• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
    • Gluten-Free Appetizers
    • Gluten-Free Mains
    • Gluten-Free Side Dishes
    • Smoothie & Bowl Recipes
    • Gluten-Free Snacks
    • Gluten-Free Drinks
    • Gluten-Free Desserts
  • Gluten-Free Resources
  • Services
    • Portfolio

Liv Gluten-Free logo

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Spring
  • Recipes
  • Resources
  • About
  • Services
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Spring
    • Recipes
    • Resources
    • About
    • Services
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Liv Gluten-Free / Gluten-Free Mains / Skillet Sausage and Eggplant Pasta

    Published: Aug 27, 2020 · Modified: Nov 17, 2022 by Olivia Parsons

    Skillet Sausage and Eggplant Pasta

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This hearty sausage and eggplant pasta recipe is the perfect healthy comfort food. Gluten-free and filled with a variety of Italian flavours and textures, this simple meal is sure to be a hit on a cozy night. It comes together in under 30 minutes!

    fork in a bowl of sausage and eggplant pasta.

    This gluten-free Italian sausage and eggplant pasta is inspired by one of my favourite chefs, Giada De Laurentiis. I could spend hours watching her cook or browse her many cookbooks. She made a similar recipe on her Food Network show, and I just had to make it gluten-free!

    This recipe is spicy, soft, and peppery. Everyone who has enjoyed this pasta has loved it. Easy to make with simple, whole ingredients—you could have this comforting Italian meal in under 30 minutes. Plus half of that time is hands-off cooking! Keep reading to learn how easy it is to make.

    Looking for more gluten-free pasta inspo? Try my vegan spicy vodka sauce, vegan pumpkin pasta, or this summery pasta salad.

    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • Ingredient Notes
    • Substitutions
    • Step-by-Step Instructions
    • How to Serve
    • Storage & Freezing
    • Expert Tips
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • More Gluten-Free Mains
    • Recipe

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    • Simple, whole ingredients. Real food with real flavour.
    • 30 minute meal. And half of that time is hands off simmering!
    • Easily gluten-free and dairy-free. Use gluten-free pasta and/or omit the parmesan.
    • Cozy and delicious. This is the perfect winter comfort meal that's healthy!

    Ingredient Notes

    Here is everything you'll need to make this Italian sausage and eggplant pasta:

    ingredients to make sausage eggplant pasta.
    • Eggplant: Choose a small to medium sized one.
    • Hot Italian sausages: Feel free to use mild or honey garlic if you don't enjoy the spice. Ensure your sausages are gluten-free.
    • Gluten-free pasta: I often use fusilli or rigatoni because I like a short noodle with this sauce. I combined two types of rigatoni for these photos.
    • Crushed or strained tomatoes: I used passata here which is strained tomatoes.
    • Basil: Fresh is best but dried will work.
    • Red pepper flakes: Use however much spice you like.
    • Parmesan cheese: Omit for dairy-free.

    Substitutions

    There are a few ways to change up this pasta dish depending on your preferences. Here are some substitution suggestions:

    • Dairy-free: Omit the parmesan or use a dairy-free replacement.
    • Less spice: Use mild sausage and reduce or omit the chili flakes.
    • No eggplant? Try zucchini! Still salt and pat dry.
    close up of sausage eggplant pasta in a white bowl.

    Step-by-Step Instructions

    Be sure to read the recipe card below for the full ingredient list and instructions for how to make this sausage and eggplant pasta.

    (1) Wash and dice the eggplant. Toss with a generous amount of salt and let it sit in a colander over the sink or a bowl for 5 minutes to draw the moisture out. Then rinse and pat dry with paper towels.

    (2) Remove the sausages from the casings and brown on medium heat in a large skillet (or pot) with 1 tablespoon olive oil.

    Once the sausage is done, remove it from the skillet and let sit on a plate. Begin to boil the water for your pasta.

    left: eggplant cubes with salt in a colander, right: sausage in a skillet.

    (3) Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet with the eggplant and sauté on medium heat.

    After about 5 minutes, add the onion and garlic to the skillet with additional olive oil as needed. The eggplant will absorb a lot. Cook for 3 minutes.

    (4) Add the jar of tomatoes to the skillet along with all of the spices. Stir, cover, and simmer on low for about 15 minutes while the pasta cooks.

    left: eggplant in a skillet, right: sausage, eggplant, and crushed tomatoes in a skillet.

    (5) When the water is ready, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions.

    (6) Save ½ cup of the pasta water. Drain and rinse the pasta before adding it to the skillet. Toss with parmesan cheese and pasta water.

    Plate and garnish with additional red pepper flakes, parmesan, and fresh basil. Enjoy fresh!

    left: pasta boiling in a pot, right: sausage and eggplant pasta in a skillet.

