Shrimp & Pasta Melanzana

Who doesn't like eggplant? Add to that shrimp and as far as I am concerned dinner is heavenly!

Here is a recipe that's easy and inexpensive.

You can make it with or without the shrimp. 

Here is the recipe:

Shrimp & Pasta Melanzana

Ingredients:

 1/2 cup bow tie (farfalle) pasta

 1 small eggplant, peeled and cubed
 handfull of shrimp or one small can

 2 tablespoons olive oil

 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

 1 tablespoon butter

 1 1/2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (if you use canned make sure it is well drained and wrung out)

 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

 salt and pepper

 1/2  cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

 cracked black pepper to taste

Directions:

1, Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain. Keep warm.

2. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the garlic; cook and stir until softened.
4. Mix in the eggplant. Let the eggplant cook for 5 minutes without stirring.
5. Then stir and cook until tender, about 5 more minutes.(add shrimp if your adding shrimp)

6. Mix in the spinach and season with salt, and pepper.
7 Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes.
8. Stir in the drained pasta and lemon juice along with 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese.
9.Transfer to a serving dish and top with remaining cheese and cracked black pepper.

This is such an easy, fresh, and satisfying meal. If expenses don't allow for the shrimp don't worry its just as good without.
I just happen to like shrimp and will make the  reach to use some. If you don't it will not change how good this recipe is.