Sometimes you just need a really simple meal to get you through the day. I recently shared my recipe for Baked Spaghetti Pie, which is another awesome quickie favorite, but in case you want something a little more summery, try this simple roasted vegetable pasta. It's fresh, easy, and also a good way to use up any veggies that are lying in your refrigerator!
Somebody's probably going to want to yell at me for only putting olive oil over this pasta, but that's what I like about it; it's so incredibly simple! If you don't like that idea, go ahead and add some pesto or balsamic vinegar in addition to the olive oil. You can also experiment with vegetables; try anything you have lying around, like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, onions or fresh peas. Feeling like something even more different? Try experimenting with different cheeses, herbs, or even flavored salts!
Quick note: I'm not really giving exact ingredient amounts below, mostly because I like experimenting and going by taste, but also because I don't really remember what I put in this exact version. It really just depends on how it tastes. Let your taste-buds be the judge!
Happy Fourth of July, friends!
Simple Roasted Vegetable Pasta
1 pound fusili
About 3 cups chopped vegetables (like zucchini, asparagus, onions, garlic, tomatoes, peas, etc.)
Good olive oil
Shaved Parmesan
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Fresh basil, chopped
Chop favorite veggies and place them all together in a large rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and a little salt. Place baking sheet in a 400 degree oven for 20-30 minutes, or until veggies are soft and lightly browned.
Meanwhile, boil pasta in salted water. Strain and place in a large serving bowl. When roasted vegetables are done, add to the pasta bowl. Drizzle about 1/2 cup of the best olive oil you have over the top and mix together. Continue to add olive oil if needed, until pasta is well coated. Grind some fresh pepper over the top, as well as a good amount of salt to taste. Mix one more time, then finish with some shaved Parmesan and chopped basil. Make sure to taste the pasta to see if it needs any more salt, pepper, or olive oil.
