Pantry Pasta with Roasted Vegetables
A versatile and budget-friendly pasta dish using pantry staples and whatever vegetables you have on hand, perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 300 g Pasta — Penne, fusilli, or spaghetti
- 450 g Canned diced tomatoes — Undrained
- 2 cloves Garlic — Minced
- 1 Onion — Chopped
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tsp Dried oregano
- ½ tsp Dried basil
- ¼ tsp Red pepper flakes — Optional, for heat
- Salt — To taste
- Black pepper — To taste
- 2 cups Mixed vegetables — Chopped broccoli, bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, or frozen mixed vegetables
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese — Grated, for serving (optional)
Equipment
- Large pot
- Baking sheet
- Large saucepan or skillet
Instructions
Tip: tap Start Cooking for hands-free step mode with built-in timers.
- 1
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Toss the chopped vegetables with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized. (Visual cue: vegetables are tender and lightly browned).
20 min timer - 2
While vegetables roast, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. (Visual cue: pasta is cooked through but still firm to the bite).
- 3
In a large saucepan or skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-5 minutes until softened. (Visual cue: onion is translucent).
5 min timer - 4
Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the saucepan. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. (Visual cue: garlic is aromatic, not browned).
1 min timer - 5
Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (undrained). Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing flavours to meld. (Visual cue: sauce has thickened slightly).
15 min timer - 6
Drain the cooked pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
- 7
Add the drained pasta and roasted vegetables to the tomato sauce. Toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached. (Visual cue: pasta and vegetables are evenly coated in sauce).
- 8
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- 9
Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- For added protein, stir in a can of drained chickpeas or white beans with the tomatoes, or serve with cooked chicken or sausage.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preferred level of spice.
- Using good quality canned tomatoes will elevate the flavour of the sauce significantly.
Substitutions
- Any pasta shape: Brown rice pasta or gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option
- Diced tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes or tomato purée for a smoother sauce
- Dried oregano/basil: Italian seasoning blend or 1 tbsp fresh herbs (chopped)
- Olive oil: Canola oil or vegetable oil
- Mixed vegetables: Any fresh or frozen vegetables you have. Spinach or kale can be wilted into the sauce at the end.
- Parmesan cheese: Nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option, or omit
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezer
This dish freezes well without the Parmesan cheese. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Nutrition not calculated. Cook temperatures follow Health Canada guidance where cited.
Ratings & reviews
Sign in to rate this recipe and leave a review.
No reviews yet — be the first to cook it and say how it went.
I made this
Photos from home cooks who made Pantry Pasta with Roasted Vegetables. Every photo is checked before it shows here.
Sign in to share your photo.
Pairs well with
Quick Maple-Mustard Pork Chops
Flavourful pork chops with a sweet and tangy maple-mustard glaze, perfect for a speedy weeknight meal.
Hearty Lentil & Vegetable Soup
A budget-friendly, nutritious, and flavourful lentil soup packed with vegetables, perfect for a cold Canadian day.
Atlantic CanadaNova Scotia Hodge Podge
Early-summer new vegetables simmered in butter and cream, a Nova Scotia garden tradition.
QuebecMontreal Smoked Meat (Home-Style)
Spice-cured, smoked and steamed beef brisket piled high on rye with yellow mustard, adapted for a home kitchen.