There’s something quietly satisfying about a meal that comes together in one pot—less cleanup, more flavor mingling, and a cozy vibe that wraps around you like a favorite blanket. This One Pot Pasta with Aubergine hits that spot just right, with soft cubes of aubergine soaking up the garlicky tomato broth as the pasta cooks to tender perfection.

I remember the first time I made this, I was trying to whip up dinner while half-watching a show and juggling a couple of texts. Somewhere between stirring the pot and answering a message, I got distracted and almost let the pasta stick. But that little hiccup turned into a bit of a happy accident because the aubergine got a bit more caramelized around the edges, and it brought a lovely depth to the dish. Nothing here is too precise, and that’s part of the charm—just a few simple steps leading to something warm and comforting.

It’s a hands-off kind of meal that still feels thoughtful and homemade.
The aubergine adds a creamy texture without overpowering the fresh tomato and herb notes.
While quick, it’s not a one-note dish; the gentle kick of chili flakes balances sweetness and earthiness.
It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point, especially when you want dinner without the fuss.

If you’re worried about timing, the recipe gives you enough wiggle room to multitask, making it perfect for weeknights when the day’s chaos hasn’t quite settled. It’s not fancy, but it’s exactly the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a busy day.

One Pot Pasta with Aubergine

Print Recipe

A delicious and easy one pot pasta dish featuring tender aubergine, ripe tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, all cooked together for a flavorful and comforting meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4

Ingredients

Scale

1 medium aubergine (about 300 grams), diced into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
400 grams canned diced tomatoes
400 grams dried spaghetti
4 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
50 grams grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, chopped

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Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium heat.
Add the diced aubergine and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and lightly browned.
Add the chopped onion and cook for 3 minutes until translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the canned diced tomatoes, dried spaghetti, vegetable broth, dried oregano, dried basil, red chili flakes, salt, and black pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low.
Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes or until the pasta is cooked and the liquid has mostly absorbed.
Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the pasta before serving.

About the kitchen setup—this recipe works well in any deep skillet or pot that can hold all the ingredients comfortably. No need for special gear, just a solid pan and a good wooden spoon. When serving, I like to pair it with a fresh green salad or a crisp side of roasted vegetables to brighten the plate. If you’re feeling adventurous, swapping the aubergine for zucchini or adding a handful of olives can add a different twist, though I haven’t tested all of these myself. Sometimes a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of chili oil on top can give it an unexpected yet welcome layer of flavor.

FAQ

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned? I usually stick with canned because it’s more convenient and consistent, but fresh tomatoes can work if you simmer them long enough.

What if I don’t have Parmesan? Pecorino or any hard grating cheese works well, or just skip it for a dairy-free option.

Is this recipe vegan? It’s almost vegan, just leave out the cheese or use a plant-based alternative.

Ready to make dinner a little easier and a lot tastier? Give this one pot aubergine pasta a try tonight—you might just find your new favorite quick comfort meal.