Rigatoni Al Forno

Cook the eggplant and rigatoni: Toss the eggplant on a baking sheet with a large drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Place in the oven for about 25 minutes, tossing halfway through cooking, until soft and golden brown. Add the rigatoni to the boiling water and cook for 9-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain, reserving ¼ cup pasta water.

While the pasta cooks, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a tall-sided, oven safe pan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook, tossing for 4-5 minutes, until soft. Add the tomatoes and ½ cup water and cook, breaking up the tomatoes, for 1-2 minutes. Cover the pan and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes are completely broken down into a sauce, for about 4-5 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Finely chop the basil leaves. Cut the mozzarella cheese into ½-inch cubes. In a small bowl, combine the panko, parmesan, a drizzle of olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

When the eggplant is done, heat the broiler to high or the oven to 500 degrees. Toss the eggplant into the sauce along with the rigatoni, mozzarella cheese, and half the basil. Add a splash of pasta water, if necessary, to loosen the sauce. Season to taste with salt and pepper.