Rating: 3.55
(103)

Rigatoni with Grilled Swordfish and Eggplant

August 8, 2023

Rigatoni with Grilled Swordfish and Eggplant is a bold and satisfying pasta dish that combines smoky grilled flavors with the hearty textures of Mediterranean cooking. Perfect for late summer or early fall, this recipe brings together meaty swordfish, charred eggplant, and robust tomato sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked rigatoni.

Swordfish is a great choice for grilling, it’s firm, mild, and holds up well to high heat. Grilled until lightly charred and sliced into bite-sized pieces, it adds a savory, slightly smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the rest of the ingredients.

Eggplant, grilled or roasted until tender and golden, adds a soft, silky contrast. Its natural sweetness enhances the dish, especially when combined with garlic, onions, and a simple tomato sauce or even a light cherry tomato sauté. You can also finish the sauce with a splash of white wine or a pinch of chili flakes for extra depth.

Rigatoni is ideal here, its ridges catch the sauce and bits of fish and eggplant, making every bite flavorful and well-textured. Once tossed together, finish the pasta with chopped parsley, a drizzle of good olive oil, and a dusting of grated pecorino or Parmesan.

This dish feels rustic yet elegant and is perfect for dinner parties or family meals. Serve it with crusty bread and a glass of dry Italian white wine like Vermentino or Fiano.

Rigatoni with Grilled Swordfish and Eggplant is more than a pasta, it’s a Mediterranean experience on a plate, full of heart, flavor, and seasonal goodness.

Rigatoni with Grilled Swordfish and Eggplant
Rigatoni with Grilled Swordfish and Eggplant
3.55 from 103 votes
A delicious pasta dish with grilled swordfish and eggplant.
Servings 6 people
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound rigatoni pasta
  • 1 pound swordfish cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 eggplant large, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese grated
  • parsley chopped, for garnish, fresh

Instructions
 

  • Cook the rigatoni pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  • Preheat grill to medium heat.
  • In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Add swordfish and eggplant to the bowl and toss to coat with the marinade.
  • Thread swordfish and eggplant onto skewers. Grill skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the swordfish is cooked through and the eggplant is tender.
  • Remove the skewers from the grill and let them cool slightly. Remove the swordfish and eggplant from the skewers and chop into smaller pieces.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté until fragrant.
  • Add the cooked rigatoni pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the garlic and red pepper flakes.
  • Add the chopped swordfish and eggplant to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until heated through.
  • Serve the rigatoni with grilled swordfish and eggplant topped with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.

Nutrition

Calories: 560kcalCarbohydrates: 71gProtein: 32gFat: 18gFiber: 5g
Calories: 560kcal
Meal Type: Lunch
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: eggplant, Eggplant recipes, seafood recipes, swordfish
Cooking Method: Boiled
Time: >45 Min
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Join the Conversation
  1. User avatar waylon.fahey39 says:

    2 stars
    I didn’t like the eggplant. It was mushy. Can I use zucchini instead?

  2. 3 stars
    It was okay, but I think I overcooked the swordfish. Next time I’ll watch the grill more closely.

    1. 4 stars
      Sorry to hear about the swordfish! Maybe try using a timer next time? It’ll help you keep track better!

    2. 3 stars
      Overcooked? Swordfish is hard to get right. I usually just eyeball it and it’s fine, but next time I’ll watch out too!

  3. 5 stars
    YUM! I didn’t have rigatoni so I used spaghetti and it was still delish! 🐟🍝

    1. User avatar junior.lang says:

      4 stars
      Spaghetti is a good sub! Don’t think it’s that big of a deal. Just enjoy your meal! 😄

    2. User avatar jaye.kuphal42 says:

      2 stars
      I don’t know about that. Rigatoni is shaped to hold the sauce better. Was it really as good? 🤔

  4. 3 stars
    I thought it was a little bland. Even with all the spices, it needed more salt, I think.

    1. 4 stars
      I agree! I think more salt would make a big difference. Maybe try adding some olives or capers next time for flavor too!

  5. User avatar wilda.reynolds2012 says:

    1 star
    Ew, swordfish? Who eats that? Just use chicken next time, much simpler!

    1. User avatar janice.corkery says:

      5 stars
      Swordfish is delicious! You just need to learn to appreciate it. Chicken is so boring compared to this!

