Pasta with Grilled Sausage, Peppers and Aubergine
Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 28 Jan 2026
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This Mediterranean-inspired pasta with grilled sausage, peppers and aubergine is a vibrant addition to any midweek menu. By charring the vegetables on a grill or griddle pan, you unlock a deep, smoky sweetness that perfectly complements the savoury notes of the Italian-style sausages. The combination of tender aubergine, silky peppers and fresh basil creates a rich, textured sauce without the need for heavy cream or tinned tomatoes.
As a high-protein dish, this recipe is as nourishing as it is flavourful, making it an excellent choice for a satisfying post-workout meal or a wholesome family dinner. Using short pasta shapes like farfalle or casarecce ensures every fold catches the olive oil and melted Parmigiano-Reggiano. Serve it warm with a final flourish of basil and an extra grating of cheese for a truly comforting homemade meal.
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Ingredients for Pasta with Grilled Sausage, Peppers and Aubergine
450g sweet or hot Italian sausage links
230g sweet red peppers, such as frying peppers, cubanelles or peppers
1 medium Italian aubergine (about 230g ), sliced lengthwise 1/2- inch thick
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more, for brushing
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
230g farfalle, cassarecce or other short pasta
30g freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (about 1/3 cup), plus more for serving
1/4 cup basil leaves, torn
How to make Pasta with Grilled Sausage, Peppers and Aubergine
Back to contentsLight a grill and preheat for at least 10 minutes or preheat a grill pan. Arrange the grill so half cooks over high heat and the other half can cook over moderately low heat. Meanwhile, soak 1 small bamboo skewer for 10 minutes.
Prick the sausage links in a few places with a fork. Brush the peppers and aubergine slices all over with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Oil the grill grates, then grill the sausage over moderate heat, turning frequently, until browned and cooked through, about 15 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and let cool slightly.
Meanwhile, grill the peppers over high heat, turning occasionally, until blackened all over, 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let cool slightly.
Grill the aubergine over high heat until dark brown grill marks form, about 4 minutes. Flip and grilled until charred and the aubergine is tender, 3 to 4 minutes longer. Transfer to the cutting board.
Slice the sausages about 1/3 inch thick and transfer to a large serving bowl. Dice the aubergine and add it to the sausage. Peel the peppers, then discard the stems and seeds; slice into bite-sized strips and add it to the sausage and peppers.
Meanwhile, in a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve 120ml the cooking water and drain. Add the pasta and the 2 tablespoons olive oil to the bowl and toss. Add the 30g of cheese and toss again, adding pasta water, little by little, if you need to loosen the pasta sauce. Season with salt and pepper, add the basil and transfer to bowls. Serve the pasta, passing more cheese at the table.
Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.
Article history
The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
28 Jan 2026 | Originally published
Authored by:
UK recipe editors
Peer reviewed by
UK recipe editors

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