Penne with Roasted Vegetables and Marinara
Tender penne tossed with sweet, caramelized roasted vegetables and a rich, garlicky tomato marinara sauce. The vegetables, from bell peppers to zucchini, get beautifully charred edges in the oven while the sauce simmers on the stovetop. A hearty, colorful weeknight pasta that comes together with simple pantry ingredients and feels like a warm Italian hug.
For 4 servings
- prep
Preheat oven and prep the vegetables.
1.Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).2.Cut bell pepper into 1-inch chunks, zucchini into half-moons, eggplant into 1-inch chunks, and halve cherry tomatoes.3.Spread all vegetables on a large baking sheet. - roast · ~25 min
Season and roast the vegetables.
1.Drizzle 3 tablespoons olive oil over the vegetables.2.Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and a pinch of black pepper. Toss well to coat.3.Roast for 20-25 minutes until edges are charred and vegetables are tender.TIPDon't overcrowd the pan — use two sheets if needed so they roast instead of steam. - boil · ~12 min
Boil the penne.
1.Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon salt.2.Add penne and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes.3.Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain in a colander. - saute · ~5 min
Start the marinara sauce.
1.Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.2.Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes.3.Add minced garlic, dried oregano, and red chili flakes. Sauté 30 seconds until fragrant. - simmer · ~20 min
Add tomatoes and simmer the sauce.
1.Add the crushed fresh tomatoes and a pinch of salt.2.Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.TIPCrush the blanched, peeled tomatoes by hand for a rustic, chunky texture. - mix · ~2 min
Toss pasta, vegetables, and sauce together.
1.Add the drained penne and roasted vegetables to the saucepan with the marinara.2.Add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen if needed.3.Toss everything gently until well coated and warmed through. - garnish
Garnish with fresh basil and serve with parmesan.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Roast vegetables on a single layer to ensure caramelization, not steaming.
- 2Reserve pasta water before draining; its starch helps bind the sauce to the pasta.
- 3Cut vegetables into uniform 1-inch pieces so they cook evenly in the oven.
- 4For a richer marinara, let the sauce simmer uncovered to concentrate flavors.
- 5Toss the roasted vegetables with the hot pasta immediately so they absorb the sauce.
- 6Make ahead: roast vegetables and simmer sauce up to 2 days in advance; reheat gently.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein boost
Add 200g of cooked Italian sausage (sliced) or grilled chicken breast when tossing the pasta for a heartier meal with extra protein.
veganVegan
Omit the Parmesan cheese and use a nutritional yeast-based sprinkle instead for a fully plant-based version without losing savory umami.
low carbLow-carb
Replace penne with zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta for a lower-carb alternative that still carries the robust marinara and roasted vegetables.
gluten freeGluten-free
Use certified gluten-free penne (rice or corn-based) and double-check all seasoning blends for hidden gluten.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Dietary Fiber
Eggplant and zucchini contribute soluble fiber that supports digestion and promotes satiety.
High in Vitamin C
Bell peppers and cherry tomatoes provide a significant amount of vitamin C, which aids immune function and collagen production.
Moderate in Calories
This dish uses olive oil sparingly and is built around vegetables, making it a lighter pasta option.
Contains Lycopene
The cooked tomatoes in the marinara are a rich source of lycopene, an antioxidant linked to heart health.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can substitute 2 cups of quality jarred marinara; reduce the simmer time to 10 minutes and adjust salt to taste.



