Eggplant Parmesan

1Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large pot, fill halfway with water and bring to a boil. While water is warming, heat a large skillet to medium-high heat and add oil. Using 1 large bowl and 2 plates, set up a prepping station to bread the eggplant. Crack eggs in bowl and whisk well. Place the Italian breadcrumbs on one plate, and place the Panko on the other plate. Add Italian seasoning and garlic salt to the Panko and blend with a dry fork.

2Working in batches, dip the eggplant slices in the egg (letting excess drip off), then coat with the Italian breadcrumbs, back to the egg (letting excess drip off), then dip into the Panko crumbs. Place the breaded eggplant slices in the skillet. Do not overcrowd the skillet. Let the eggplant cook for about 2 minutes (or until brown) before flipping them over to the other side. Let them get just a light golden brown. Once the eggplant has been “seared” on both sides, place on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and lightly sprayed with non-stick cooking spray in a single layer. Bake them for approximately 20 minutes.

3While the eggplant is in the oven, warm the marinara sauce on medium-low heat. You may want to make sure this is covered with a lid to help prevent splattering. Generously salt the boiling water, and place the pasta in the boiling water in the other pot. Cook pasta according to package. (You may want to start the pasta within the last 10-13 minutes of the cook time for the eggplant so everything stays nice and hot.) During the last two minutes of the cook time for the pasta, add the peas. Drain the pasta and peas using a colander and place drained pasta back in pot. Add about 3 tablespoons (or more) of the marinara sauce to the pasta and mix. Place pasta and peas on a plate and top with the eggplant. Add the marinara over top of the eggplant. Add about 1-2 teaspoons of shredded Parmesan cheese (and shredded mozzarella).