Easy Eggplant Parm Skillet Dinner Recipe - Healthy & Low-Carb

When you crave the comfort of eggplant parmesan but want to skip the fuss of breading and heavy sauces, this Burst Cherry Tomato Eggplant Skillet is the perfect answer. It combines roasted eggplant cubes with juicy cherry tomatoes that burst into their own fresh sauce, topped with Burrata, creamy ricotta, and fragrant basil. This dish brings all the familiar flavors of eggplant parm in a lighter, quicker, and more rustic form.

Burst Cherry Tomato Eggplant Skillet with Melty Mozzarella and Basil

Ingredients You’ll Need

1. 1 large eggplant, cut into 1-inch cubes

2. 1 to 2 cups cherry tomatoes

3. Olive oil

4. Salt and black pepper

5. 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)

6. Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

7. Burrata, Mozzarella Pearls or ½ to ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

8. ½ cup whole milk ricotta cheese (optional)

9. Fresh basil leaves, torn

10. Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for finishing

These simple ingredients come together to create a dish that feels indulgent but stays light and fresh. The cherry tomatoes cook down naturally, eliminating the need for jarred sauce, while the cheeses add creamy richness without heaviness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Roast the Eggplant

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

• Toss the cubed eggplant with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

• Spread the cubes on a baking sheet in a single layer.

• Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the eggplant is golden brown and caramelized on the edges.

  
  

Roasting the eggplant this way brings out its natural sweetness and gives it a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Burst the Cherry Tomatoes

• Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

• Add the cherry tomatoes and a pinch of salt.

• Cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes blister and burst, about 5 to 7 minutes.

• Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

  
  

The bursting tomatoes create a fresh, light sauce that clings to the eggplant cubes perfectly.

Combine and Melt the Cheese

• Add the roasted eggplant to the skillet with the tomatoes. Gently toss to combine, letting the tomato juices coat the eggplant.

• Sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over the skillet.

• Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt for 1 to 2 minutes until it becomes stretchy and gooey.

  
  

This step gives you that classic melty cheese experience without frying or breading.

Finish with Ricotta and Basil

• Remove the lid and dollop spoonfuls of creamy ricotta, if you'd like, over the top.

• Scatter torn fresh basil leaves across the skillet.

• If you like, sprinkle grated Parmesan for an extra layer of flavor.

  
  

The ricotta adds a cool, creamy contrast to the warm, cheesy skillet, while basil brings a fresh herbal note.

Serve and Enjoy

Spoon the skillet warm as it is for a light meal, or serve it over cooked pasta or with crusty bread to soak up the juices. This dish works well for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual weekend lunch.

Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 280

• Protein: 14g

• Fat: 18g (mostly from olive oil and cheese)

• Carbohydrates: 15g

• Fiber: 5g

• Sugar: 8g (from tomatoes and eggplant)

  
  

This recipe offers a balanced mix of protein and fiber, with healthy fats from olive oil and cheese. It’s a satisfying dish that won’t leave you feeling weighed down.

Why This Recipe Works

• No breading or frying means less oil and fewer calories.

• Fresh tomato sauce from bursting cherry tomatoes keeps the flavors bright and natural.

• Roasting eggplant brings out its best texture and flavor without sogginess.

• Combination of mozzarella and ricotta gives you melty cheese and creamy richness in one dish.

• Fresh basil adds a fragrant, fresh finish that lifts the whole skillet.

  
  

This dish captures the essence of eggplant parmesan but in a way that’s easier and lighter, perfect for anyone who loves comfort food without the heaviness.

Tips for Success

• Choose firm, shiny eggplants without soft spots for the best texture.

• Use ripe cherry tomatoes for maximum sweetness and flavor.

• Don’t skip the roasting step; it’s key to developing deep flavor.

• Cover the skillet when melting mozzarella to get that perfect gooey texture.

• Adjust red pepper flakes to your heat preference or leave them out for a milder dish.

  
  

This recipe is flexible and forgiving, making it great for cooks of all levels.