Roasted Vegetable & Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta
A vibrant vegetarian pasta with roasted sweet potatoes, cherry tomatoes, and a homemade basil pesto that’s creamy without dairy. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian, gluten-free) ready in about 45 minutes blends halved cherry tomatoes, olive oil, packed fresh basil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 580 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 medium (about 12 oz), peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes sweet potato
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp, drained and chopped sun-dried tomatoes in oil
- 1/2 cup packed fresh basil
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss 1 medium peeled and diced sweet potato (12 oz) with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, and 1/2 tsp salt on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spreading in a single layer.
- Step 2: Roast for 20-25 minutes until sweet potatoes are fork-tender and tomatoes are slightly shriveled, stirring once halfway through.
- Step 3: While vegetables roast, make pesto: Process 1/2 cup packed fresh basil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup pine nuts, 2 tbsp drained sun-dried tomatoes, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a food processor until smooth, scraping down sides as needed.
- Step 4: Cook 12 oz spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Step 5: Return drained spaghetti to the pot. Add 1/4 cup vegetable broth, 1/2 cup pesto, and the roasted vegetables. Toss over low heat for 2 minutes until sauce coats pasta evenly and thickens slightly.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Roasted Vegetable & Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Roasted Vegetable & Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Roasted Vegetable & Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Roasted Vegetable & Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Roasted Vegetable & Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Best recipe I've made this month.
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.