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.

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










I didn’t like the eggplant. It was mushy. Can I use zucchini instead?
It was okay, but I think I overcooked the swordfish. Next time I’ll watch the grill more closely.
Sorry to hear about the swordfish! Maybe try using a timer next time? It’ll help you keep track better!
Overcooked? Swordfish is hard to get right. I usually just eyeball it and it’s fine, but next time I’ll watch out too!
YUM! I didn’t have rigatoni so I used spaghetti and it was still delish! 🐟🍝
Spaghetti is a good sub! Don’t think it’s that big of a deal. Just enjoy your meal! 😄
I don’t know about that. Rigatoni is shaped to hold the sauce better. Was it really as good? 🤔
I thought it was a little bland. Even with all the spices, it needed more salt, I think.
I agree! I think more salt would make a big difference. Maybe try adding some olives or capers next time for flavor too!
Ew, swordfish? Who eats that? Just use chicken next time, much simpler!
Swordfish is delicious! You just need to learn to appreciate it. Chicken is so boring compared to this!
I dunno, swordfish sounds fancy but I’d rather stick to chicken. It’s safe and everyone likes it. Why use fish?
Disappointed. The oil made it too greasy for my taste. Maybe less oil next time?
I get what you mean! Sometimes less is more. I’ll try using less oil next time too.
This recipe was amazing! The flavors came together perfectly. Will make it again!
Why do you grill the eggplant? Just fry it instead, tastes way better!
Absolutely delicious! The swordfish was so tender and the flavors were on point.
I tried this recipe and it turned out all wrong. The swordfish was dry! What did I do wrong??
Eh…
Not bad, but I think it could use some lemon juice. Just sayin’.
Thought I’d try something new, but my kids didn’t like it… guess sticking with basics for them.
Swordfish? What even is that? Stick to what they like!
Maybe try mac n cheese next time? Kids love that!
Hmmm, not my favorite. The eggplant was mushy and I didn’t like the texture with the pasta.
I had problems grilling the swordfish, it fell apart! What did I do wrong? 🙁
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! 🙂
Okay, I actually modified it a bit. Used shrimp instead of swordfish. Still yummy! 🦐👌
Shrimp sounds great! I bet it adds a nice flavor. Good call! 🦐
I don’t know about shrimp. Swordfish has its own taste. Hope it’s still good tho.
I’m not a fan of fish, but the pasta was still good. I just left out the swordfish.
Fish is gross. Why put it in pasta anyway? Sounds like a weird combo.
Glad you enjoyed the pasta! Substituting is a great idea if you’re not a fish person.
Yummy! Makes a great summer dish. Easy to prepare! 🍝
Totally agree! It’s perfect for hot days and super easy. Love it! 🍽️
I didn’t have swordfish, so I used chicken instead. It was still really good but not the same.
I had a lot of trouble grilling the swordfish. It just fell apart on the skewer.
Sounds like you overcooked it. Swordfish is super delicate! Just a suggestion.
Grilling swordfish can be tricky! Maybe try using a fish basket or foil next time to keep it together? Good luck!
Hmmm, who thought pasta and swordfish was a good idea? Doesn’t sound right.
This actually sounds kinda good! I love trying weird recipes, and swordfish is yummy! 😋
I know right? Swordfish in pasta sounds strange! But hey, people are wild with their combos these days. 🤷♂️
Heaven! This was delicious. Perfect summer dish. Thanks!
This recipe is fantastic! I love the combination of swordfish and eggplant. The flavors really come together. Will definitely make this again!
I totally agree! The flavors in this dish are just out of this world. Swordfish and eggplant really hit the spot!
Not sure about swordfish, I always thought it was too fishy. Eggplant is great though! Maybe I’ll try it without the swordfish.
I feel like it needs something more. Maybe some lemon or capers?
Not bad, but the eggplant was mushy. Might try without it next time.
Eggplant mushy? That’s just how it is! Maybe try squash instead, tastes better!
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?
I dunno, I think swordfish is too fishy for my taste. Would it work with chicken instead?