    How to Serve

    This pasta dish is best served hot, fresh off the stove, and is hearty enough to be enjoyed as the main dish. Here are some great gluten-free side dishes to go with it:

    • Gluten-Free Garlic Bread or Gluten-Free Focaccia Bread—both perfect for dunking in the sauce!
    • Roasted Potatoes and Broccoli
    • Air Fryer Potato Wedges
    • Air Fried Zucchini Fries
    • Beet and Goat Cheese Salad or Gluten-Free Pasta Salad—pasta and salad combo?
    • and more gluten-free sides here!

    Storage & Freezing

    Storage: Allow the leftover pasta to cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave. 

    Freezing: Freezing leftover pasta is not recommended, since the eggplant and pasta may become an unpleasant texture when thawed.

    2 bowls of sausage and eggplant pasta in white bowls.

    Expert Tips

    Here are some of my top tips and tricks for successful pasta & sauce:

    • Generously salt the eggplant & let it sweat for at least 5-10 minutes. This will make it less bitter tasting, and will draw moisture out so your sauce isn't too watery. Pat dry with a paper towel before tossing into the sauce.
    • Cook the onions and garlic in the sausage fat. Amazing flavour, and only one skillet needed!
    • Use a short pasta like fusili or rigatoni so you can scoop the sauce with every bite.
    • Cook the pasta for 1-2 minutes less than the package states, then let it finish cooking in the sauce. So it soaks in all that flavour!
    • Save some pasta water. This will help the sauce coat the noodles.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why do you salt the eggplant?

    Salting the eggplant before cooking draws out moisture and prevents the eggplant from tasting too bitter, along with preventing the sauce from becoming too wet. We then rinse and pat the eggplant dry so it does not taste too salty.

    Do I have to peel the eggplant?

    You don't have to—I don't! But the skin can taste bitter to some people. If in doubt, peel before dicing.

    Can I bake this pasta?

    Note that while I haven't tried it, I think this should work! Make the pasta and sauce per the recipe instructions, cooking the pasta 1-2 minutes less than the package says. Transfer the mixed pasta & sauce to a greased baking dish, top with shredded mozzarella and parmesan, and bake at 375ºF until the cheese is bubbly and melted. Enjoy!

    close up of sausage eggplant pasta in a white bowl with 2 forks.

    This gluten-free sausage and eggplant pasta is the perfect healthy comfort food. Made in under 30 minutes, it is totally attainable for a weeknight dinner. Your family is sure to enjoy this cozy meal!

    More Gluten-Free Pasta Recipes:

    • Easy Vegan Mac and Cheese
    • Vegan Spicy Vodka Sauce
    • Vegan Pumpkin Pasta Sauce
    • Spinach and Basil Pesto Pasta
    • Vegan Mushroom Cream Sauce

    More Gluten-Free Mains

    • close up cross section of a stack of 4 vegan pancakes with banana slices on top.
      Fluffy 4 Ingredient Vegan Pancakes
    • top view of gluten free chicken nuggets on parchment paper with a bowl of ketchup.
      Gluten-Free Chicken Nuggets
    • halibut topped with lemon slices and a fork with a pieces.
      Air Fryer Halibut
    • slice of gluten free breakfast casserole on a white plate with green onion on top.
      Easy Gluten-Free Breakfast Casserole

    Have you made this sausage and eggplant pasta? I'd very much appreciate it if you leave a 5-star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review below, and tag me on instagram @livglutenfree!

    Recipe

    fork in a bowl of sausage and eggplant pasta.

    Skillet Sausage and Eggplant Pasta

    This hearty sausage and eggplant pasta recipe is the perfect healthy comfort food. Gluten-free and filled with a variety of Italian flavours and textures, this simple meal is sure to be a hit on a cozy night. It comes together in under 30 minutes!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Italian
    Diet: Gluten Free, Low Lactose
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 856kcal
    Author: Olivia Parsons

    Ingredients
     

    • 1 medium size eggplant
    • 3-4 hot Italian sausages about 1 lb, ensure they are gluten-free
    • 3 tablespoon olive oil
    • ½ onion diced
    • 2 teaspoon minced garlic
    • 1 lb (450g) gluten-free pasta I often use fusilli or rigatoni
    • 1 jar or can crushed or strained tomatoes
    • salt & pepper to taste
    • 2 teaspoon dried basil or a few leaves of fresh basil
    • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
    • 1 teaspoon paprika
    • 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
    • ½ cup parmesan cheese omit for dairy-free

