Pasta Primavera with Roasted Vegetables (Printable)

Italian pasta with roasted zucchini, peppers, tomatoes, and broccoli tossed in garlic-infused olive oil and topped with fresh Parmesan.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
13 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
14 - Pinch of red pepper flakes, optional

→ Garnish

15 - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
16 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley
17 - Lemon wedges, optional

# Steps:

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

# Tips from the Pros:

01 -
  • The vegetables roast until their edges caramelize, giving the dish a depth you just cant get from steaming or boiling.
  • It comes together in under an hour, yet tastes like you spent the whole afternoon in the kitchen.
  • You can swap in whatever vegetables are in season or sitting in your crisper drawer, and it still works beautifully.
  • The Parmesan melts into the warm pasta and creates a light, silky coating without any heavy cream.
02 -
  • Do not skip reserving the pasta water, it contains starch that helps the olive oil and Parmesan cling to the pasta instead of pooling at the bottom of the bowl.
  • Spread the vegetables in a single layer on the baking sheet so they roast instead of steam, which is the difference between tender caramelized vegetables and soggy ones.
  • Add the Parmesan off the heat so it melts gently and creates a creamy coating without clumping or turning greasy.
03 -
  • Toss the hot pasta with the Parmesan and a splash of pasta water off the heat so the cheese melts into a silky coating instead of clumping.
  • Roast the vegetables on the top rack of the oven for deeper caramelization and more concentrated flavor.
  • Taste the dish before serving and add a pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon, small adjustments at the end make all the difference.
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