Roasted vegetable pasta is a comforting, colorful, and delicious meal that brings out the best flavors of seasonal vegetables. The roasting process enhances their natural sweetness and gives them a slightly smoky taste, which pairs beautifully with tender pasta and a light seasoning. It’s a go-to recipe when I want to keep things simple, healthy, and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how versatile this roasted vegetable pasta is—perfect for a weeknight dinner or as a meal prep option for the week. Roasting the veggies gives the dish incredible depth of flavor without much effort. It’s also easily customizable, letting me use whatever vegetables I have on hand. Best of all, it’s a vegetarian meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor or texture.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti work great)
- Zucchini
- Bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange)
- Red onion
- Cherry tomatoes
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Salt and pepper
- Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh basil (optional)
Directions
- I start by preheating my oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Then, I chop all the vegetables into bite-sized pieces and toss them in olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- I spread them out on a baking sheet and roast them for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through to get that perfect caramelization.
- While the veggies roast, I cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set it aside.
- Once the vegetables are nicely roasted, I mix them with the cooked pasta in a large bowl.
- I sometimes add a splash of olive oil or a spoonful of pasta water to bring it all together.
- Finally, I serve it with freshly grated Parmesan and torn basil leaves for extra flavor.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 4 servings and takes approximately 40 minutes from start to finish—10 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of roasting and cooking.
Variations
I switch things up by adding different vegetables like mushrooms, eggplant, or asparagus depending on the season. Sometimes I toss in chickpeas or white beans for added protein. For a richer flavor, I stir in a spoonful of pesto or a dollop of ricotta. If I’m in the mood for heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes does the trick.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, I like to use a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep the pasta from drying out. It can also be reheated in the microwave, but I always stir halfway through to make sure it heats evenly.
FAQs
What type of pasta works best for roasted vegetable pasta?
I usually go with short pasta like penne or fusilli because they hold the roasted vegetables well, but spaghetti or linguine also work nicely.
Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes, I can use frozen vegetables, but I make sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture that can make them soggy when roasting.
Is this recipe vegan?
It can be! I just skip the Parmesan or use a plant-based alternative to keep it fully vegan.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. I often roast the vegetables ahead and store them in the fridge, then just cook the pasta fresh and toss everything together when ready to serve.
How can I make it gluten-free?
I simply use gluten-free pasta, and everything else in the recipe remains the same. It’s just as tasty and satisfying.
Conclusion
Roasted vegetable pasta is a perfect blend of ease, flavor, and flexibility. It’s one of those dishes I can always count on to be delicious, whether I’m cleaning out the fridge or planning a comforting dinner. With endless variations and simple ingredients, it’s a staple recipe I love coming back to again and again.
PrintRoasted Vegetable Pasta
Roasted Vegetable Pasta is a flavorful and colorful dish featuring seasonal vegetables roasted to perfection and tossed with pasta. It’s simple, healthy, and easy to customize.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 2 bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), chopped
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves, torn (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Chop all vegetables into bite-sized pieces and toss with olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Spread vegetables on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- While vegetables roast, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Combine roasted vegetables and pasta in a large bowl.
- Add a splash of olive oil or reserved pasta water to bring it together if needed.
- Top with grated Parmesan and fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- Use any seasonal vegetables like mushrooms, eggplant, or asparagus.
- Add chickpeas or white beans for extra protein.
- Stir in pesto or ricotta for added richness.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Skip the cheese or use plant-based cheese to make it vegan.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
