Pasta Primavera with Roasted Vegetables (Printable)

Vibrant Italian pasta featuring roasted seasonal vegetables, garlic-infused olive oil, and creamy Parmesan. Light yet satisfying.

# What You’ll Need:

→ 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 and 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

# Steps:

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, until lightly browned and tender.
04 - 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 Advice:

01 -
  • It turns a pile of everyday vegetables into something that feels special without any fancy techniques.
  • The roasted edges add a sweetness you just can't get from boiling or steaming.
  • It's flexible enough to use whatever is brightest at the market that week.
  • You get a full, satisfying meal that doesn't weigh you down or leave you reaching for a nap.
02 -
  • Don't skip reserving the pasta water, it's starchy and salty and helps the olive oil cling to the noodles instead of pooling at the bottom of the bowl.
  • Overcrowding the baking sheet will steam the vegetables instead of roasting them, so use two pans if you need to and rotate them halfway through.
  • Add the garlic to the skillet only after you've turned off the heat under the vegetables, burnt garlic turns bitter fast and can ruin the whole dish.
03 -
  • Use a mix of pasta shapes if you have odds and ends in the pantry, the variety makes it feel more rustic and homemade.
  • Toss the hot pasta with a tiny bit of butter along with the Parmesan for an even silkier, richer coating.
  • If you love garlic, double it and add half to the vegetables before roasting for a deeper, mellower garlic flavor throughout.
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