    2. 2 stars
      I dunno, swordfish sounds fancy but I’d rather stick to chicken. It’s safe and everyone likes it. Why use fish?

  6. User avatar Ann B. Dextrous says:

    2 stars
    Disappointed. The oil made it too greasy for my taste. Maybe less oil next time?

    1. 4 stars
      I get what you mean! Sometimes less is more. I’ll try using less oil next time too.

  7. User avatar johnie.lakin29 says:

    5 stars
    This recipe was amazing! The flavors came together perfectly. Will make it again!

  8. User avatar mauricio.larkin2004 says:

    2 stars
    Why do you grill the eggplant? Just fry it instead, tastes way better!

  9. User avatar gene.turcotte69 says:

    5 stars
    Absolutely delicious! The swordfish was so tender and the flavors were on point.

  10. 2 stars
    I tried this recipe and it turned out all wrong. The swordfish was dry! What did I do wrong??

  11. 1 star
    Eh…

  12. User avatar ahmad.jacobson99 says:

    3 stars
    Not bad, but I think it could use some lemon juice. Just sayin’.

  13. User avatar ronald.dibbert1972 says:

    3 stars
    Thought I’d try something new, but my kids didn’t like it… guess sticking with basics for them.

    1. 2 stars
      Swordfish? What even is that? Stick to what they like!

    2. User avatar cristopher.gutkowski says:

      4 stars
      Maybe try mac n cheese next time? Kids love that!

  14. User avatar cara.walker1999 says:

    3 stars
    Hmmm, not my favorite. The eggplant was mushy and I didn’t like the texture with the pasta.

  15. User avatar amy.christiansen98 says:

    2 stars
    I had problems grilling the swordfish, it fell apart! What did I do wrong? 🙁

    1. User avatar Shaddam Corrino IV says:

      4 stars
      It sounds like you might have overcooked the swordfish or not used enough oil to keep it from sticking. Giving it a good marinade helps, too! Don’t give up on it! 🙂

  16. 4 stars
    Okay, I actually modified it a bit. Used shrimp instead of swordfish. Still yummy! 🦐👌

    1. User avatar Grìma Wormtongue says:

      5 stars
      Shrimp sounds great! I bet it adds a nice flavor. Good call! 🦐

    2. User avatar Frank Furter says:

      3 stars
      I don’t know about shrimp. Swordfish has its own taste. Hope it’s still good tho.

  17. User avatar bennie.hintz1976 says:

    4 stars
    I’m not a fan of fish, but the pasta was still good. I just left out the swordfish.

    1. User avatar arturo.hoeger says:

      2 stars
      Fish is gross. Why put it in pasta anyway? Sounds like a weird combo.

    2. User avatar christine.boyer says:

      5 stars
      Glad you enjoyed the pasta! Substituting is a great idea if you’re not a fish person.

  18. 5 stars
    Yummy! Makes a great summer dish. Easy to prepare! 🍝

    1. User avatar Fenchurch says:

      5 stars
      Totally agree! It’s perfect for hot days and super easy. Love it! 🍽️

  19. 4 stars
    I didn’t have swordfish, so I used chicken instead. It was still really good but not the same.

  20. 2 stars
    I had a lot of trouble grilling the swordfish. It just fell apart on the skewer.

    1. User avatar Spriggan Matron says:

      3 stars
      Sounds like you overcooked it. Swordfish is super delicate! Just a suggestion.

    2. User avatar ShanksOnePiece says:

      4 stars
      Grilling swordfish can be tricky! Maybe try using a fish basket or foil next time to keep it together? Good luck!

  21. User avatar lavone.mcclure63 says:

    1 star
    Hmmm, who thought pasta and swordfish was a good idea? Doesn’t sound right.

    1. User avatar jeffery.johnston1954 says:

      4 stars
      This actually sounds kinda good! I love trying weird recipes, and swordfish is yummy! 😋

    2. User avatar Ford Prefect says:

      3 stars
      I know right? Swordfish in pasta sounds strange! But hey, people are wild with their combos these days. 🤷‍♂️

  22. User avatar dante.romaguera1961 says:

    5 stars
    Heaven! This was delicious. Perfect summer dish. Thanks!

