Serious Tomato-Basil Pasta with Roasted Vegetables

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty Italian dish featuring al dente pasta tossed in a rich tomato-basil sauce, paired with caramelized roasted vegetables for depth of flavor. This italian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 75 minutes pairs spaghetti, ripe tomatoes, fresh basil leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 45 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss 1/2 cup olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, and diced red bell pepper and zucchini on a baking sheet. Roast for 25 minutes until tender and golden.
  2. Step 2: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
  3. Step 3: In a skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in tomatoes, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, and 1 tbsp water. Simmer 10 minutes until sauce thickens.
  4. Step 4: Fold in roasted vegetables, basil, and parsley. Add pasta and toss to coat, stirring in reserved pasta water as needed. Adjust seasoning before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Serious Tomato-Basil Pasta with Roasted Vegetables take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (30 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Serious Tomato-Basil Pasta with Roasted Vegetables?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Serious Tomato-Basil Pasta with Roasted Vegetables?

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 Serious Tomato-Basil Pasta with Roasted Vegetables 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.

What goes well with Serious Tomato-Basil Pasta with Roasted Vegetables?

Italian vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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