This Eggplant Caponata Pasta with Smoked Mozzarella is a savory and rich dish that combines perfectly cooked mezzi rigatoni with a sweet and jam-like caponata made from eggplant, peppers, tomatoes, and capers. The addition of smoked mozzarella and toasted pine nuts brings depth of flavor and texture, making it a unique and satisfying meal. It’s a great way to enjoy vegetables in a comforting pasta dish, and it’s easy enough to make for a weeknight dinner but special enough for a fancy meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• For the Caponata

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

  • 1/2 large sweet onion, finely chopped

  • 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

  • 1 medium eggplant, finely diced

  • 1 red bell pepper, finely diced

  • 2 ribs celery, finely diced

  • 1 cup grape tomatoes, quartered

  • 1 tablespoon capers

  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon sugar

  • 1/4 cup pine nuts

  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped flat-leaf parsley

  • Salt and pepper to taste

• For the Pasta

  • 1 pound mezzi rigatoni (or your favorite short pasta)

  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano, divided

  • 8 ounces fresh smoked mozzarella, cut into 1/2″ pieces

  • Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling

  • Finely chopped flat-leaf parsley for serving

Directions

1. Make the Caponata:

   • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion, garlic, eggplant, bell pepper, celery, and a pinch of salt. Sauté for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables begin to soften and caramelize.

   • Add the tomatoes, capers, red wine vinegar, and sugar. Continue to cook for another 10 minutes until the tomatoes break down and the mixture becomes jammy. Stir in the toasted pine nuts and chopped parsley, then season with salt and pepper.

2. Toast the Pine Nuts:

   • In a dry skillet over medium-low heat, toast the pine nuts until golden and fragrant. Be sure to shake the pan frequently to prevent burning. Remove them from the pan and set aside.

3. Cook the Pasta:

   • Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the mezzi rigatoni until just shy of al dente. The pasta will continue to cook when tossed with the caponata and broiled.

4. Combine Pasta and Caponata:

   • Add the cooked pasta to the caponata and mix well. Stir in half of the Parmigiano Reggiano and all the smoked mozzarella.

5. Broil the Dish:

   • Transfer the pasta mixture to an oven-safe skillet or baking dish. Top with the remaining Parmigiano Reggiano and drizzle with olive oil. Broil under high heat for 4-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.

6. Serve:

   • Serve the pasta in bowls, drizzling with extra olive oil and topping with additional Parmesan and chopped parsley.

Estimated Nutritional Value (per serving)

• Calories: 550–650 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 60–70g

• Protein: 20–25g

• Fat: 25–30g

  • Saturated Fat: 8–10g

• Cholesterol: 40–60mg

• Sodium: 600–800mg

• Potassium: 800–1000mg

• Fiber: 5–7g

• Sugar: 10–12g

• Vitamin A: 10–15% of Daily Value

• Vitamin C: 20–25% of Daily Value

• Calcium: 15–20% of Daily Value

• Iron: 10–12% of Daily Value

This dish is rich in healthy fats from olive oil and pine nuts, along with fiber from the vegetables. The smoked mozzarella and Parmigiano Reggiano provide a good amount of protein and calcium, while the pasta offers carbohydrates. This meal is hearty and nutritious, with a nice balance of macronutrients and vitamins.

The Star Ingredient: Caponata

The heart of this dish lies in the caponata. Made from a variety of vegetables, caponata is a perfect blend of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. Eggplant, which is the base of the caponata, provides a soft, creamy texture that absorbs the flavors of the vinegar, sugar, and tomatoes. The red bell pepper and celery add sweetness and crunch, while the grape tomatoes bring freshness and acidity to the mixture. Capers provide a briny tang that contrasts with the sweetness of the sugar and the sharpness of the vinegar.

The slow cooking process allows the vegetables to soften and caramelize, creating a jam-like consistency that is rich and flavorful. The addition of the toasted pine nuts at the end adds both flavor and texture, providing a slight crunch and a nutty undertone that perfectly complements the other ingredients. The caponata is then finished with freshly chopped parsley, which adds a fresh, herbal note to balance the richness of the dish.

Smoked Mozzarella: A Unique Touch

One of the standout features of this dish is the addition of smoked mozzarella. While regular mozzarella would work just fine, the smoky version adds a whole new dimension of flavor. The smokiness of the mozzarella enhances the savory profile of the caponata, giving the dish a depth of flavor that is both bold and comforting. The mozzarella also melts beautifully when broiled, creating a creamy, melty topping that contrasts perfectly with the jammy caponata and hearty pasta.

