Eggplant and Bacon Penne Rigate with Tomato Sauce - Italpasta Limited

Ingredients

• 1 pkg Italpasta Artisan Penne Rigate
• ¼ cup panko bread crumbs
• 2 tsp salt (divided)
• 2 tsp pepper (divided)
• 4 slices bacon (chopped)
• 2 tsp olive oil
• 2½ cups eggplant (cut into ½-inch (1 cm) cubes)
• 1 onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tsp tomato paste
• 1 28-oz can finely chopped tomatoes
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
• 2 tbsp dried oregano
• 2 tsp red chili flakes
• ½ cup shredded halloumi cheese
• 1 small bunch basil