Description
A vibrant and healthy Roasted Veggie Pasta with creamy feta cheese, perfectly tossed with fresh arugula and a zesty lemon dressing. This easy-to-make dish combines roasted cherry tomatoes, zucchini, red onion, and bell pepper with al dente fusilli pasta for a satisfying vegetarian meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Cheese
- 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
- 6 ounce block of feta cheese
Pasta
- 1 pound fusilli (or other chunky pasta)
Seasonings and Dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Greens
- 2 cups fresh baby arugula
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for roasting the vegetables and feta.
- Prepare Vegetables and Feta: Arrange the feta block and chopped vegetables on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Toss the vegetables and drizzle the feta with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt to season.
- Roast: Bake the feta and vegetables in the oven for 15 minutes, or until the cherry tomatoes have burst and the vegetables are tender.
- Cook Pasta: While the vegetables roast, boil the fusilli pasta in very salty water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, break up and stir the roasted feta to evenly coat the pasta. Add the roasted vegetables, remaining olive oil, remaining kosher salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and fresh baby arugula. Gently toss everything together until well combined.
- Serve or Store: Serve the pasta immediately for best flavor and texture, or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Notes
- You can substitute fusilli with any sturdy shape like penne or rigatoni.
- If you prefer a creamier sauce, mash the baked feta slightly more before mixing.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste, especially depending on the saltiness of your feta cheese.
- For added protein, consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- Roasting vegetables enhances their natural sweetness and brings out rich flavors.
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh but keeps well refrigerated for quick meals.
