Imagine a vibrant, colorful dish that's not just a meal, but a culinary adventure waiting to happen! This Roasted Veggie Spinach Pasta is your ticket to an incredibly delicious, nutritious, and easy-to-make dinner that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. Packed with roasted vegetables, tender pasta, and fresh spinach, this recipe is a perfect blend of flavor, nutrition, and pure comfort food magic that can be prepared in just 35 minutes.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 2 cups spinach
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
- Wash and dice the zucchini and bell pepper into uniform 1-inch cubes. Halve the cherry tomatoes to ensure even roasting.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the diced zucchini, bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread the vegetables evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Roast the vegetables in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until they are tender and slightly caramelized.
- While vegetables are roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- Drain the pasta, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water. Return the pasta to the pot and toss with the remaining olive oil.
- Add the roasted vegetables and fresh spinach to the pasta. Gently stir to combine, allowing the residual heat to slightly wilt the spinach.
- If the pasta seems dry, add a little reserved pasta water to help create a light sauce and help the ingredients combine.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, optionally garnished with grated Parmesan cheese or fresh basil.
Tips
- Cut vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even roasting and caramelization.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet - give vegetables space to roast, not steam.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining; it's liquid gold for creating a silky sauce.
- Use high-quality olive oil for the best flavor and roasting results.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like basil.
- If you want added protein, try tossing in some grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- Use fresh, seasonal vegetables for the most vibrant taste and maximum nutrition.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