  23. User avatar renetta.mueller25 says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is fantastic! I love the combination of swordfish and eggplant. The flavors really come together. Will definitely make this again!

    1. 5 stars
      I totally agree! The flavors in this dish are just out of this world. Swordfish and eggplant really hit the spot!

    2. User avatar percy.greenholt33 says:

      2 stars
      Not sure about swordfish, I always thought it was too fishy. Eggplant is great though! Maybe I’ll try it without the swordfish.

  24. User avatar ArabianNights says:

    3 stars
    I feel like it needs something more. Maybe some lemon or capers?

  25. User avatar desmond.hills38 says:

    2 stars
    Not bad, but the eggplant was mushy. Might try without it next time.

    1. 3 stars
      Eggplant mushy? That’s just how it is! Maybe try squash instead, tastes better!

    2. User avatar willian.wisoky4 says:

      4 stars
      I totally get what you mean! I had the same issue with the eggplant once. Maybe try salting it before cooking to get rid of some moisture?

  26. User avatar Hubert Howe DDS says:

    3 stars
    I dunno, I think swordfish is too fishy for my taste. Would it work with chicken instead?

    1. User avatar Gilberto Lueilwitz says:

      4 stars
      You could use chicken! It will be different, but hey, it’s your meal. Just make sure to marinate it well too! 😋

  27. User avatar elsie.block4 says:

    4 stars
    So good! My family loved it. I didn’t have eggplant, so I used zucchini instead and it turned out fantastic!

  28. User avatar Duncan Idaho says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is fantastic! The flavors blend so well together. My family loved it!

    1. User avatar yuk.gulgowski1959 says:

      3 stars
      Sounds good, but grilled fish with pasta? I dunno. I thought it was a weird combo. How did it turn out?

    2. User avatar eldridge.beer1978 says:

      5 stars
      I’m so glad to hear you loved it! This recipe really does bring all those flavors together beautifully. Will definitely make it again!

  29. 4 stars
    Super easy to follow and the pasta was perfectly cooked. My family loved it! Thanks!

    1. 3 stars
      Looks good, but I’m not sure about the swordfish. Is it really that easy? It seems like a lot of steps.

    2. 5 stars
      I’m so glad you enjoyed it! I’ve been looking for a recipe that my family would love too. Thanks for sharing!

  30. User avatar lester.price says:

    5 stars
    This was AMAZING! The flavors were top-notch. Definitely making it again soon!

  31. User avatar billie.goyette says:

    5 stars
    Yummy! Made it last night and didn’t have leftovers. Gotta try again on the weekend!

    1. User avatar Spriggan Earth Mother says:

      3 stars
      Looks good, but isn’t swordfish kinda expensive? I usually just stick with chicken or tuna. What do you think?

    2. User avatar sherie.stiedemann75 says:

      5 stars
      That’s awesome! I love the combination of swordfish and eggplant. I might try adding some lemon next time, it could brighten it up!

  32. User avatar mariette.runolfsson15 says:

    4 stars
    I substituted zucchini for eggplant because I’m not a fan of eggplant. Still turned out okay, but I think it would be better with the original ingredients.

  33. User avatar Wonko the Sane says:

    5 stars
    Delicious! Made it for my family and everyone loved it. Even my picky eater son finished his plate!

  34. User avatar tissues_with_issues says:

    4 stars
    I messed up and used penne instead of rigatoni. Still turned out yummy though!

  35. 1 star
    Ew, swordfish? I thought we were supposed to eat healthier fish??

  36. User avatar reynaldo.goldner87 says:

    1 star
    eewww eggplant. no thanks. who puts that in pasta??

    1. User avatar ross.wolff89 says:

      5 stars
      Eggplant is so underrated! It’s the perfect texture for pasta. You should give it a try!

  37. 5 stars
    This was a hit! Made it for friends and they were impressed. I added some lemon juice!

  38. User avatar louis.lubowitz2003 says:

    5 stars
    This is one of the best pasta dishes I’ve ever made! The flavors are amazing! Will definitely make it again!

  39. User avatar boris.bernier40 says:

    3 stars
    Took me ages to make, I forgot half the stuff and my swordfish burned! But it was still edible.

