: additional pasta sauce and/or parmesan cheese for serving.

4.67 from 3 votes

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Eggplant Parmesan Pasta Casserole has all the traditional flavors of the Italian comfort food classic without all the work of breading and frying. If you enjoy eggplant parm or are just looking for a simple meatless meal the entire family will enjoy, but don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen, this baked noodle dish is the answer. You can even swap the ingredients to make it a gluten-free casserole recipe!

Eggplant Parmigiana Pasta Casserole Recipe Image with title

When I was getting close to my due date with my youngest, every time I ~~whined~~ ~~complained~~ casually mentioned that I was ready to have this baby, someone undoubtedly mentioned Eggplant Parmigiana. Have you heard about this? Apparently anytime a woman near her due date visits Scalini’s in Georgia and eats the eggplant parm, they go into labor within a couple of days.

They also have the recipe online for those that don’t live nearby, and I received many suggestions to make it. At this point, I could barely stand on my feet for ten minutes. Clearly making traditional eggplant parm wasn’t happening.

Heck, even in tip top shape, I honestly have no desire to stand over a stove frying individual slices of eggplant and make this time- and labor-intensive dish. But that doesn’t mean I don’t think it tastes super-yummy. So I decided to make a simpler version that is just as saucy and cheesy and comforting. Plus it is simple enough for a weeknight meal, but special enough for a nice Sunday dinner. And if you are gluten free like me, it is easy enough to just sub in some gluten free ingredients and still be able to enjoy it.

I can’t guarantee that it’ll help induce labor, but I can guarantee that it’ll induce smiles and “Mmmmmmmssssss” from your family.

Baked Eggplant Pasta Recipe in a casserole dish

Pasta and Eggplant Parmesan Casserole Recipe

This eggplant and pasta recipe will fill your house with incredible aromas while it is baking. It is just like being in a fabulous Italian restaurant. And you get those amazing flavors without the era work and grease of fried eggplant. So now you can enjoy this comfort food classic anytime without spending hours in the kitchen or spending a lot of money on takeout.

Here is a brief overview so you can see just how easy it is to make. Scroll down to the printable recipe card for the full quantities and details.
But don’t skip my PRO TIPS below!

Ingredients

Penne or ziti pasta
Eggplant – peeled, if desired, cut into cubes, then salted and drained to remove excess moisture
Olive oil
Onion
Garlic
Dried oregano, parsley, and basil
Crushed red pepper
Dry red wine – can substitute beef or vegetable broth or omit if you do not cook with alcohol
Canned crushed tomatoes – I recommend the Tuttorosso brand
Salt and pepper
Mozzarella
Parmesan cheese
Italian seasoned breadcrumbs

BRIANNE RECOMMENDS:

You’ll need a 2.5 quart casserole dish or glass baking dish. I like the Corningware French White 2.5 quart oval baking dish because it is the right size and dept to be able to make the layers. If you choose to use a 9×13 glass baking dish, you’ll probably just want to do one layer and put all of the cheese and bread crumbs on top.

Directions overview – scroll to the recipe card for the full set of instructions

Cook pasta slightly al dente according to package instructions.
Make the sauce by sauteing the onoin and garlic in olive oil until softened, then add the eggplant and seasonings. Stir in the red wine and tomates, then simmer till heated through. Stir in the pasta.
Layer the casserole by spreading hald of the pasta mixture in the bottom of the dish, top with half of the mozzarella, bread crumbs, and parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers.
Bake at 400°F for 25-35 minutes or until hot, bubbly, and golden brown.

Penne and Eggplant Casserole topped with mozzarella cheese and bread crumbs

Make it gluten free

Have you missed eggplant parmigiana since you had to go gluten free? Then you have to make this eggplant parmesan casserole!

You’ll just need to substitute your favorite gluten free penne pasta. I find quinoa pasta holds up well in baked pasta dishes. But Barilla gluten free penne is also a great choice. Just be sure to cook it slightly al dente.

The only other substitution is to use Gluten Free Seasoned Breadcrumbs.

One note is that you can prepare it in advance, but it will likely absorb a lot of the sauce. So you may want to serve with some additional sauc eon the side if you like your pasta especiually saucy. However, if you do make it a day or more in advance or try to freeze it, just note that gluten free noodles do tend to break up a bit when reheated. It is still deliciosu though.

A fork picking up a cheesy bite of Baked Eggplant Parmesan Pasta

Make it a meal

Meatless weeknight meal

Salad with Greek Yogurt Caesar Dressing

Sunday dinner

Serve it as a side

This eggplant parmesan casserole makes a great side dish for any of these dinner recipes, especially if you are feeding a large group of family or friends.

Eggplant Parmesan Casserole scooped into a small pan

More pasta casserole recipes

4.7 from 3 votes