Roasted Veggie Pasta
Roasted Veggie Pasta: A Colorful, Flavor-Packed Meal for Any Occasion
If you’re looking for a healthy, flavorful meal that’s both quick and easy to make, look no further than this Roasted Veggie Pasta. Packed with roasted zucchini, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and a light seasoning of herbs, this dish offers the perfect balance of taste and nutrition. It’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you need something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, the rich flavors of the roasted vegetables combined with al dente pasta make this dish a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
What makes Roasted Veggie Pasta even better is its versatility. Whether you’re following a vegetarian diet or simply trying to incorporate more veggies into your meals, this recipe is easily customizable to suit your preferences. You can mix and match vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have on hand, making it a go-to dish all year round. Serve it as a main course or a side dish, and you’ll find yourself returning to this simple, satisfying recipe time and time again.
Try some of our other recipes!
Kid-Friendly Additions for Roasted Veggie Pasta
Making Roasted Veggie Pasta more appealing to picky eaters or children can be simple with a few creative tweaks:
Add a Creamy Sauce: Kids often love creamy textures, so toss the pasta in a light cheese sauce or mix in a dollop of cream cheese or alfredo sauce. This will make the dish more comforting and familiar for young eaters.
Incorporate Fun Shapes: Use fun-shaped pasta like bowties, spirals, or animal shapes to make the dish visually appealing and more enjoyable for kids to eat.
Hide the Veggies: If your child is reluctant to eat vegetables, try finely chopping or pureeing them before roasting. You can blend the roasted veggies into a smooth sauce, making them less noticeable while still getting the nutrients in.
Add a Protein Kids Love: Include bite-sized pieces of chicken, turkey meatballs, or even crispy bacon bits to make the dish heartier and more kid-friendly.
Top It with Cheese: Most kids can’t resist a cheesy topping. Sprinkle some shredded mozzarella or cheddar on top and bake the pasta for a few minutes to create a gooey, melty layer that kids will love.
Involve Them in the Cooking: Let your child choose a veggie or help with tasks like stirring or sprinkling cheese. This can make them more excited to eat something they helped prepare.
Serve with Dippable Sides: Pair the pasta with fun dippable sides like garlic breadsticks or veggie sticks with hummus or ranch dressing. Dipping can make the meal more interactive and fun for kids.
By incorporating these changes, you can make Roasted Veggie Pasta a hit even with the pickiest of eaters!
Nutritional Information
If you’re looking for a healthy and nutritious meal, this Roasted Veggie Pasta is a great choice. Packed with vegetables and simple ingredients, it’s a well-balanced dish that’s both satisfying and nourishing.
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 350-400 (varies depending on pasta type and toppings)
- Protein: 10-12g (can be boosted by adding lean proteins like chicken or tofu)
- Carbohydrates: 50-55g (use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for more fiber)
- Fats: 10-12g (mainly from olive oil and optional Parmesan cheese)
- Fiber: 6-8g (depending on the types of veggies and pasta used)
Vitamins & Minerals:
- Vitamin C: Bell peppers and tomatoes are rich in Vitamin C, boosting immunity and overall health.
- Vitamin A: Zucchini provides a good dose of Vitamin A, great for eye health and skin.
- Iron and Calcium: The vegetables and optional Parmesan cheese offer a small amount of iron and calcium, which are essential for bone and muscle health.
This Roasted Veggie Pasta is a fantastic option if you’re looking to enjoy a flavorful dish while maintaining a balanced diet. The combination of fresh veggies, pasta, and a light drizzle of olive oil makes it both healthy and filling!
Roasted Veggie Pasta
Equipment
- Large pot: For boiling the pasta.
- Baking sheet: To roast the vegetables.
- Mixing bowl: For tossing the roasted veggies and pasta together.
- Knife and cutting board: For chopping the vegetables.
- Colander: To drain the cooked pasta.
- Tongs or spatula: For mixing the veggies and pasta.
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper (optional): To line the baking sheet for easy cleanup.
Ingredients
- 12 Oz Pasta ( penne, fusilli, or farfalle work great)
- 1 Red bell pepper, diced
- 1 Yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 Zucchini, sliced into rounds
- 1 Red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 Cups Cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 Garlic cloves, minced
- 3 Tbsp Olive oil
- 1 Tsp Dried oregano
- 1 Tsp Dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 Cup Grated parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the VegetablesPreheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats up, wash and chop all your vegetables. The key here is to cut everything roughly the same size to ensure even cooking.
- Step 2: Season and Roast the VeggiesOn a large baking sheet, toss the bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and garlic with olive oil, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out evenly, ensuring there’s enough space for them to roast properly.Place the sheet in the oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the veggies are tender and lightly browned at the edges.
- Step 3: Cook the PastaWhile the vegetables are roasting, cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to salt the water generously to flavor the pasta as it cooks.Once done, drain the pasta, but reserve about ½ cup of pasta water in case you need it later for the sauce.
- Step 4: Combine the Pasta and VeggiesWhen the veggies are done roasting, transfer them into a large serving bowl. Add the cooked pasta, tossing everything together gently. If the mixture feels a bit dry, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen things up.Optional: Stir in the Parmesan cheese at this point for a creamy, savory addition.
- Step 5: Garnish and ServeFinish off with a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves for an added pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately, and enjoy the perfect balance of hearty pasta and roasted vegetables.
Storing, Reheating, and Meal Prep Tips
Storing Leftovers: To store leftover Roasted Veggie Pasta, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Properly stored, it will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating Without Losing Flavor or Texture:
- On the Stovetop: For the best results, reheat the pasta on the stovetop. Add a splash of water or broth to the pan to prevent the pasta from drying out, then heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
- In the Microwave: You can also microwave it for a quick option. Place the pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a little water over it, cover loosely with a lid or microwave-safe wrap, and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Optional Tip: If the pasta seems dry after reheating, drizzle a little olive oil or add a spoonful of marinara sauce to bring back some moisture and enhance the flavor.
Meal Prep & Freezing Instructions: If you’re planning to prep this dish in advance, roast the vegetables and cook the pasta separately. Combine them when ready to serve, so the pasta stays fresh and the veggies retain their roasted flavor.
Freezing Instructions: Roasted Veggie Pasta can also be frozen for later use. After cooking, allow the pasta and vegetables to cool completely. Portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible before sealing. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Reheating from Frozen: To reheat, thaw the pasta in the refrigerator overnight. For a quick option, you can also microwave it directly from frozen, using the same steps as reheating. For stovetop reheating, thaw first and then heat in a pan with a little water or sauce to prevent drying out.
These tips will help you maintain the delicious flavors and textures of your Roasted Veggie Pasta, whether you’re storing leftovers for tomorrow or preparing meals ahead for the week!
A Wholesome Dish for Every Occasion
This Roasted Veggie Pasta is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and the joy of simple cooking. Whether you’re enjoying it as a weeknight dinner, meal prepping for busy days, or sharing it with loved ones, this dish brings comfort and nourishment to the table. The versatility of the vegetables and the ease of preparation make it a go-to recipe that never gets old.
I hope this wholesome pasta becomes a favorite in your home, just as it has in mine. Don’t forget to experiment with different veggies and flavors to make it your own! If you try it, I’d love to hear your thoughts and see your creations. Be sure to share your experience and join our community of food lovers by subscribing to Satisfy Your Cravings for more delicious recipes like this one!