Pasta Primavera with Roasted Vegetables (Printable)

A colorful Italian pasta dish loaded with roasted seasonal vegetables, garlic, and creamy Parmesan for a light yet satisfying meal.

# What You 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 & 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 Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. 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 18-20 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 ½ 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 - Serve immediately, topped with remaining Parmesan and extra herbs. Add a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It turns a random assortment of vegetables into something that feels intentional and restaurant-worthy.
  • The roasting concentrates all the sweetness and adds a caramelized edge you just cannot get from boiling.
  • It comes together in under an hour with minimal stirring, which means you can actually sit down and relax.
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day after the garlic and Parmesan have had time to settle in.
02 -
  • Do not skip reserving the pasta water, it is the secret to making everything glossy and cohesive instead of dry.
  • Spread the vegetables in a single layer or they will steam instead of roast, and you will lose that caramelized sweetness.
  • Add the garlic to the skillet off the heat if you are nervous about burning it, then warm it gently for just a few seconds.
  • Toss the pasta and vegetables together while both are still hot so the Parmesan melts and clings instead of clumping.
03 -
  • Use the hottest part of your oven and resist the urge to overcrowd the pan, high heat and space are what create those golden, caramelized edges.
  • Grate your own Parmesan instead of using pre-grated, it melts better and tastes sharper and more alive.
  • Toss the pasta with the vegetables while everything is still steaming hot so the residual heat finishes melding the flavors together.
  • Taste before serving and do not be shy with the salt, vegetables need more seasoning than you think to really shine.
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