You could use chicken! It will be different, but hey, it’s your meal. Just make sure to marinate it well too! 😋
So good! My family loved it. I didn’t have eggplant, so I used zucchini instead and it turned out fantastic!
This recipe is fantastic! The flavors blend so well together. My family loved it!
Sounds good, but grilled fish with pasta? I dunno. I thought it was a weird combo. How did it turn out?
I’m so glad to hear you loved it! This recipe really does bring all those flavors together beautifully. Will definitely make it again!
Super easy to follow and the pasta was perfectly cooked. My family loved it! Thanks!
Looks good, but I’m not sure about the swordfish. Is it really that easy? It seems like a lot of steps.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! I’ve been looking for a recipe that my family would love too. Thanks for sharing!
This was AMAZING! The flavors were top-notch. Definitely making it again soon!
Yummy! Made it last night and didn’t have leftovers. Gotta try again on the weekend!
Looks good, but isn’t swordfish kinda expensive? I usually just stick with chicken or tuna. What do you think?
That’s awesome! I love the combination of swordfish and eggplant. I might try adding some lemon next time, it could brighten it up!
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.
Delicious! Made it for my family and everyone loved it. Even my picky eater son finished his plate!
I messed up and used penne instead of rigatoni. Still turned out yummy though!
Ew, swordfish? I thought we were supposed to eat healthier fish??
eewww eggplant. no thanks. who puts that in pasta??
Eggplant is so underrated! It’s the perfect texture for pasta. You should give it a try!
This was a hit! Made it for friends and they were impressed. I added some lemon juice!
This is one of the best pasta dishes I’ve ever made! The flavors are amazing! Will definitely make it again!
Took me ages to make, I forgot half the stuff and my swordfish burned! But it was still edible.
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!
OMG I can’t even… this is the best meal I’ve made and I’m no chef! So easy too!
Rigatoni + fish = happy dinner! Makes me feel fancy without the fuss.
This combo does sound fancy! Can’t wait to try it. Just hope the fish doesn’t overpower the pasta!
Eh, I don’t think eggplant belongs in pasta. Ruined it for me. Also, who wants to grill fish? Too much work.
I don’t know, this seems weird. Pasta and fish? Kinda skeptical about how this will taste.
Very easy to follow, I added zucchini too! Will def make again.
Zucchini sounds great! I might try that too! 😊
My grill caught on fire halfway through cooking, so that was fun… Not sure if I can blame the recipe or my grill skills.
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! 🌟
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.
Delicious! I never used to like grilled fish but this recipe changed my mind. Thanks!
Absolutely delicious! The swordfish was so tender and the eggplant added a great flavor. Will definitely make this again.
I don’t know… swordfish seems weird for pasta. Might stick with shrimp instead.
Totally agree! This dish is a winner in my house now. Can’t wait to try it again!
LOL it’s just pasta and fish! But hey, it’s alright.
Can you cook this with normal fish? What is swordfish anyway? Sounds fancy.
Not bad! Needs a little more salt, though. And how do you grill eggplant without it falling through?
It was ok. Cooking instructions were confusing. What do you mean by medium heat? 🤷♂️
Too spicy for me! I guess I used too much red pepper. Whoops!
Just tried it and, woah! So awesome!! My husband was like, ‘can you make this every week?’
Spaghetti is better than rigatoni. Fight me.
Too much garlic for my taste. Next time, I’ll use less.
Garlic makes everything better! Maybe try just 2 cloves next time?
I thought this recipe was kinda weird. Eggplant and fish? Not sure about that…
I thought it sounded strange too, but I gave it a try and it was amazing! The flavors really work together.
Eggplant and fish? Sounds like a bad combo, not sure I’ll be trying this recipe.
Too much garlic for my taste. Think I will use less next time!
Simple and delicious! My family loved it! Thanks for sharing!
I’m glad you enjoyed it! It’s one of my favorites too! 😄
Soo good!!! I never grilled fish before but it turned out perfectly!
I left out the red pepper flakes by mistake, but it still turned out nice!