Pasta Primavera with Roasted Vegetables (Printable version)

An Italian-inspired pasta tossed with roasted seasonal vegetables, olive oil, garlic, and topped with freshly grated Parmesan.

# Needed ingredients:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz penne or fusilli pasta

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium zucchini, sliced
03 - 1 medium yellow squash, sliced
04 - 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
05 - 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into strips
06 - 1 small red onion, sliced
07 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
08 - 1 cup broccoli florets

→ Seasonings & Aromatics

09 - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
10 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
11 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
12 - ½ teaspoon salt
13 - ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
14 - Pinch of red pepper flakes, optional

→ Garnish

15 - ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
16 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley
17 - Lemon wedges, optional

# How to make it:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Arrange zucchini, yellow squash, bell peppers, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and broccoli on the prepared sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil, sprinkle with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly and spread in a single layer.
03 - Roast vegetables for 18 to 20 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until lightly browned and tender.
04 - Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta cooking water, then drain pasta.
05 - In a large skillet over medium heat, add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
06 - Add roasted vegetables and cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss gently, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen, if needed.
07 - Remove from heat. Stir in half the Parmesan and fresh basil or parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning.
08 - Serve immediately, topped with remaining Parmesan and extra herbs. Add a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It adapts to whatever vegetables are in season or hiding in your crisper drawer.
  • The roasting concentrates the flavors so even the pickiest eaters ask for seconds.
  • It feels indulgent but takes less effort than ordering takeout.
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day when the garlic and olive oil have mingled overnight.
02 -
  • Do not skip the pasta water, it is the secret to making everything cling together without feeling greasy.
  • Spread the vegetables in a single layer or they will steam instead of roast, and you will lose that caramelized sweetness.
  • Taste before serving because ovens and vegetables vary, and a pinch more salt or a squeeze of lemon can transform the dish.
03 -
  • Use a mix of colorful vegetables not just for looks, but because different colors often mean different flavors and textures.
  • Let the garlic cook just until you can smell it, any longer and it turns bitter and overpowering.
  • Always taste the pasta water before you drain it, if it is not salty enough your pasta will be bland no matter what you add later.
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