Colorful Veggie Pasta with Roasted Feta Delight 🥗🧀✨
1. Introduction
Looking for a vibrant, healthy vegetarian pasta dish that’s bursting with flavor? The Colorful Veggie Pasta with Roasted Feta offers a perfect blend of roasted vegetables, creamy feta cheese, and al dente pasta. This vegetarian pasta dish is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or entertaining option. Besides being a baked feta recipe favorite, this dish is packed with nutrients and vibrant colors primarily from fresh, crunchy vegetables.
2. Ingredients for the Colorful Veggie Pasta with Roasted Feta
- 8 oz (about 225g) of your favorite pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 200g feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
3. Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Colorful Veggie Pasta with Roasted Feta
Preparing the Vegetables and Feta
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place cherry tomatoes, sliced bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli on a baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat. Roast for about 20 minutes or until vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized. While roasting, place feta on a separate baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes or until slightly golden and soft. A high-quality oven-safe baking sheet will make this process seamless.
Cooking the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water. You might want to use a Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer to prepare roasted vegetables in less time.
Combining the Ingredients
In a large skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add roasted vegetables and torn roasted feta into the skillet. Toss gently to combine. Add cooked pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Mix well to coat the pasta evenly. Finish with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of freshness.
4. Storage Tips for the Best Results
Store leftover healthy veggie pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet with a splash of water or olive oil until heated through. The feta may soften more upon refrigeration, but it will still taste delicious.
5. Serving Suggestions for the Colorful Veggie Pasta with Roasted Feta
Serve this colorful pasta dish topped with additional fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil. Pair with a crisp green side salad or roasted garlic bread for a complete meal. For an extra nutritional boost, consider adding a handful of chopped spinach or arugula just before serving. You can also explore healing Italian penicillin soup as a warm starter for your dinner party.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I substitute the feta with other cheeses?
Absolutely! For a different flavor profile, you can use goat cheese or ricotta. If you prefer a vegan option, try firm tofu or cashew cheese.
Is this a suitable dish for vegetarians?
Yes, this vegetarian pasta dish is perfect for vegetarians. Just ensure that your feta cheese is made suitable for vegetarian diets, avoiding animal rennet.
How long does it take to prepare the entire dish?
Including roasting and cooking, the entire process takes about 40 minutes, making it an excellent choice for a quick healthy meal.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer — Perfect for quickly roasting vegetables with even heat distribution, simplifying your prep work.
- T-fal 14-Piece Nonstick Cookware Set — A versatile set to cook pasta, sauté vegetables, and more with ease.
- KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixer — Makes mixing and tossing ingredients effortless, especially if you want to prepare a larger batch.
8. Final thoughts on the colorful veggie pasta with roasted feta
This healthy veggie pasta is not only visually stunning but also a delightful way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. The roasted feta adds a creamy, tangy flavor that complements the freshness of the roasted vegetables. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a lively gathering, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
9. Conclusion
Enjoying a colorful, nutritious, and flavorful meal has never been easier with this Veggie Pasta with Baked Feta. Simple to prepare, full of vibrant ingredients, and versatile enough to adapt to your taste, it’s a perfect addition to your weekly meal rotation. Embrace the wholesome goodness and brighten up your dinner table today!
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Colorful Veggie Pasta with Roasted Feta Delight
A vibrant, healthy vegetable pasta with roasted feta cheese, combining fresh seasonal produce with savory baked feta for a fulfilling meal.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz whole wheat pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 zucchini, spiralized
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 200g feta cheese, cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place feta cubes on a baking sheet, drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil and bake for 15 minutes until golden.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pan, heat remaining olive oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant, then add cherry tomatoes and bell peppers. Cook until vegetables are tender.
- Add cooked pasta to the pan with vegetables, toss to combine.
- Gently fold in baked feta and chopped basil. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve warm, garnished with extra basil leaves.
Notes
- Feel free to add other seasonal vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.
- To make this vegan, substitute feta with vegan cheese alternatives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Method: Boiling, roasting, sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 450 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 25mg