Smoked mozzarella is a great choice because it complements the vegetables without overwhelming them, providing a rich but balanced flavor. It’s not too strong, but its smoky undertone elevates the entire dish, making it more complex and satisfying. The combination of the smooth, melted mozzarella with the crisp, golden layer of Parmigiano Reggiano that is broiled on top makes this dish irresistible.

Toasted Pine Nuts: Adding Texture and Flavor

The toasted pine nuts are the finishing touch that takes this dish to the next level. Pine nuts, with their delicate sweetness and buttery flavor, add a satisfying crunch to the otherwise soft vegetables and cheese. Toasting the pine nuts in a dry skillet enhances their natural nuttiness, bringing out a deeper flavor that complements both the caponata and the mozzarella.

The pine nuts also contribute healthy fats, making the dish not only more flavorful but also more nutritionally balanced. The slight crunch of the pine nuts contrasts wonderfully with the creamy pasta and melted cheese, creating a pleasing variety of textures in every bite.

Perfectly Cooked Pasta: Mezzi Rigatoni

For this dish, mezzi rigatoni is the pasta of choice. This short, ridged pasta shape is perfect for holding onto the rich caponata sauce, ensuring that each bite is filled with flavor. The ridges of the mezzi rigatoni catch the vegetables and sauce, allowing the dish to be even more flavorful. Mezzi rigatoni’s hearty texture also stands up well to the broiling process, holding its shape and providing a substantial base for the other ingredients.

While mezzi rigatoni is the recommended pasta, you can also substitute it with other short pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni. The key is to choose a pasta that can hold the sauce well, making each bite of the dish as flavorful as possible.

Broiling the Pasta: A Crispy, Cheesy Finish

One of the best parts of this Eggplant Caponata Pasta with Smoked Mozzarella is the broiling step. After combining the cooked pasta with the caponata and smoked mozzarella, the pasta mixture is transferred to an oven-safe skillet or baking dish, topped with Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, and broiled until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Broiling the dish adds a satisfying crispy texture on top, while the cheese melts into the pasta and vegetables, creating a gooey, cheesy layer that is irresistible. The heat from the broiler also enhances the smoky flavor of the mozzarella, while giving the pine nuts a final toasty finish. This step makes the dish feel indulgent and comforting, while still being easy to prepare.

Serving and Presentation: A Dish to Impress

Eggplant Caponata Pasta with Smoked Mozzarella is a beautifully presented dish that is as visually appealing as it is delicious. The vibrant colors of the vegetables and the golden, melted cheese make the dish look as good as it tastes. When serving, you can drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil over the top to add a glossy finish and enhance the flavor.

For a more refined presentation, sprinkle the dish with additional Parmigiano Reggiano and finely chopped parsley just before serving. The fresh parsley adds a pop of green, making the dish look even more inviting. You can also serve this dish with a side of fresh salad to balance out the richness of the pasta, or with a glass of red wine to complement the smoky flavors of the mozzarella and vegetables.

Health Benefits of Eggplant Caponata Pasta with Smoked Mozzarella

This dish offers several nutritional benefits, thanks to its combination of vegetables, healthy fats, and protein. The eggplant and peppers provide essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium, while the pine nuts contribute heart-healthy fats and fiber. The smoked mozzarella and Parmigiano Reggiano add protein and calcium, supporting bone health and muscle function.

While the dish is hearty and satisfying, it also provides a good balance of macronutrients. The pasta offers carbohydrates for energy, while the olive oil and pine nuts provide healthy fats. The vegetables and herbs contribute fiber and antioxidants, making this a well-rounded and nutritious meal.

Why Eggplant Caponata Pasta with Smoked Mozzarella is Perfect for Any Occasion

Eggplant Caponata Pasta with Smoked Mozzarella is a versatile dish that can be served for a variety of occasions. Its comforting, rich flavors make it perfect for a weeknight dinner, while the complexity of flavors and elegant presentation make it a great choice for special meals and gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply looking for a satisfying meal at home, this dish is sure to impress.

The balance of vegetables, cheese, and pasta makes this dish a crowd-pleaser, suitable for both vegetarians and those who enjoy hearty pasta meals. The added smoked mozzarella gives the dish a sophisticated touch, while the toasted pine nuts add a delightful crunch, making each bite a delicious experience.

Conclusion: A Hearty, Flavorful Italian Dish

Eggplant Caponata Pasta with Smoked Mozzarella is a dish that celebrates the rich, vibrant flavors of Mediterranean cuisine. With its savory caponata sauce, smoky mozzarella, and hearty pasta, it offers a satisfying and indulgent meal that is both comforting and sophisticated. Whether enjoyed for a casual dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.