Sausage and Eggplant Pasta

• 1/2 lb. hot italian-sausage links
• 1/2 lb. sweet italian-sausage links
• 1 small eggplant
• 1 jar spaghetti sauce
• 1 package ziti or penne macaroni
• 1 container part-skim ricotta cheese
• 1/4 tsp. cracked black pepper
• Coarsely shredded Parmesan cheese for garnish

1. In 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat, heat Italian sausages and 1/4 cup water to boiling.
2. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 5 minutes.
3. Remove cover and cook until sausages are browned, about 15 minutes.
4. Remove sausages to cutting board.
5. When cool enough to handle, cut diagonally into 1/4-inch-thick slices.
6. While sausages are cooking, cut eggplant into 1/2-inch chunks.
7. In drippings remaining in skillet, over medium heat, cook eggplant and 2 tablespoons water until eggplant is tender, about 15 minutes, stirring often and adding additional water if necessary to keep eggplant from sticking.
8. Add spaghetti sauce and sausages; over high heat, heat to boiling.
9. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 5 minutes.
10. Meanwhile, in saucepot, prepare ziti macaroni as label directs but do not use salt in water.
11. Drain ziti; return to saucepot.
12. Add spaghetti-sauce mixture; over medium heat, heat through.
13. To serve, spoon ziti into 8 individual pasta bowls or dinner plates; top each serving with some ricotta cheese and cracked pepper.
14. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if you like.

hot italiansausage, sweet italiansausage, eggplant, spaghetti sauce, penne macaroni, ricotta cheese, cracked black pepper, parmesan cheese

Taken from www.delish.com/recipefinder/sausage-eggplant-pasta-1999 (may not work)