Creamy Pasta With Roasted Vegetables
Creamy pasta with roasted vegetables offers a comforting, flavorful dish featuring fresh asparagus, mushrooms, and bell peppers coated in a rich cream sauce—perfect for a satisfying vegetarian meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Snap off and discard tough ends of asparagus, then cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces.
- Cut mushrooms in half or quarters if large.
- Cut bell peppers into 1-inch squares.
- Combine vegetables in a bowl, add olive oil, and mix lightly.
- Press garlic over vegetables, add salt and black pepper, and mix well.
- Pour vegetables into a baking pan and bake for 10 to 12 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente.
- In a large skillet, combine cooked pasta with roasted vegetables.
- Add whipping cream and stir to coat everything evenly.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of grated Parmesan cheese along with the whipping cream. If asparagus isn't in season, feel free to substitute with green beans or broccoli. When roasting vegetables, be sure to keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. Using whole wheat rigatoni can add extra fiber and nutrients, making this dish even more wholesome.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy pasta pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For an extra burst of flavor, top with additional fresh basil or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving. It also complements well with a glass of white wine. For more delightful Italian recipes, consider exploring dishes like Pasta Fagioli Soup.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, you can microwave them in a covered dish, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creamy Pasta With Roasted Vegetables contains roughly 925 calories, with 10g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 86g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (71% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (63% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (41% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1789mg per serving (78% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make this dish vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian as it focuses on vegetables and pasta. However, to enhance the flavor, you could add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without dairy. It’s a great way to elevate the dish while keeping it in line with vegetarian recipes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).