One-Pan Roasted Veggie Pasta Recipe for Quick Healthy Dinners

Busy weeknights call for meals that are fast, nourishing, and satisfying. This one-pan roasted veggie pasta fits the bill perfectly. It combines the natural sweetness of roasted vegetables with creamy ricotta, fresh basil, and a bright squeeze of lemon. The result is a dish that feels indulgent yet light, making it ideal for families looking for a wholesome dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

This recipe uses simple ingredients and requires minimal cleanup, which is a big win for anyone juggling work, kids, and other responsibilities. Here’s how to bring this colorful, flavorful pasta to your table.

One-pan roasted veggie pasta with fresh basil and lemon

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 pound rotini pasta

• 1 medium zucchini, diced

• 1 medium yellow squash, diced

• ½ medium yellow onion, finely chopped

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ¾ cup ricotta cheese

• ¼ cup fresh basil, sliced

• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese

• Juice of ½ lemon

• ¼ cup olive oil

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

  
  

Optional: pinch of flaky salt for finishing

Vegan swap: plant-based ricotta and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. This temperature is perfect for roasting vegetables until they are tender and caramelized without becoming mushy.

   
   

2. Prepare the vegetables. In a large baking dish, toss the diced zucchini, yellow squash, finely chopped onion, and cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is evenly coated.

   
   

3. Add ricotta cheese. Spoon small dollops of ricotta cheese over the vegetables. This will melt slightly during roasting, adding creaminess and richness.

   
   

4. Roast the veggies. Place the baking dish in the oven and roast for 40 to 50 minutes. The tomatoes should burst, releasing their juices, and the vegetables should be tender but still hold their shape.

   
   

5. Cook the pasta. While the veggies roast, cook the rotini in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve a splash of pasta water before draining.

   
   

6. Combine everything. Once the vegetables are ready, add the minced garlic, fresh basil, grated parmesan, lemon juice, and cooked pasta directly to the baking dish. Toss gently to combine. If you want a silkier texture, add a little of the reserved pasta water.

   
   

7. Adjust seasoning. Taste the pasta and add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. Serve warm with extra parmesan and a pinch of flaky salt on top if you like.

   
   

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Families

This pasta recipe is designed with simplicity and flavor in mind. Roasting the vegetables in one pan means fewer dishes to wash, and the slow roasting brings out their natural sweetness without extra effort. The ricotta adds a creamy texture that feels indulgent but keeps the dish light. Fresh basil and lemon juice brighten the flavors, making each bite refreshing.

For families, this meal is flexible. You can swap in your favorite vegetables or use gluten-free pasta if needed. The vegan option with plant-based ricotta and nutritional yeast ensures everyone at the table can enjoy it.

Tips for Making the Best Roasted Veggie Pasta

• Don’t overcook the veggies. Aim for tender but not mushy. The texture adds to the dish’s appeal.

• Use fresh herbs. Fresh basil makes a big difference in flavor compared to dried.

• Reserve pasta water. Adding a little pasta water helps the sauce cling to the pasta and vegetables.

• Add lemon juice last. This keeps the bright, fresh flavor intact.

• Customize your cheese. Try swapping parmesan for pecorino or adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a kick.

  
  

A Balanced Meal in One Dish

This pasta combines carbohydrates, vegetables, and protein from the ricotta and cheese, making it a balanced meal. The olive oil provides healthy fats, and the lemon juice adds vitamin C. It’s a great way to get a variety of nutrients in a single dish that the whole family will enjoy.

Final Thoughts

This one-pan roasted veggie pasta is a reliable go-to for quick, healthy dinners. It’s easy to prepare, packed with fresh flavors, and perfect for busy households. Next time you want a meal that feels special without the fuss, try this recipe. You’ll appreciate how the roasted vegetables and creamy ricotta come together to create a dish that’s both comforting and light.