Roasted Vegetable Pasta
Why this recipe works
- Roasted depth: High-heat roasting brings out the sweetness of the vegetables and gives the edges a deeper, caramelised flavour.
- Light natural sauce: Cherry tomatoes release their juices in the oven, giving the pasta brightness without needing a separate sauce.
- Straightforward timing: The vegetables roast while the pasta cooks, keeping the method simple and easy to manage.
Get the most out of this recipe
Ingredient notes
- Choose firm vegetables: Firm aubergine and courgette hold their shape better during roasting and are less likely to turn watery.
- Use ripe tomatoes: Ripe cherry tomatoes slump and release more juice, helping the pasta coat evenly.
- Finish with good cheese: Parmesan gives a nutty, savoury finish; Pecorino Romano works well if you prefer a sharper, saltier edge.
Common mistakes
- Overcrowding the tray: If the vegetables are piled up, they steam rather than roast. Spread them out or use a second tray.
- Taking the pasta too far: Cook the penne until al dente so it keeps texture when tossed with the hot vegetables and juices.
- Skipping the pasta water: A splash of reserved pasta water helps the tomato juices and olive oil cling to the pasta instead of sitting at the bottom of the bowl.
Make-ahead tips
- Roast ahead: The vegetables can be roasted in advance and refrigerated, then tossed with freshly cooked pasta for the best texture.
- Good for lunches: Leftovers keep well in the fridge and can be served warm or at room temperature with extra basil added after reheating.
- Reheat gently: Warm with a splash of water over medium-low heat, or microwave covered and stir halfway through.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 220°C (430°F). Cut the aubergine, courgette and red pepper into bite-size chunks, and halve any larger cherry tomatoes.
- Tip the vegetables onto a baking tray. Crush the garlic over the top, then add the olive oil, fine sea salt and black pepper and toss well to coat.
- Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, turning once, until the vegetables are tender and caramelised at the edges and the tomatoes have slumped and released their juices.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of well-salted water to the boil. Cook the penne until al dente, then drain, reserving a mugful of the pasta water.
- Tip the hot pasta into a mixing bowl and add the roasted vegetables and their tray juices. Tear in most of the fresh basil, add half the parmesan, and toss, loosening with a splash of the reserved pasta water until glossy.
- Serve straight away with the remaining parmesan and basil over the top. Add a little more black pepper to finish if you like.
Recipe notes
Tips
- Cut the vegetables to a similar size so they roast evenly and caramelise rather than steam.
- Do not overcrowd the tray: if the vegetables are piled up, use two trays so they roast properly.
- Reserved pasta water helps the roasted tomato juices coat the penne into a light, silky sauce.
Substitutions
- Replace Penne with Rigatoni for a chunkier pasta that catches the roasted vegetables.
- Replace Parmesan with Pecorino romano cheese for a saltier, sharper finish.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 3 days
- Cool quickly, cover and refrigerate. Reheat with a splash of water in a saucepan over medium-low heat until piping hot, or microwave covered, stirring halfway through.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 4 servings
- Total time: 50min (15min active)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: Italian
-
Allergens:
Gluten Milk Wheat
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