Description
This Roasted Vegetable Pasta is a deliciously simple and wholesome meal featuring tender, caramelized veggies tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a colorful, Italian-inspired dish bursting with fresh flavors from zucchini, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, topped with optional Parmesan cheese and basil. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying vegetarian main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Pasta and Oils
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for tossing
Optional Toppings
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Vegetables: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine the sliced zucchini, red and yellow bell peppers, red onion, and cherry tomatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and minced garlic. Toss until the vegetables are evenly coated.
- Roast the Vegetables: Spread the seasoned vegetables evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the vegetables become tender and lightly caramelized on the edges.
- Cook the Pasta: While the vegetables are roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
- Combine Pasta and Vegetables: Drain the pasta and return it to a large mixing bowl. Add the roasted vegetables and toss them together. Use the reserved pasta water or a drizzle of olive oil to loosen the mixture and help everything coat evenly.
- Add Finishing Touches: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil, if using, to add rich, fresh flavors. Serve the pasta warm as a satisfying main dish.
Notes
- Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to increase the protein content.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for gluten intolerance.
- For variety, you can substitute or add roasted eggplant, mushrooms, or broccoli instead of the listed vegetables.
