If you’ve been searching for a dish that combines fresh, vibrant flavors with hearty comfort, the Roasted Veggie Pasta with Feta Recipe is your new go-to. This dish brings together perfectly roasted vegetables bursting with sweetness, creamy feta that melts into every bite, and peppery arugula all tossed with al dente fusilli pasta. It’s a celebration of simple ingredients working harmoniously to create a lively, satisfying meal that’s as beautiful on the plate as it is delicious on the palate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Roasted Veggie Pasta with Feta Recipe plays a special role. The combination is simple but essential, blending sweet, savory, tangy, and fresh notes while contributing texture and vibrant colors that make the dish irresistible.
- Fusilli pasta: Chunky and curly, it holds onto the sauce and roasted veggies perfectly.
- Feta cheese (6 oz block): Creamy and tangy, it melts slightly during roasting, adding richness.
- Cherry tomatoes (1 cup): Burst with juicy sweetness after roasting, adding depth.
- Red onion (1, thin wedges): Provides mild sharpness and caramelizes for natural sweetness.
- Zucchini (2 small or 1 large, diced): Adds fresh, tender texture and balances the richness.
- Orange bell pepper (1, diced): Delivers vibrant color and a crisp, sweet crunch.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Essential for roasting and bringing all flavors together smoothly.
- Kosher salt (2 teaspoons): Enhances every element, making flavors pop.
- Freshly ground black pepper (1 teaspoon): Adds gentle heat and depth.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Brightens and lifts the entire dish with acidity.
- Baby arugula (2 cups): Brings peppery freshness and a lovely leafy crunch.
How to Make Roasted Veggie Pasta with Feta Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is perfect for roasting the vegetables and feta simultaneously, allowing flavors to intensify and textures to develop beautifully.
Step 2: Arrange Feta and Vegetables on a Baking Sheet
Lay out the feta block and all your chopped vegetables—cherry tomatoes, red onion wedges, zucchini, and bell pepper—on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Toss the veggies with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 teaspoon kosher salt, then drizzle the feta with olive oil and sprinkle a little salt right on top. This step ensures every bite is infused with flavor.
Step 3: Roast until Perfectly Tender
Slide the baking sheet into the oven and let everything roast for about 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the cherry tomatoes burst open, releasing their juices, and the edges of the veggies start to caramelize slightly. The feta should appear soft and creamy but still hold its shape.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
While your veggies and feta roast, bring a large pot of very salty water to a boil. Cook the fusilli according to the package directions until al dente. Drain it well and set aside so it’s ready to combine with the roasted ingredients.
Step 5: Combine Feta, Pasta, and Veggies
Once everything is cooked, transfer the feta and roasted veggies into a large mixing bowl with your drained pasta. Stir gently to coat the pasta with melted feta and the roasted juices. Add the remaining olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and fresh baby arugula. Mix everything delicately to keep the vibrant textures intact.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
The Roasted Veggie Pasta with Feta Recipe is best enjoyed immediately, while warm and fresh. However, you can refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days without losing much of its charm.
How to Serve Roasted Veggie Pasta with Feta Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and flavor, sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley on top. A little extra crumbled feta adds indulgence, and a final drizzle of high-quality olive oil makes the dish shine even brighter.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with crusty garlic bread for soaking up every luscious bit. A light green salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the meal perfectly, balancing the richness of feta with crisp, fresh greens.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning dinner party, serve the Roasted Veggie Pasta with Feta Recipe in individual shallow bowls and add a lemon wedge on the side for guests to customize their brightness. Alternatively, plate it on a large serving dish so everyone can dig in family-style, enjoying the communal vibe this dish naturally inspires.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Roasted Veggie Pasta with Feta Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep beautifully for up to 4 days, maintaining much of its texture and flavor.
Freezing
While freezing cooked pasta and roasted vegetables can sometimes alter texture, you can freeze this dish if needed. Use a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month for best quality. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can revive the flavors and moisture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! Fusilli is ideal because it holds sauce and veggies well, but penne, rigatoni, or farfalle would also work wonderfully for this Roasted Veggie Pasta with Feta Recipe.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
You can swap out feta for a plant-based cheese alternative or omit it entirely. Roasting the veggies with good seasoning still delivers a delicious meal, perfect for a vegan take on this recipe.
What if I don’t have arugula on hand?
Baby spinach or kale can substitute nicely for the arugula’s peppery bite. Just add them fresh at the end so they maintain some crispness.
Can I prepare any parts of this recipe in advance?
You can chop your veggies ahead of time and keep them refrigerated until roasting. Cooked pasta can also be prepared earlier but should be combined with the roasted ingredients right before serving for the best texture.
How spicy is this dish?
The black pepper adds just a gentle hint of spice, but the Roasted Veggie Pasta with Feta Recipe is overall mild and approachable. Feel free to add red pepper flakes if you want a little kick.
Final Thoughts
This Roasted Veggie Pasta with Feta Recipe is more than just a weeknight dinner; it’s a joyful celebration of fresh ingredients and comforting textures that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Trust me, once you try this vibrant, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish, you’ll be sharing it with your own friends and loved ones like a beloved secret. So go ahead, grab your veggies and feta, and dive into this delightful pasta experience!
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Roasted Veggie Pasta with Feta Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and wholesome Roasted Veggie Pasta with creamy feta, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, bell pepper, and arugula, tossed with lemon juice and olive oil for a fresh, flavorful, and easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound fusilli (or other chunky pasta)
Vegetables & Cheese
- 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 cups fresh baby arugula
Seasoning & Dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for roasting the vegetables and feta.
- Prepare Vegetables and Feta: Place the block of feta and all the prepared vegetables (cherry tomatoes, red onion wedges, diced zucchini, and bell pepper) on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Toss the vegetables with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, then drizzle the same olive oil over the feta.
- Roast in Oven: Bake the feta and vegetables in the oven for about 15 minutes or until the cherry tomatoes have burst and the veggies are tender.
- Cook Pasta: While the veggies roast, boil the pasta in generously salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Combine Ingredients: When the roasted vegetables and feta are ready, transfer the feta to a large bowl and crumble it slightly. Add the cooked pasta and gently stir to disperse the feta evenly throughout.
- Add Roasted Vegetables and Seasoning: Add the roasted vegetables along with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, remaining 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, lemon juice, and fresh arugula. Gently toss everything together until well combined.
- Serve or Store: Serve the pasta warm immediately, or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days for meal prep convenience.
Notes
- You can substitute any chunky pasta shape if fusilli is unavailable.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste, especially if substituting different types of cheese.
- For added flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
- This dish is best served fresh but stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently to maintain the texture and flavor of the roasted vegetables and feta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
