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Roasted Vegetable Pasta with Parmesan and Basil Recipe

4.8 from 139 reviews

A vibrant and healthy Roasted Vegetable Pasta combining perfectly roasted bell peppers, zucchini, onion, cherry tomatoes, and broccoli with al dente penne pasta. Tossed with garlic, Italian herbs, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil for a delicious, comforting meal with an optional tangy balsamic vinegar twist.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 oz penne pasta

Vegetables

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 zucchini, sliced
  • 1 red onion, sliced
  • 8 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups broccoli florets

Seasonings & Extras

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Handful of fresh basil leaves
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for roasting the vegetables.
  2. Prepare Vegetables: Arrange sliced red and yellow bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, and broccoli florets evenly on a large baking sheet.
  3. Season Vegetables: Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the vegetables, then add minced garlic, salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Toss everything gently to ensure all pieces are coated well.
  4. Roast Vegetables: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the vegetables for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring halfway through to promote even cooking. They should be tender and slightly charred at the edges when done.
  5. Cook Pasta: While the vegetables roast, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use.
  6. Combine Pasta and Vegetables: In a large serving bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the roasted vegetables. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the mixture for added richness.
  7. Add Balsamic Vinegar (Optional): If desired, drizzle 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar over the pasta and vegetable mixture to add a subtle tangy flavor layer.
  8. Toss and Adjust: Toss all ingredients together thoroughly. Use the reserved pasta water sparingly to loosen the sauce and help everything blend smoothly.
  9. Add Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and toss well once again until the cheese is melted and evenly distributed.
  10. Garnish and Serve: Finally, garnish the dish with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic finish and serve warm.

Notes

  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency for a creamier texture without adding extra oil.
  • Feel free to swap out vegetables based on seasonal availability.
  • For a vegan version, omit Parmesan cheese or substitute with vegan cheese.
  • Balsamic vinegar is optional but adds a lovely depth of flavor to the dish.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.

Keywords: roasted vegetable pasta, vegetarian pasta, easy pasta recipe, healthy pasta, Italian pasta dish, baked vegetables, penne pasta recipe