Imagine a dish that transports you to the sun-drenched coastlines of Greece and Italy with just one bite - a Mediterranean Roasted Vegetable Pasta that's not just a meal, but a culinary adventure! This recipe combines the rich, caramelized flavors of roasted vegetables with perfectly cooked pasta and tangy feta cheese, creating a symphony of tastes that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're a busy home cook or a passionate foodie, this recipe promises to elevate your dinner game with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 eggplant, diced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent vegetables from sticking.
- Wash and dice the zucchini, bell pepper, and eggplant into roughly 1-inch cubes. Aim for uniform size to ensure even roasting.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced vegetables. Drizzle olive oil over the vegetables and sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss thoroughly to ensure even coating.
- Spread the seasoned vegetables in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure they are not overcrowded to allow proper roasting and caramelization.
- Roast the vegetables in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring once halfway through to ensure even browning.
- While vegetables are roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water. Return pasta to the pot.
- Once vegetables are roasted and slightly charred, remove from oven and immediately add to the cooked pasta.
- Gently toss the pasta and roasted vegetables together. If the mixture seems dry, add a small amount of reserved pasta water.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top and serve immediately while warm.
Tips
- Vegetable Cutting Technique: Cut vegetables into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even roasting and caramelization.
- Don't Overcrowd: Spread vegetables in a single layer on the baking sheet, giving them space to roast properly and develop those delicious caramelized edges.
- High Heat is Key: Roasting at 425°F helps vegetables develop a beautiful char and concentrates their natural sweetness.
- Pasta Water Magic: Reserve some pasta water before draining - its starchy goodness helps create a silky sauce when mixing with vegetables.
- Fresh is Best: Use high-quality olive oil and fresh herbs for the most authentic Mediterranean flavor.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot, right after preparation, to maintain the perfect texture of roasted vegetables and pasta.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 15mg
