Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Sicilian Aubergine Pasta is made with aubergines, plum tomatoes, garlic, green olives, capers, pine nuts, basil, Parmesan, and dried pasta. This recipe creates a rich, hearty pasta dish with a savory Sicilian twist. It takes about 37 minutes to prepare and serves 2.
Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Sicilian Aubergine Pasta Ingredients
- 2 aubergines (250g each)
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 8 green olives, stone in
- ½ a bunch of basil (15g)
- 1 tbsp baby capers in brine
- 2 tbsp pine nuts
- 1 x 400g tin of plum tomatoes
- 150g dried pasta
- 20g Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Sea salt and black pepper
- Splash of red wine vinegar
How To Make Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Sicilian Aubergine Pasta
- Roast the Aubergine: Chop aubergines into 3cm chunks, season, and cook in air fryer at 200ºC for 15 minutes, shaking halfway.
- Add Aromatics: Add sliced garlic, chopped basil stalks, torn olives, capers, pine nuts, and oil. Cook 5 minutes at 200ºC.
- Make the Sauce: Crush in tomatoes, add water, and cook 10 more minutes at 200ºC. Add torn basil, red wine vinegar, and season.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta per packet instructions, drain, and save some starchy water.
- Combine and Serve: Mix pasta with the sauce in the drawer, loosen with water if needed. Serve with Parmesan and basil leaves.
Recipe Tips
- Shake aubergines halfway: This ensures even roasting.
- Crush tomatoes by hand: For rustic texture and flavor.
- Add vinegar last: Enhances and balances the sauce.
- Reserve pasta water: It helps blend the sauce and pasta.
- Use fresh basil: Adds aromatic brightness.
What To Serve With Aubergine Pasta
This pasta pairs well with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or a glass of red wine. A chilled lemon or basil spritzer is also a great match.
How To Store Aubergine Pasta
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm in the microwave or air fryer-safe dish with a splash of water.
Freeze: Not recommended due to texture changes in eggplant.
Aubergine Pasta Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 493 kcal
- Total Fat: 13.2g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Carbohydrates: 82.7g
- Sugar: 17.3g
- Protein: 17.9g
- Sodium: 1.4g
- Fibre: 12.6g
FAQs
Can I use jarred tomato sauce instead of tinned tomatoes?
Yes, but adjust seasoning and cooking time accordingly.
What can I use instead of aubergine?
Zucchini or mushrooms make good substitutes, though flavor will differ.
Is this dish vegan?
Yes, if you skip the Parmesan or use a plant-based version.
Can I use other pasta shapes?
Absolutely, short pasta like rigatoni or fusilli works well too.
Do I need to peel the aubergine?
No, the skin softens during cooking and adds texture.
Jamie Oliver Air Fryer Sicilian Aubergine Pasta
Course: DinnerCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy2
servings7
30
minutes493
kcalA bold and rustic aubergine pasta dish infused with garlic, basil, olives, and a rich tomato sauce—all cooked conveniently in the air fryer.
Ingredients
2 aubergines (250g each)
2 cloves garlic
8 green olives
½ bunch basil (15g)
1 tbsp capers
2 tbsp pine nuts
400g tin plum tomatoes
150g dried pasta
20g Parmesan
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper
Splash of red wine vinegar
Directions
- Air fry aubergine chunks at 200ºC for 15 mins.
- Add garlic, olives, basil stalks, capers, pine nuts, oil. Air fry 5 mins.
- Add tomatoes, water, cook 10 mins. Add basil leaves, vinegar, season.
- Boil pasta, drain and reserve some cooking water.
- Mix pasta with sauce, adjust with water, top with Parmesan and basil.
Notes
- Shake aubergine halfway for even cooking.
- Crush tomatoes by hand for texture.
- Add vinegar at the end for balance.
- Mix pasta while hot to absorb the sauce well.