Herb Roasted Veggie Pasta Skillet

Name: Herb Roasted Veggie Pasta Skillet
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 12 oz pasta (penne or bowtie work great); 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes); 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried basil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional); Fresh herbs for garnish (like basil or parsley)

Highlighted under: Warm Meals

I absolutely love making this Herb Roasted Veggie Pasta Skillet for a quick and nutritious weeknight dinner. It combines the delightful flavors of fresh herbs with crisp, roasted vegetables, and of course, perfectly cooked pasta. The best part? You can customize the veggies based on what you have on hand, making it not just easy, but also a fantastic way to reduce food waste. I often find myself going back for seconds because the harmony of flavors is just irresistible!

Created by

Yvette Harrington

Last updated on 2026-01-21T18:22:36.783Z

When I first started making this Herb Roasted Veggie Pasta Skillet, I was experimenting with different vegetable combinations. I discovered that roasting the veggies beforehand really amplifies their flavors, creating a delightful caramelization that adds depth to the dish. Each bite bursts with freshness and warmth, making it a comforting meal any time of year.

I also learned to be generous with the herbs; whether it's basil, oregano, or thyme, they elevate the entire dish. One tip I've picked up is to toss the pasta directly with the roasted veggies while everything is still warm. This way, the pasta absorbs all the wonderful flavors, making each forkful a true delight.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Bursting with vibrant flavors from fresh herbs and vegetables
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights
A healthy, fulfilling dish that is completely customizable

Understanding the Vegetables

When selecting the mixed vegetables for your Herb Roasted Veggie Pasta Skillet, aim for a balance of colors and textures. Bell peppers provide sweetness, while zucchini offers a tender crunch and cherry tomatoes bring juiciness. Feel free to mix in other seasonal vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. Just ensure they are cut into uniform pieces, roughly 1-inch cubes, to ensure even roasting. The roasting process caramelizes their natural sugars, intensifying the flavors and creating a beautiful golden color.

For optimal results, roast the vegetables until they are tender and slightly charred, about 20 minutes in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C). Check them halfway through and give them a good toss to ensure even cooking. If you’re using denser vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes, you may need to increase the roasting time to 25-30 minutes. The goal is to achieve that perfect roast where they have both color and a delightful, slightly crispy texture.

Pasta Perfection

Choosing the right pasta is crucial for this dish. I recommend using pasta shapes like penne or bowties, as they hold the sauce and roasted vegetables well. Cooking the pasta al dente is key; it should have a slight bite that will complement the tender roasted veggies. Follow the package instructions but start checking for doneness one to two minutes early. Drain the pasta and remember not to rinse it, as this removes the starch that helps the sauce adhere.

To enhance the overall flavor, you can infuse the pasta water with salt. Aim for a ratio of about 1-2 tablespoons of salt per gallon of water. This small step makes a significant difference, ensuring that your pasta is seasoned from the inside out and elevating the entire dish.

Creative Serving Suggestions

This Herb Roasted Veggie Pasta Skillet is a fantastic base for creativity. Consider livening it up with additional toppings like crushed red pepper flakes for heat, or a squeeze of fresh lemon for brightness. Incorporating a handful of fresh spinach at the end adds fiber and a lovely pop of color, wilting it gently in the warmth of the skillet for just a minute or two.

For those looking to add protein, grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas can be excellent additions. Simply cook them separately and mix them in just before serving. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply add a splash of water to help steam them back to life without drying out.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to create a delightful pasta dish.

For the Pasta Skillet

12 oz pasta (penne or bowtie work great)
2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes)
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Fresh herbs for garnish (like basil or parsley)

Feel free to add or substitute your favorite vegetables!

Instructions

Cooking Steps

Follow these simple steps to prepare a delicious pasta skillet.

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Roast the vegetables

In a large bowl, toss the mixed vegetables with olive oil, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Spread them evenly on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes, until tender.

Cook the pasta

While the vegetables are roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Combine and serve

Once the veggies are done, combine them with the cooked pasta in a large skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese (if using) and mix well. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs.

Enjoy this colorful dish while it's still warm!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

Flexibility is the beauty of this recipe; you can swap out the vegetables based on what you have available. For instance, if zucchini isn’t in season, try using asparagus or even frozen mixed vegetables. Just make sure that any substitutes you choose can withstand roasting for about 20 minutes without losing their texture.

If you're looking to make this dish lighter, consider omitting the cheese altogether or using a dairy-free alternative that melts well. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy flavor while keeping it vegan. If you're gluten-free, simply replace the regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free variety.

Make-Ahead Options

The Herb Roasted Veggie Pasta Skillet is perfect for meal prep. You can roast the veggies and cook the pasta a day ahead, then combine them the next evening for a speedy dinner. Just store the roasted veggies and cooked pasta in separate containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, toss them together in a skillet with olive oil over medium heat until everything is warm and well combined.

If you're preparing this dish for a crowd or want to freeze portions, it holds up well in the freezer for up to two months. Just make sure to cool the dish completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm gently in a skillet. If it seems a bit dry, a splash of olive oil or some reserved pasta cooking water works wonders.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen vegetables in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen vegetables! Just make sure to thaw them beforehand and adjust roasting time as needed.

→ What type of pasta is best for this dish?

Any pasta shape you prefer works well, but I recommend using smaller shapes like penne or fusilli for better mixing with veggies.

→ How can I make this dish vegan?

Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can roast the vegetables and cook the pasta ahead of time. Just combine them before serving.