Roasted Veggie Pasta with Feta Recipe

Introduction

This roasted veggie pasta with feta is a delightful and colorful dish that blends tender roasted vegetables with creamy feta cheese and peppery arugula. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it’s packed with vibrant flavors and simple ingredients you likely have on hand.

A white bowl holds a colorful pasta salad with three main layers: at the bottom is a bed of light yellow, curly pasta spirals, middle layer has bright green spinach leaves, chunks of dark green zucchini, orange sweet potatoes, and slices of purple onion mixed throughout, and the top layer is scattered with small pieces of crumbled white cheese and halved red cherry tomatoes, with bits of black pepper seasoning visible; a silver fork rests on the right edge of the bowl, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 pound fusilli (or other chunky pasta)
  • 6 ounce block of feta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
  • 1 red onion, cut into thin wedges
  • 2 small zucchini (or 1 large), diced into 1/2 inch pieces
  • 1 orange bell pepper, diced into 1/2 inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 cups fresh baby arugula

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. Step 2: On a parchment-lined baking sheet, place the block of feta and the cherry tomatoes, red onion wedges, zucchini, and orange bell pepper. Toss the vegetables with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, then drizzle the same olive oil and salt over the feta.
  3. Step 3: Bake everything for about 15 minutes, or until the tomatoes have burst and the vegetables are tender.
  4. Step 4: While the veggies roast, cook the pasta in very salty boiling water according to package directions. Once done, drain and set aside.
  5. Step 5: Combine the baked feta and pasta in a large bowl, stirring so the feta breaks up and coats the pasta evenly. Add the roasted vegetables, the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, remaining teaspoon of salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and arugula. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
  6. Step 6: Serve the pasta immediately for best flavor and texture, or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Tips & Variations

  • Try using different veggies like eggplant or mushrooms for variation.
  • If you prefer a creamier texture, add a splash of pasta cooking water when mixing to help bind the sauce.
  • For a gluten-free option, swap fusilli for your favorite gluten-free pasta.
  • Add toasted pine nuts or walnuts for extra crunch and nuttiness.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or olive oil to restore moisture. The arugula can be added fresh when serving leftovers to maintain its peppery flavor and texture.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with three layers of food: the bottom layer is curly pasta with a pale yellow color and slightly glossy texture, the middle layer has chunky pieces of orange bell pepper, green zucchini, and some bright red cherry tomato halves, and the top layer shows thin slices of purple onion, small green leafy arugula, and crumbled white cheese sprinkled throughout. The dish looks fresh and colorful with a light dusting of black pepper. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a silver fork to the right side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese instead of feta?

Yes, you can substitute feta with goat cheese or ricotta for a similar creamy texture, though the flavor will be milder.

Is it necessary to roast the feta along with the vegetables?

Roasting the feta softens it and helps it blend beautifully with the pasta and veggies, adding richness and a slightly tangy flavor. You can skip roasting it if short on time, but the dish is best with it.

Print
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Roasted Veggie Pasta with Feta Recipe


  • Author: Rafael
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A vibrant and flavorful Roasted Veggie Pasta with Feta combines oven-roasted cherry tomatoes, zucchini, red onion, and bell pepper with tangy baked feta, tossed together with al dente fusilli pasta and fresh baby arugula for a hearty, healthy, and easy-to-make meal perfect for any day of the week.


Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 1 pound fusilli (or other chunky pasta)

Vegetables

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
  • 1 red onion, cut into thin wedges
  • 2 small zucchini (or 1 large), diced into 1/2 inch pieces
  • 1 orange bell pepper, diced into 1/2 inch pieces
  • 2 cups fresh baby arugula

Dairy

  • 6 ounce block of feta

Seasonings & Oils

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for roasting the vegetables and feta.
  2. Prepare Veggies and Feta: Place the block of feta and the cherry tomatoes, red onion wedges, diced zucchini, and diced orange bell pepper on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the vegetables and feta, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and toss the vegetables lightly to coat.
  3. Roast: Bake the feta and vegetables in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the cherry tomatoes burst and the vegetables are tender.
  4. Cook Pasta: While the veggies roast, bring a large pot of very salty water to a boil. Cook the fusilli pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  5. Combine Ingredients: When the roasted veggies and feta are done, transfer the feta block and vegetables to a large mixing bowl. Stir gently to break up the feta and evenly incorporate it with the pasta. Add the drained pasta, remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, the remaining 1 teaspoon salt, freshly ground black pepper, lemon juice, and fresh baby arugula.
  6. Mix and Serve: Toss all ingredients gently until well combined. Serve the pasta warm immediately, or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Notes

  • For best flavor, roast the vegetables just until the cherry tomatoes have burst but before the feta browns too much.
  • You can substitute any chunky pasta like penne or rigatoni if fusilli is not available.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt, depending on the saltiness of your feta cheese.
  • This dish can be served warm or at room temperature, making it great for meal prep or picnics.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 4 days for optimal freshness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Keywords: Roasted Vegetable Pasta, Feta Pasta, Mediterranean Pasta, Healthy Pasta Recipe, Vegetarian Pasta Dish

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