🍝 Mediterranean Pasta with Roasted Vegetables

🍝 Mediterranean Pasta with Roasted Vegetables

 

🥣 Ingredients (Serves 4)

🍆 For the Roasted Vegetables

  • 1 small eggplant, cubed

  • 1 zucchini, sliced

  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped

  • 1 red onion, sliced

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tsp dried oregano

  • Salt & black pepper to taste


🍝 For the Pasta

  • 250 g (8 oz) whole-grain or regular pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

  • 2 tbsp lemon juice

  • ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese

  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil or parsley


👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Roast the Vegetables

  1. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).

  2. Spread eggplant, zucchini, pepper, onion, and tomatoes on a baking tray.

  3. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle oregano, salt, and pepper.

  4. Roast for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway, until tender and slightly caramelized.


Step 2: Cook the Pasta

  1. While vegetables roast, cook pasta according to package directions.

  2. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water.


Step 3: Combine Everything

  1. In a large pan, heat olive oil and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.

  2. Add roasted vegetables and toss with the cooked pasta.

  3. Pour in lemon juice and a splash of reserved pasta water for moisture.

  4. Stir in feta cheese and herbs.


Step 4: Serve

Serve warm, topped with extra feta, olive oil drizzle, and fresh basil.
Pairs perfectly with:

  • 🥗 Greek salad or hummus

  • 🍋 Lemon water or iced herbal tea


💚 Health & Nutrition Benefits

Ingredient Benefit
Whole-grain pasta High in fiber — keeps you full and balances blood sugar.
Vegetables Packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber.
Olive oil Healthy fats that improve heart and brain function.
Feta cheese Adds protein and calcium with minimal fat.
Lemon juice & herbs Boost flavor and digestion naturally.

Healthy Tips

  1. 🧄 Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.

  2. 🌿 Use zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta for a gluten-free version.

  3. 🍅 Roast extra veggies and store for meal prep — lasts up to 4 days in the fridge.

  4. 🧊 Tastes great hot or cold — perfect for lunch boxes or picnics!

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