Description
Tasty Roasted Vegetable Pasta is a bright, cozy weeknight dinner made with caramelized zucchini, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, garlic, basil, lemon, and Parmesan tossed with perfectly cooked penne. It’s simple, colorful, and packed with fresh flavor—comfort food that feels light and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
For Roasted Vegetables:
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Pasta and Sauce:
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Additional salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, zucchini, red onion, and garlic.
- Drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Toss well.
- Spread vegetables in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway, until tender and slightly caramelized.
- While vegetables roast, cook penne in salted water according to package directions until al dente.
- Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water before draining.
- Return drained pasta to the pot. Add roasted vegetables and all pan juices.
- Stir in Parmesan, fresh basil, and lemon juice.
- Add reserved pasta water gradually until a light sauce forms. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and basil if desired.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the pan or the vegetables will steam instead of caramelize.
- Add grilled chicken, sausage, or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Add a splash of water before reheating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting + Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1¼ cups)
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg