Favorite Rustic Pasta

Recipe from: Gretchen Jameson. For many years, I've been looking for a recipe that replicates one of my favorite dishes at The Cheesecake Factory called 'Evelyn's Favorite Pasta." This recipe comes very close and is easy to adapt (we've added chicken breast, artichoke hearts and other options.). Very yummy! Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1 cup broccoli (or find broccolini - very yummy!)
• 1 c baby bella mushrooms
• 2 T sun dried tomatoes
• 1 bell pepper
• 1 eggplant (be sure to salt and let set aside before cooking!)
• 1 T pine nuts
• 6-8 T EVOO
• 5 cloves garlic
• Handful chopped fresh Basil leaves
• Handful of fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley
• Salt and fresh cracked pepper
• Parmesan

Directions:

1. Heat EVOO and add garlic, pine nuts, peppers, mushrooms, and eggplant. 4-5 minutes

2. Add broccoli and fry (don't overcook! Needs to keep its crunch)

3. Add pasta (you've already cooked and prepped, we like to use orechietta), basil, sun dried tomatoes and cook 5-6 minutes

4. Toss in basil and flat leaf parsley

5. Cracked black pepper and salt to taste

6. Add parmesan to taste