    1. User avatar liberal.hero says:

      4 stars
      Sounds like you had quite the adventure in the kitchen! At least it was edible, right? 😂 Cooking is all about learning from mistakes! Next time you’ll get it perfect!

  40. User avatar eliana.sipes84 says:

    5 stars
    OMG I can’t even… this is the best meal I’ve made and I’m no chef! So easy too!

  41. User avatar clement.glover says:

    4 stars
    Rigatoni + fish = happy dinner! Makes me feel fancy without the fuss.

    1. User avatar america.swaniawski2002 says:

      4 stars
      This combo does sound fancy! Can’t wait to try it. Just hope the fish doesn’t overpower the pasta!

  42. User avatar Sena Homenick says:

    2 stars
    Eh, I don’t think eggplant belongs in pasta. Ruined it for me. Also, who wants to grill fish? Too much work.

  43. 2 stars
    I don’t know, this seems weird. Pasta and fish? Kinda skeptical about how this will taste.

  44. 4 stars
    Very easy to follow, I added zucchini too! Will def make again.

    1. User avatar halflife4 says:

      5 stars
      Zucchini sounds great! I might try that too! 😊

  45. 3 stars
    My grill caught on fire halfway through cooking, so that was fun… Not sure if I can blame the recipe or my grill skills.

    1. User avatar yuri.jerde2018 says:

      4 stars
      Yikes! Fire on the grill is never fun! Maybe give it another try with a little more caution. Hope the food turned out good despite that! 🌟

    2. 3 stars
      Haha, sounds like a wild cookout! But for real, maybe just double-check the grill next time? It’s not the recipe’s fault lol.

  46. User avatar karlyn.little says:

    5 stars
    Delicious! I never used to like grilled fish but this recipe changed my mind. Thanks!

  47. User avatar brande.labadie37 says:

    5 stars
    Absolutely delicious! The swordfish was so tender and the eggplant added a great flavor. Will definitely make this again.

    1. 2 stars
      I don’t know… swordfish seems weird for pasta. Might stick with shrimp instead.

    2. User avatar ShanksOnePiece says:

      5 stars
      Totally agree! This dish is a winner in my house now. Can’t wait to try it again!

  48. User avatar Estelle Hertz says:

    3 stars
    LOL it’s just pasta and fish! But hey, it’s alright.

  49. User avatar brock.leannon32 says:

    3 stars
    Can you cook this with normal fish? What is swordfish anyway? Sounds fancy.

  50. 4 stars
    Not bad! Needs a little more salt, though. And how do you grill eggplant without it falling through?

  51. 2 stars
    It was ok. Cooking instructions were confusing. What do you mean by medium heat? 🤷‍♂️

  52. User avatar Dr. Francie Kertzmann says:

    2 stars
    Too spicy for me! I guess I used too much red pepper. Whoops!

  53. User avatar rocky.schiller says:

    5 stars
    Just tried it and, woah! So awesome!! My husband was like, ‘can you make this every week?’

  54. User avatar terminatorXYZ says:

    1 star
    Spaghetti is better than rigatoni. Fight me.

  55. 3 stars
    Too much garlic for my taste. Next time, I’ll use less.

    1. User avatar trenton.mueller says:

      5 stars
      Garlic makes everything better! Maybe try just 2 cloves next time?

  56. User avatar despina.carter62 says:

    2 stars
    I thought this recipe was kinda weird. Eggplant and fish? Not sure about that…

    1. User avatar Meriadoc Brandybuck says:

      5 stars
      I thought it sounded strange too, but I gave it a try and it was amazing! The flavors really work together.

    2. User avatar emilio.corwin96 says:

      2 stars
      Eggplant and fish? Sounds like a bad combo, not sure I’ll be trying this recipe.

  57. 3 stars
    Too much garlic for my taste. Think I will use less next time!

  58. User avatar Jaime Ondricka says:

    4 stars
    Simple and delicious! My family loved it! Thanks for sharing!

    1. User avatar Louvenia Runolfsdottir III says:

      5 stars
      I’m glad you enjoyed it! It’s one of my favorites too! 😄

  59. 5 stars
    Soo good!!! I never grilled fish before but it turned out perfectly!

  60. User avatar oren.hagenes1982 says:

    4 stars
    I left out the red pepper flakes by mistake, but it still turned out nice!

3.55 from 103 votes
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