Pasta and roasted vegetables are a match made in culinary heaven. Their combination brings together the hearty, comforting textures of perfectly cooked pasta with the rich, caramelized flavors of vegetables roasted to tender, slightly crispy perfection.
Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that’s quick and wholesome or a dish to impress guests with minimal effort, pasta with roasted veggies is a versatile and delicious choice. Plus, it’s a great way to pack your meal with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants while keeping things light and satisfying.
In this post, we will explore a variety of recipes featuring roasted vegetables and pasta, highlighting how simple ingredients can transform into mouthwatering dishes. From classic Mediterranean-inspired flavors to bold, spicy twists, these recipes are designed to inspire your next meal.
So grab your favorite pasta and some fresh vegetables, and let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Roasted vegetables and pasta offer a wonderful balance of flavors and textures. Roasting intensifies the natural sweetness of the veggies, creating a caramelized depth that complements the pasta beautifully.
This recipe is:
- Healthy and nutritious – loaded with fiber, vitamins, and minerals from seasonal vegetables.
- Easy to customize – swap in your favorite vegetables or pasta shapes.
- Perfect for meal prep – leftovers taste even better the next day.
- Vegetarian-friendly and can be easily made vegan by skipping cheese or using dairy-free alternatives.
- Comforting yet light – ideal for any season.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or your favorite shape)
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 medium eggplant, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red onion, sliced into wedges
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese or vegan alternative (optional)
- Red pepper flakes to taste (optional)
- Juice of half a lemon
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Colander or strainer
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Serving bowl or plates
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine zucchini, red and yellow bell peppers, eggplant, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
- Add olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Toss well until all veggies are evenly coated.
- Spread the vegetables out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until vegetables are tender and caramelized.
- While the vegetables roast, cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Add the roasted vegetables and toss gently to combine.
- Adjust the consistency: If the pasta seems dry, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce.
- Add fresh basil and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Toss again.
- Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese or a vegan alternative if desired. Sprinkle red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, if you like.
Tips & Variations
“Roasting vegetables at a high temperature brings out their natural sweetness and adds a lovely depth of flavor to your pasta dishes.”
- Use seasonal vegetables: Swap in butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus depending on what’s fresh.
- Make it vegan: Skip cheese or use nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan.
- Add protein: Toss in cooked chickpeas, white beans, or grilled tofu for a fuller meal.
- Try different herbs: Rosemary, thyme, or sage can add new flavor dimensions.
- Spice it up: Add homemade chili powder for a smoky, spicy twist.
- Use alternative pasta: Try chickpea pasta or other ancient grains for extra nutrition – check out Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals for inspiration.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 350-400 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 60g |
Protein | 10g |
Fat | 8g (mostly from olive oil) |
Fiber | 8g |
Vitamin A | 15% DV |
Vitamin C | 40% DV |
Iron | 15% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This roasted vegetable pasta pairs well with fresh, crisp salads such as a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or a classic Caesar salad (vegan or traditional). For a heartier meal, serve alongside crusty garlic bread or a warm bowl of soup.
For a light wine pairing, a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the roasted flavors beautifully. Non-alcoholic options like sparkling water with a splash of lemon also refresh the palate.
Don’t forget you can always serve it cold as a pasta salad for picnics or lunchboxes – just add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
More Recipes to Try
- Amazing Vegan Pasta Recipes for Easy Delicious Meals
- Best Vegetarian Recipes No Dairy for Delicious Meals
- Cheap Vegetarian Recipes For Families Everyone Will Love
Conclusion
Recipes with roasted vegetables and pasta are a fantastic way to enjoy a nourishing, flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and endlessly adaptable. The beauty of roasting is in the transformation it brings to simple veggies, turning them into caramelized bites bursting with flavor.
When paired with pasta, these dishes become comforting yet light, perfect for any occasion.
We encourage you to explore the variations and tips shared here to make this recipe your own. Whether you’re a busy weeknight cook or hosting guests, roasted vegetable pasta delivers on taste, nutrition, and simplicity.
For more creative and wholesome ideas, don’t miss our extensive collection of vegetarian and vegan recipes, including A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion.
📖 Recipe Card: Roasted Vegetable Pasta
Description: A flavorful and healthy pasta dish featuring a medley of roasted vegetables tossed with al dente pasta. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 yellow squash, sliced
- 1 small red onion, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Toss bell pepper, zucchini, yellow squash, red onion, and cherry tomatoes with 2 tbsp olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Spread vegetables on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine roasted vegetables, pasta, garlic, remaining olive oil, and Parmesan cheese.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.
Nutrition: Calories: 420 kcal | Protein: 14 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbs: 62 g
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