Name: Roasted Vegetable Feta Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 8 ounces feta cheese, room temperature (1 block); 2 cups cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes; 1 medium zucchini, sliced into thick rounds; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; ¼ sweet onion, thinly sliced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; ¼ cup thinly sliced fresh basil leaves; ⅓ cup olive oil; ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning; ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes; Salt and black pepper to taste; 8 ounces rigatoni or medium pasta

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 6 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant colors, fresh Mediterranean flavors, and a satisfying bite, you’re going to love this Roasted Vegetable Feta Pasta Recipe. It’s a wonderful blend of tender roasted veggies, creamy melted feta, and perfectly cooked pasta, all brought together with garlic and herbs. This recipe is simple yet impressive, making it ideal for a cozy weeknight meal or when entertaining friends who appreciate wholesome, hearty food with layers of flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white rectangular baking dish contains a colorful mix of fresh vegetables and spices arranged in distinct layers. The bottom layer consists of vibrant red cherry tomatoes scattered around the edges and middle. Above them, there are fresh green cucumber slices placed evenly around the tomatoes. On top of the cucumbers, thin white onion slices and small pieces of red bell pepper are arranged centrally. In the middle of this arrangement, a small pile of various herbs and spices sits, featuring a mix of green and red seasonings, with a small dollop of a light yellow substance, likely a sauce or butter, right on top. The background features a white marbled surface with a woman's hand gently touching the corner of the baking dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Roasted Vegetable Feta Pasta Recipe uses straightforward ingredients that come alive when combined. Each element plays a vital role: the creamy feta adds richness, fresh vegetables bring texture and sweetness, and seasonings give the dish its aromatic depth.

8 ounces feta cheese (room temperature, 1 block): Essential for that creamy, tangy center that melts beautifully when roasted.
2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes: Provide juicy bursts of sweetness and soften perfectly in the oven.
1 medium zucchini (sliced into thick moons): Adds a silky texture and subtle earthiness to balance the richness.
1 red bell pepper (chopped): Brings vibrant color and a hint of natural sweetness.
¼ sweet onion (thinly sliced): Caramelizes during roasting, lending depth and a touch of natural sugar.
⅓ cup olive oil: Ensures everything roasts beautifully and provides a luscious base for the sauce.
4 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with robust flavor and aroma.
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that tie all the flavors together seamlessly.
⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adds a subtle kick without overpowering the dish.
8 ounces rigatoni or medium pasta: The perfect shape to hold onto that creamy roasted vegetable and feta sauce.
¼ cup thinly sliced fresh basil leaves: Adds a burst of fresh, herby brightness right before serving.
Salt and black pepper: To taste, seasoning that perfectly balances the ingredients.

How to Make Roasted Vegetable Feta Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Vegetables and Feta

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. Toss the cherry tomatoes, zucchini, red bell pepper, and sweet onion with olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Nestle the block of feta right in the middle of the vegetables. This arrangement lets the feta melt into a creamy center as the veggies roast around it. Roast for 15 minutes, then stir everything gently to mix the flavors, then return to the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized. Finish with 2-3 minutes under the broiler to get a light golden brown on the cheese.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta Al Dente

While the veggies and feta are roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni until just al dente. Save at least one cup of the starchy pasta water before draining—this will be key to creating a luscious sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.

Step 3: Combine and Create the Sauce

Once your vegetables and feta are roasted to perfection, use a fork or spoon to gently mash and stir them together right in the baking dish. The feta should be soft and almost spreadable now. Pour in a splash of the reserved pasta water and mix well, adding more as needed, until you achieve a creamy, sauce-like consistency that coats the pasta beautifully.

Step 4: Toss Pasta with Sauce and Finish

Add the cooked rigatoni directly into the baking dish with your roasted vegetable and feta sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated. Stir in the fresh basil slices and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste. The basil’s vibrant flavor completes the dish with an irresistible freshness.

How to Serve Roasted Vegetable Feta Pasta Recipe

A white rectangular baking dish holds a layered pasta dish. The bottom layer is creamy with chunks of red cherry tomatoes and bits of green herbs mixed into the sauce, which has a slightly browned, baked texture along the edges. On top of this creamy layer, there is a layer of rigatoni pasta, pale yellow in color, scattered across the surface. A woman's hand is using a grey spatula to mix the pasta with the creamy tomato layer underneath. Around the baking dish, there are small glass bowls with finely chopped herbs, set on a white marbled surface along with a white and black striped cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Roasted Vegetable Feta Pasta Recipe even more, sprinkle on extra fresh basil leaves or a handful of pine nuts for crunch. A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper just before serving adds a lovely final touch. If you enjoy a little heat, freshly grated chili flakes can provide a pleasant zing.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy lemon vinaigrette to brighten up the meal. Crusty garlic bread or a warm baguette is perfect to soak up any remaining creamy sauce. For a protein boost, consider grilled chicken or a simple baked fish to keep things light yet satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this pasta in wide, shallow bowls to show off the colorful roasted vegetables and feta centerpiece. Alternatively, you can divide the roasted vegetables and feta onto plates first and nestle the pasta alongside, creating a visually stunning dish that feels both rustic and refined. For casual gatherings, offering it family-style in the roasting pan encourages sharing and adds a cozy feel to the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Roasted Vegetable Feta Pasta Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day. Just keep in mind the texture might soften slightly as the pasta absorbs the sauce.

Freezing

Although this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Transfer the pasta and sauce into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to ensure the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to refresh the sauce and prevent sticking. You can also microwave it covered in short bursts, stirring occasionally to heat evenly. Adding fresh basil after reheating will revive the lively flavor of the dish.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this Roasted Vegetable Feta Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! While rigatoni works great because of its shape and size, penne, fusilli, or farfalle would also hold the sauce nicely. Choose any medium to large pasta that can trap the roasted vegetable and feta sauce for a delicious bite each time.

Is it possible to make this dish vegan?

You can easily make a vegan version by substituting the feta with a plant-based alternative or even a cashew-based creamy cheese. Roasting the vegetables with garlic and herbs remains the same and yields fantastic flavor even without dairy.

What can I do to make the sauce creamier?

Saving and adding the starchy pasta water is the key here, as it emulsifies with the melted feta to create a silky sauce. If you’d like it even creamier, a splash of plant-based milk or a small dollop of cream cheese stirred in at the end can help achieve that luscious texture.

Can I prepare the roasted vegetables ahead of time?

You can roast the vegetables and feta up to a day in advance and store them in the fridge. When ready to eat, simply reheat gently and mix with freshly cooked pasta and basil to keep the dish vibrant and fresh.

How spicy is the red pepper flakes amount in this recipe?

The ⅛ teaspoon of red pepper flakes adds just a mild warmth that complements the other flavors without overpowering them. If you like things spicier, feel free to increase the amount to suit your taste.

Final Thoughts

This Roasted Vegetable Feta Pasta Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s colorful, packed with flavor, and surprisingly simple to make with ingredients that come together effortlessly for a rewarding meal. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover just how satisfying and delicious roasted veggies and feta can be paired with pasta. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen!