Easy Roasted Vegetable Pasta Recipe

Irresistibly Tasty Roasted Vegetable Pasta to Delight Your Taste Buds

Roasted vegetable pasta turns simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

The mix of caramelized vegetables and well-cooked pasta offers a wonderful blend of flavors and textures.

In both Mediterranean and Italian kitchens, roasting vegetables is a cherished way to bring out their natural sweetness.

This dish is loved by everyone because it can be changed based on what veggies are in season or what you like best.

With its bright colors and rich smells, this pasta looks as good as it tastes.

Packed with nutrients, roasted vegetable pasta shows how fresh ingredients can create something truly special when prepared thoughtfully.

Helpful Ideas For Roasted Vegetable Pasta

  • Maximize Vegetable Flavor: Roast vegetables at high heat to caramelize edges and intensify natural sweetness, creating deeper taste profiles.
  • Pasta Cooking Hack: Slightly undercook pasta during initial boiling to prevent mushiness when baking, ensuring perfect al dente texture.
  • Cheese Melting Technique: Use a combination of fontina, mozzarella, and Parmesan for complex, creamy melting with golden crispy top.
  • Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free options or use plant-based cheese alternatives for vegan-friendly version.
  • Quick Prep Tip: Chop vegetables uniformly to ensure even roasting and consistent cooking throughout the dish.

How To Save Roasted Vegetable Pasta Correctly

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Freeze: Transfer pasta to freezer-safe containers or bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months, maintaining best quality and taste.
  • Reheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, spread pasta in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes. Add a splash of water or extra marinara to prevent drying.
  • Microwave: Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

What Goes Great With Roasted Vegetable Pasta

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Choose a light, refreshing Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the roasted vegetable flavors and cut through the rich cheesy pasta.
  • Serve with Herbed Garlic Bread: Create a crunchy side of toasted bread rubbed with garlic and sprinkled with fresh herbs to add texture and enhance the Italian-inspired dish.
  • Match with Fresh Green Salad: Toss a simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the hearty pasta and provide a crisp, refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy meal.
  • Recommend Robust Red Option: For red wine lovers, select a medium-bodied Chianti or Sangiovese that can stand up to the roasted vegetables and melted cheese without overpowering the dish.

New Takes On Roasted Vegetable Pasta

  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa. Use gluten-free marinara sauce to ensure the entire dish remains celiac-friendly.
  • Vegan Version: Swap fontina and mozzarella with dairy-free cheese alternatives. Use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor and replace butter with olive oil or vegan butter substitute.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Increase roasted vegetable quantity and use a low-carb marinara sauce for added flavor.
  • Protein-Packed Variation: Add grilled chicken, Italian sausage, or plant-based protein crumbles to the roasted vegetable mixture for extra protein and heartiness.

Roasted Vegetable Pasta FAQ List

  • Can I use different vegetables in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute with seasonal vegetables like eggplant, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes. Just ensure they roast well and maintain similar cooking times.

  • Is it necessary to pre-cook the pasta?

Pre-cooking pasta to slightly undercooked is crucial. This helps the pasta absorb sauce and finish cooking in the oven without becoming mushy.

  • Can I make this dish vegetarian?

This recipe is already vegetarian. If you want more protein, consider adding plant-based alternatives like tofu, chickpeas, or meat substitutes.

  • How do I know when the vegetables are properly roasted?

Vegetables are ready when they’re tender and have slightly caramelized edges. Look for golden-brown spots and a softened texture, which indicates they’re perfectly roasted.

Why Roasted Vegetable Pasta Is A Smart Choice

  • Effortless Weeknight Wonder: Quick and simple recipe that transforms ordinary ingredients into a delicious meal in under an hour, perfect for busy families seeking hassle-free dinner solutions.
  • Veggie-Packed Nutrition Boost: Loaded with colorful vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms, this pasta delivers a nutritious punch while making healthy eating incredibly tasty and enjoyable.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combines classic pasta comfort with gourmet touches like fontina and mozzarella cheese, creating a universally appealing dish that satisfies both kids and adults with its creamy, cheesy goodness.
  • One-Pan Convenience: Minimizes kitchen cleanup with a streamlined cooking process that roasts vegetables and bakes pasta in the same baking dish, saving time and reducing dishwashing efforts for home cooks.

