Roasted Vegetable Feta Pasta

Roasted Vegetable Feta Pasta is a simple, flavorful, and budget-friendly dish that brings together creamy feta, roasted vegetables, and perfectly cooked pasta. This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights because it requires minimal prep, uses everyday ingredients, and creates a hearty, satisfying meal packed with color and nutrients. With Mediterranean-inspired flavors and a creamy, rich sauce formed right in the baking dish, it’s a crowd-pleasing dinner that tastes gourmet without the effort.

Ingredients

• 8 ounce block feta cheese, room temperature
• 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes
• 1 medium zucchini, sliced into thick moons
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• ¼ sweet onion, thinly sliced
• ⅓ cup olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 8 ounces rigatoni or medium pasta, reserve 1 cup pasta water
• ¼ cup fresh basil, thinly sliced
• Salt and black pepper

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 425°F.
• Toss tomatoes, zucchini, bell pepper, and onion with olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a 9×13 dish.
• Place the block of feta in the center of the vegetables.
• Roast for 15 minutes, stir the vegetables, then roast for another 10 to 15 minutes until tender.
• Broil for 2 to 3 minutes to lightly brown the feta.
• Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
• Drain pasta without rinsing.
• Stir the melted feta and roasted vegetables together in the baking dish.
• Add pasta water and mix until a creamy sauce forms, adding more water as needed.
• Stir in fresh basil, season with salt and pepper, and serve.

Serving Tips

• Serve immediately while warm for the creamiest texture.
• Garnish with extra fresh basil or a sprinkle of parmesan for added flavor.
• Pair with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Add a drizzle of olive oil before serving if you prefer a silkier sauce.
• Serve with grilled chicken, shrimp, or baked tofu to increase the protein.

Storage Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Add a splash of warm water or broth when reheating to restore creaminess.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Avoid freezing, as feta-based sauces may become grainy after thawing.
• Keep leftover roasted vegetables separate if you plan to meal-prep and assemble later.

Variations

1. Spinach Feta Pasta
   Add 2 cups of fresh spinach during the final mixing for extra greens and nutrients.
2. Chicken Feta Pasta
   Stir in cooked grilled or shredded chicken to make the dish more filling and protein-packed.
3. Shrimp Feta Pasta
   Add sautéed or roasted shrimp for a seafood twist that pairs beautifully with feta and basil.
4. Pesto Feta Pasta
   Stir in 2 tablespoons of basil pesto to enhance the herb flavor and make the sauce richer.
5. Sun-Dried Tomato Feta Pasta
   Add ½ cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a deeper, more intense tomato flavor.
6. Broccoli Feta Pasta
   Mix in roasted broccoli florets for added crunch and nutrients.
7. Spicy Feta Pasta
   Increase red pepper flakes to ½ teaspoon or add sliced jalapeños for a kick.
8. Creamy Feta Alfredo Style
   Stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream after mixing the pasta water to make the sauce extra silky.
9. Lemon Herb Feta Pasta
   Add the zest of 1 lemon and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice for a bright, refreshing flavor.
10. Mushroom Feta Pasta
    Add roasted or sautéed mushrooms for earthy depth and umami.
11. Olive & Feta Pasta
    Mix in ½ cup chopped kalamata olives for a Mediterranean-inspired salty bite.
12. Roasted Eggplant Variation
    Swap zucchini with eggplant for a deeper, richer roasted vegetable flavor.
13. Vegan Version (Using Vegan Feta)
    Use vegan feta and plant-based pasta; add nutritional yeast for extra cheesy flavor.
14. Gluten-Free Feta Pasta
    Use gluten-free pasta and roast the vegetables a bit longer for extra softness.
15. Caprese Feta Pasta
    Add fresh mozzarella pearls and extra cherry tomatoes tossed in after baking for a fresh, caprese-style twist.

FAQs

1. Can I use crumbled feta instead of a block?
   A block melts creamier, but crumbles work if tightly packed in the center of the dish.
2. What pasta shape works best?
   Short shapes like rigatoni, penne, or fusilli hold the creamy sauce well.
3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
   Yes, use dairy-free feta alternatives and skip any optional cheese garnish.
4. Can I add protein?
   Absolutely. Chicken, shrimp, chickpeas, or tofu all work great.
5. What if the sauce is too thick?
   Add more pasta water to loosen and create a creamy consistency.
6. Can I use different vegetables?
   Yes, any roastable veggies like mushrooms, eggplant, broccoli, or carrots work well.
7. Can I make it ahead?
   You can roast the vegetables ahead, but mix with pasta just before serving for best texture.
8. Why is my feta not melting?
   Ensure the oven is hot enough and broil at the end to soften and brown the cheese.
9. Can I use fresh herbs other than basil?
   Yes, parsley, oregano, or thyme complement the flavors nicely.
10. What can I do if the pasta dries out after storing?
    Add warm water, broth, or a splash of olive oil when reheating to restore creaminess.

This Roasted Vegetable Feta Pasta delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it the perfect choice for a wholesome, satisfying weeknight dinner. Loaded with fresh vegetables, creamy feta, and a rich homemade sauce, it’s a versatile dish that can be customized to your taste and enjoyed year-round. It’s proof that delicious, comforting meals don’t have to be complicated.

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