Roasted Veggie Pesto Pasta (Printable)

A colorful dish featuring roasted vegetables, cherry tomatoes, and basil pesto for a satisfying meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
02 - 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
03 - 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into strips
04 - 1 red onion, sliced
05 - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
06 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Pasta

09 - 12 ounces penne or fusilli pasta

→ Pesto

10 - 1/2 cup basil pesto, store-bought or homemade

→ Garnish

11 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, optional
12 - Fresh basil leaves for serving

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat the oven to 425°F.
02 - Spread zucchini, bell peppers, and red onion on a large baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss to coat evenly.
03 - Roast vegetables for 20 minutes until they begin to soften and develop color.
04 - Add cherry tomatoes to the baking sheet, toss gently, and roast for an additional 10 minutes until all vegetables are tender and lightly browned.
05 - Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of cooking water.
06 - In a large bowl, combine drained pasta, roasted vegetables with pan juices, and pesto. Toss gently to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a creamy consistency.
07 - Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Quick and easy: Ready in just 45 minutes with simple prep and minimal cleanup.
  • Packed with vegetables: Zucchini, red and yellow bell peppers, red onion, and cherry tomatoes make this dish as nutritious as it is colorful.
  • Vegetarian and adaptable: Easily made vegan with dairy-free pesto and a plant-based Parmesan alternative.
  • Crowd-pleasing flavors: The combination of caramelized roasted vegetables and creamy basil pesto is universally loved.
  • Meal-prep friendly: Tastes just as wonderful the next day, making it perfect for leftovers or make-ahead lunches.
02 -
  • Don't crowd the pan: Spread vegetables in a single layer on the baking sheet so they roast rather than steam, developing those delicious caramelized edges.
  • Save your pasta water: The starchy cooking liquid is key to achieving a creamy, cohesive sauce — add it a little at a time when tossing everything together.
  • Add tomatoes later: Introducing the cherry tomatoes in the last 10 minutes of roasting keeps them juicy and prevents them from drying out completely.
  • Use quality pesto: Whether store-bought or homemade, the pesto is the heart of this dish — choose one with vibrant color and fresh basil flavor.
  • Toss while warm: Combine the pasta and vegetables while both are still warm so the pesto melts in evenly and coats everything beautifully.
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