Enjoy a burst of summer flavours with this rigatoni pasta tossed with oven-roasted courgettes, red peppers, and juicy cherry tomatoes. Finished with olives, fresh basil, and a sprinkle of Himalayan Pink Salt, this easy roasted vegetable pasta recipe is perfect for a vibrant weeknight dinner or a healthy meal-prep option.
How to Make Rigatoni with Roasted Summer Vegetables
Step 1 – Roast the Vegetables
- Preheat oven to 200°C (fan).
- Spread courgettes, peppers, cherry tomatoes, and garlic on a large roasting tray. Make sure to roast in a single layer for best caramelisation
- Season with Himalayan Pink Salt, pepper, and chilli flakes; drizzle generously with olive oil and toss.
- Roast 25–30 minutes, until tomatoes char and vegetables are golden.
- Slip garlic from skins and mash with a fork.
Step 2 – Cook the Pasta
- Boil a large pot of salted water.
- Cook pasta until just shy of al dente.
- Reserve a mug of pasta water, then drain.
Step 3 – Combine and Finish
- Return pasta to the pot with roasted vegetables, tray juices, and olives.
- Toss over medium heat, adding pasta water to create a light sauce.
- Stir in half the basil. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Step 4 – Serve
- Spoon into bowls, top with remaining basil and Parmesan.
Tips
- Use any mix of summer vegetables—try aubergine, red onion, or yellow courgette. It makes the dish both visually appealing and flavourful when using a medley of summer veggies.
- For a vegan version, skip the Parmesan or use a non-dairy alternative such as nutritional yeast. Nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast and makes a great a great cheese substitute. We like to use Marigold Engevita with B12 Yeast Flakes when making this recipe vegan-friendly.
- Make ahead: Roast vegetables in advance and store refrigerated.
Can I use other pasta shapes for this recipe?
Instead of using rigatoni for this dish, you can use any short tubular pasta, such as penne, ziti and paccheri. It’s important to use a tubular pasta shape for this dish as the hollow centre and ridges trap the delicious sauces and juices of the vegetables, ensuring a flavourful bite every time.
How do I make this pasta vegan or gluten-free?
To make this pasta dish vegan, you can remove the Parmesan topping, or substitute it for a vegan alternative such as nutritional yeast, cashews or lemon zest to counterpoint the rich, savoury flavours.
If you want to make this recipe gluten-free, you can swap the rigatoni with a ‘free-from’ brand, such as Salvo 1968 Rummo Gluten Free Mezzi Rigatnoi, which is made from corn and brown rice. You could also use legume-based pasta (such as chickpea or lentil) which offer a protein-rich taste.
How long does roasted vegetable pasta last in the fridge?
Roasted vegetable pasta can last up to 3-5 days in the fridge if stored in an airtight contained to maintain freshness. You can also store this dish in the freezer for up to 3-6 months.
Can I add protein to this dish (e.g. chickpeas, grilled chicken)?
Yes, you can add protein to roasted vegetable pasta. If you are a vegetarian, you can add cooked green lentils or kidney beans, which enhances the nutritional value, increases protein content and adds a hearty texture and flavour to the dish.
If you want to add meat to the dish, we recommend adding chicken to provide a protein boost, whilst introducing a mild and versatile flavour that pairs well with the sauce and roasted vegetables. You can also add fish, such as anchovies or sardines, to provide a strong umami flavour that can deepen the overall flavourful profile of the pasta dish. It also adds a healthy source of omega-3 fatty acids.
Serving Suggestions
- Perfect as a main for summer dinners or picnics.
- Pair with green salad, garlic bread, or grilled fish.
- Serve warm or at room temperature—great for packed lunches.
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the hob with a splash of water or olive oil, or enjoy cold as a pasta salad.
If you make this rigatoni with roasted summer vegetables, let us know in the comments! For more easy pasta recipes, browse our full collection