    Instructions

    • Wash and dice the eggplant. Toss with a generous amount of salt and let it sit in a colander over the sink or a bowl for 5 minutes to draw the moisture out. Then rinse and pat dry with paper towels.
    • Remove the sausages from the casings and brown on medium heat in a large skillet (or pot) with 1 tablespoon olive oil.
    • Once the sausage is done, remove it from the skillet and let sit on a plate. Begin to boil the water for your pasta. Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet with the eggplant and sauté on medium heat.
    • After about 5 minutes, add the onion and garlic to the skillet with additional olive oil as needed. The eggplant will absorb a lot. Cook for 3 minutes.
    • Add the jar of tomatoes to the skillet along with all of the spices. Stir, cover, and simmer on low for about 15 minutes while the pasta cooks.
    • When the water is ready, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions.
    • Save ½ cup of the pasta water. Drain and rinse the pasta before adding it to the skillet. Toss with parmesan cheese and pasta water.
    • Plate and garnish with additional red pepper flakes, parmesan, and fresh basil. Enjoy fresh!

    Notes

    • No eggplant? Try zucchini! Still salt and pat dry.
    • Dairy-free: Omit the parmesan, or use a dairy-free alternative.
    • Storage: Allow the leftover pasta to cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave. 
    • Freezing: Freezing leftover pasta is not recommended, since the eggplant and pasta may become an unpleasant texture when thawed.
     
    Nutrition facts are an estimate.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 856kcal | Carbohydrates: 110g | Protein: 31.8g | Fat: 34.8g | Saturated Fat: 10.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9.3g | Cholesterol: 69mg | Sodium: 1429mg | Potassium: 981mg | Fiber: 18.8g | Sugar: 10.2g | Vitamin A: 371IU | Vitamin C: 28.8mg | Calcium: 225mg | Iron: 4.6mg
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @livglutenfree or tag #livglutenfree!
    « Easy Vegan BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches
    Gluten-Free Pumpkin Scones (Starbucks Copycat) »

    Reader Interactions

    Let us know what you think! Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    liv surrounded by gluten-free baked goods and charcuterie board

    Hi there! I'm Liv—a 20-something foodie who is passionate about cooking, baking, and living gluten-free. Here you'll find delicious gluten-free recipes for all occasions, often with dairy-free or vegan options. Get to know me more here!

    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok

    READER FAVORITES⭐️

    • close up of gluten free cheez its
      Gluten-Free Cheez Its Copycat
    • square salmon sushi bake with toppings surrounding on a wooden board.
      Salmon Sushi Bake
    • close up of square pepperoni pizza
      Gluten-Free Detroit Style Pizza
    • gluten free focaccia bread pieces on a wood board
      Easy Gluten-Free Focaccia Bread

    FRESH FOR 2023✨

    • close up of no bean chili with garnishes on top.
      No Bean Chili (Beanless Chili)
    • a stack of 3 gluten free bagels
      Best Homemade Gluten-Free Bagels
    • These healthy burger bowls combine all the flavours of a classic burger in a low carb, easy to prepare bowl. They are gluten free, dairy free, and easily customizable for everyone to enjoy!
      Healthy Burger Bowls (Gluten Free, Dairy Free)
    • gluten free pizza pocket with cheese oozing out, sauce and pepperoni around
      Gluten-Free Pizza Pockets
    • close up of gluten free steak and ale pie
      Easy Gluten-Free Steak and Ale Pies
    • top view of minestrone soup
      Gluten-Free Minestrone Soup

    LATEST & GREATEST

    • jar of simple syrup with a spoon of sugar on a wood board.
      Starbucks Classic Syrup Copycat
    • top view of gluten free brown butter chocolate chunk cookies.
      Gluten-Free Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
    • a jar of vanilla simple syrup on a wood board infront of a mug of coffee.
      Homemade Vanilla Coffee Syrup (Starbucks Copycat)
    • loaded potato skins on a baking sheet topped with chives and sour cream.
      Gluten-Free Potato Skins

    WORK WITH ME

    I love to align Liv Gluten-Free with brands that share the same value of delicious allergy-friendly food. I would be thrilled to work together and create deliciousness in some of the following ways:

    • Recipe Development
    • Food Photography
    • Sponsored Content
    • Short Form Video
    • Brand Ambassadorship
    • any other way I can help your brand create awesome food content!

    Learn more about my services →

    GLUTEN-FREE RESOURCES

    • 4 photos of creme de menthe christmas drinks.
      6 Crème de Menthe Christmas Drinks
    • 4 photos of thanksgiving charcuterie boards.
      14 Thanksgiving Charcuterie Board Ideas
    • a pile of mini snickers bars with text overtop saying "are snickers gluten-free?".
      Are Snickers Gluten-Free?
    • bottles of vanilla extract with vanilla beans on the side
      Is Vanilla Extract Gluten-Free?

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Legal

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Accessibility Policy

    About

    • About Olivia

    Contact

    • Work with Me

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 Liv Gluten-Free