Savory Whole Wheat Pasta Primavera with Roasted Veggies
This delectable Savory Whole Wheat Pasta Primavera showcases a colorful array of roasted vegetables, delivering vibrant flavors and essential nutrients. Inspired by traditional Italian cuisine and modified to enhance taste and health, this dish features caramelized carrots, bell peppers, and broccoli, alongside roasted garlic for a lovely depth of flavor. Whole wheat pasta adds a hearty texture, while the option for grated cheese allows for customization based on dietary preferences. Perfect for a wholesome family dinner or a meal prepping for the week ahead, this recipe is both delicious and satisfying, making it a standout addition to any vegetarian or vegan repertoire.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Carrots
3 (peeled and sliced)
Yellow squash
2 (sliced)
Onion
1 (thinly sliced)
Yellow bell pepper
1 (cut into strips)
Red bell pepper
1 (cut into strips)
Broccoli
1 head (cut into florets and stems chopped)
Olive oil
1/4 cup (for roasting)
Salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Freshly ground black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Dried Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon (for seasoning)
Garlic powder
1 tablespoon (to taste)
Crushed red pepper flakes
optional (for seasoning)
Whole wheat pasta
1 lb (for serving)
Cherry tomatoes
15 (halved)
Grated parmesan cheese or romano cheese
1/2 cup (for serving)
Fresh basil
optional (shredded for garnish)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced carrots, yellow squash, onion, yellow and red bell peppers, and broccoli florets and stems.
3
Drizzle the olive oil over the vegetables and season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, dried Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Toss well to evenly coat.
4
Spread the seasoned vegetables in a single layer across two large baking sheets, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
5
Roast the vegetables in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the carrots are tender and the other vegetables are caramelized and slightly crisp.
6
While the vegetables roast, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
7
Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1 cup of the cooking liquid, then drain the remaining water.
8
In a large serving bowl, combine the drained pasta and roasted vegetables. If the mixture appears dry, add some of the reserved pasta cooking liquid until you reach your desired consistency.
9
Gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes, allowing the residual heat to soften them slightly.
10
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
11
Serve the pasta primavera warm, topped with your choice of grated parmesan or romano cheese, and garnish with optional fresh shredded basil.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Whole Wheat Pasta Primavera?
It is a heartier version of a traditional Italian pasta dish featuring whole wheat pasta and a variety of caramelized roasted vegetables.
What vegetables are used in this recipe?
The recipe includes carrots, yellow squash, onion, yellow bell pepper, red bell pepper, broccoli, and cherry tomatoes.
Is this pasta recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it consists of whole wheat pasta, vegetables, and optional cheese.
Can this dish be made vegan?
Yes, simply omit the optional parmesan or romano cheese garnish to make the dish completely vegan.
What is the recommended oven temperature for roasting the vegetables?
The oven should be preheated to 450 degrees Fahrenheit or 230 degrees Celsius.
How long do the vegetables need to roast?
Roast the vegetables for 20 to 25 minutes until the carrots are tender and the others are caramelized.
What type of pasta should I use?
The recipe calls for one pound of whole wheat pasta for a heartier texture and extra nutrients.
How should I prepare the carrots?
The carrots should be peeled and sliced before being tossed with oil and seasonings.
How should the broccoli be prepared?
Cut the broccoli into florets and chop the stems to ensure even roasting.
What seasonings are used for the vegetables?
The vegetables are seasoned with salt, black pepper, dried Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and optional red pepper flakes.
How much olive oil is required for roasting?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of olive oil to coat the vegetables for roasting.
What is the best way to cook the whole wheat pasta?
Cook it in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until it reaches an al dente texture.
Why should I reserve pasta cooking liquid?
Reserving about one cup of cooking liquid allows you to adjust the consistency of the final dish if the mixture appears too dry.
When do I add the cherry tomatoes?
Fold the halved cherry tomatoes into the hot pasta and roasted vegetable mixture at the very end.
Do the cherry tomatoes need to be cooked in the oven?
No, they are added at the end so the residual heat from the pasta and roasted veggies can soften them slightly.
What cheeses can be used for topping?
You can use approximately 1/2 cup of grated parmesan or romano cheese for serving.
Is there a recommended garnish for this dish?
Optional fresh shredded basil is recommended as a garnish for extra flavor and color.
How should I arrange the vegetables on the baking sheet?
Spread the seasoned vegetables in a single layer across two large baking sheets to avoid overcrowding.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, you can include crushed red pepper flakes in the vegetable seasoning for a spicy kick.
How many bell peppers are needed?
The recipe requires one yellow bell pepper and one red bell pepper, both cut into strips.
What is the preparation for the onion?
The onion should be thinly sliced before being mixed with the other roasting vegetables.
How many carrots are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for three peeled and sliced carrots.
How much garlic powder is added?
The recipe uses one tablespoon of garlic powder for seasoning the vegetables.
How many yellow squashes are required?
You will need two yellow squashes, sliced for roasting.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this dish is highlighted as being perfect for meal prepping for the week ahead.
How much Italian seasoning should I use?
Use one tablespoon of dried Italian seasoning to coat the vegetables before roasting.
How many cherry tomatoes are included?
The recipe specifies using 15 cherry tomatoes, halved.
Should I stir the vegetables while they are in the oven?
Yes, you should stir the vegetables halfway through the roasting process for even cooking.
What texture should the pasta be?
The pasta should be cooked until it is al dente, meaning firm to the bite.
How do I serve the final dish?
Serve it warm, topped with your choice of grated cheese and garnished with fresh basil if desired.