Instructions: TO COOK: Heat oven to 350 F. Brush eggplant slices with 3 tablespoon oil, then sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Place eggplant and sausages on a baking pan; cover with foil. Bake until eggplant is tender, about 20 minutes. Remove eggplant slices and cut them into small dice; set aside.

Return sausages to the oven and bake, uncovered, until cooked through, about 10 minutes longer. Cut sausages into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Mix sausages and eggplant with next 6 ingredients. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper or to taste; set aside.

Meanwhile, bring 6 quarts water to boil in a soup kettle. Add 1 tablespoon salt and penne; cook until pasta is just tender, about 10 minutes. Drain pasta and transfer to a large serving bowl.

TO SERVE: Add remaining 1/4 cup oil and sausage mixture to pasta; toss to combine. (Can be covered and set aside at room temperature up to 1 hour.)

Serve.

Serves: 4 to 6

NOTES : A variety of flavors and textures enliven this hearty pasta. If you have the time, chef Albert Rainer, of Hyde Street Bistro, suggests that you roast fresh red bell peppers for use in this recipe.

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