NEAPOLITAN SUMMER VEGETABLE PASTA

Neapolitan Summer Vegetable Pasta image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 20m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
One 24-ounce jar tomato-basil sauce, warmed
5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 small eggplant, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 small zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 pound bucatini pasta
1 1/2 cups fresh ricotta
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

Steps:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Whisk together 1 cup of the tomato sauce with 2 tablespoons oil in a small bowl; set aside. Season the eggplant and zucchini generously with salt and let sit in a colander for 15 minutes. Rinse with cold water and pat dry with a paper towel.
Heat the remaining 3 tablespoons oil with the red pepper flakes and garlic in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add the vegetables and cook, tossing occasionally, until tender, golden and crisp, about 5 minutes.
Cook the pasta according to the package directions; drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water. Return the pasta to the pot along with the pasta water and remaining tomato sauce. Toss to coat and divide among 6 bowls. Top with the vegetables, reserved tomato sauce mixture, ricotta and basil.