Roasted Vegetable Pasta Ingredient Must-Haves

Main Vegetables:
  • Bell Peppers: Sweet and colorful base vegetable with great roasting potential, choose bright and firm peppers.
  • Zucchini: Soft green vegetable with mild flavor, select fresh and firm zucchini without blemishes.
  • Summer Squash: Light yellow vegetable with delicate texture, pick young and small squash for best taste.
  • Mushrooms: Earthy fungi that add depth to the roasted mixture, select fresh and firm mushrooms.
  • Onion: Aromatic vegetable that provides foundational flavor, choose sweet or yellow onions.
Cheese and Dairy:
  • Fontina: Creamy Italian cheese with melting qualities, select authentic version for rich flavor.
  • Mozzarella: Soft white cheese that creates stretchy texture, pick fresh variety.
  • Parmesan: Sharp aged cheese for topping, select freshly grated for best taste.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create golden top, use unsalted for better control of salt.
Pasta and Sauce Components:
  • Pasta: Central carbohydrate that absorbs flavors, choose short pasta like penne or rotini.
  • Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato-based sauce that binds ingredients, select high-quality jarred or homemade sauce.
  • Peas: Sweet green vegetable that adds color and nutrition, use frozen for convenience.
Seasoning and Oil:
  • Olive Oil: Helps roast vegetables and adds flavor, choose extra virgin for best taste.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor, use kosher or sea salt.
  • Black Pepper: Provides subtle heat and complexity, freshly ground is best.

How To Prepare Roasted Vegetable Pasta

How To Prepare Roasted Vegetable Pasta

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a blazing 450°F (230°C) to get ready for some serious roasting action.

Step 2: Prepare Colorful Veggie Medley

Spread onto a baking sheet and toss together:
  • Bell peppers
  • Zucchini
  • Summer squash
  • Mushrooms
  • Onion

Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and dried herbs. Roast until veggies are tender and slightly caramelized, about 15 minutes.

Step 3: Cook Pasta To Perfection

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Drop in pasta and cook for roughly 6 minutes – you want it slightly undercooked since it’ll continue cooking later. Drain and set aside.

Step 4: Create Flavor Fusion

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine:
  • Drained pasta
  • Roasted vegetables
  • Marinara sauce
  • Fontina cheese
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Peas
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Gently mix to ensure everything gets cozy together.

Step 5: Assemble The Casserole

Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top and dot with butter pieces.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for about 25 minutes. Watch for a gorgeous golden top and melted, bubbly cheese.

Step 7: Serve And Savor

Let the pasta cool slightly, then dig in and enjoy your delicious creation!

Print
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Easy Roasted Vegetable Pasta Recipe

Easy Roasted Vegetable Pasta Recipe


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4.7 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Mediterranean Roasted Vegetable Pasta brings garden-fresh ingredients together in a colorful symphony of flavors. Rich olive oil, herbs, and perfectly caramelized vegetables create a simple yet elegant meal that transports you straight to southern European comfort.


Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables:

  • 2 red bell peppers, cored and cut into 1-inch wide strips
  • 2 zucchini, quartered lengthwise and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 summer squash, quartered lengthwise and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 4 cremini mushrooms, halved
  • 1 yellow onion, peeled and sliced into 1-inch strips
  • 1 ½ cups frozen peas, thawed

Pasta and Sauce:

  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Cheese and Seasoning:

  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning or herbs de Provence
  • 1 cup grated fontina cheese
  • ½ cup grated smoked mozzarella
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan
  • ⅓ cup grated Parmesan (for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces

Instructions

  1. Crank the oven to a scorching 450°F (230°C), preparing for vegetable transformation.
  2. Spread bell peppers, zucchini, summer squash, mushrooms, and onion across a baking sheet, lavishing them with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and dried herbs, then roast until vegetables become tender and caramelized, approximately 15 minutes.
  3. Simultaneously, launch pasta into a bubbling pot of salted water, cooking slightly less than package instructions to maintain a firm texture, around 6 minutes.
  4. Drain pasta and transfer to a generous mixing bowl, introducing roasted vegetables, marinara sauce, fontina, mozzarella, and peas, seasoning with additional salt and pepper, gently folding to ensure uniform coating.
  5. Transfer the vibrant mixture into a well-greased 9×13-inch baking dish, creating an inviting canvas of culinary potential.
  6. Generously crown the pasta with remaining Parmesan cheese and strategically placed butter pieces, promising a golden, crispy summit.
  7. Slide the dish into the oven, baking for roughly 25 minutes until the top achieves a gorgeous golden hue and cheese melts into irresistible pools.
  8. Allow the pasta to rest momentarily after emerging from the oven, letting flavors harmonize before serving this rustic, comforting masterpiece.

Notes

  • Vegetable Selection Matters: Choose fresh, firm vegetables with vibrant colors to ensure maximum flavor and texture in your roasted pasta dish.
  • Precise Roasting Technique: Cut vegetables into uniform sizes to guarantee even cooking and prevent some pieces from burning while others remain undercooked.
  • Cheese Flexibility: Swap fontina and mozzarella with dairy-free alternatives like nutritional yeast or vegan cheese for a plant-based version that maintains
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 27 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 65 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
Michael Reynolds

Michael Reynolds

Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Modern American and European Cuisines​, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.​

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

  • Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.​

Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.

Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.

At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.

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