Name: Creamy Roasted Veggie Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 medium tomatoes, halved; ½ red bell pepper; ½ yellow or orange bell pepper; ½ zucchini, chopped; 1 small red onion, quartered; 1½ tbsp olive oil; 1 cup cherry tomatoes; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp Italian herb blend; ¼ tsp chili flakes (optional); ¾ cup vegan cream cheese; A handful of fresh basil; 1 cup vegetable broth; 6-7 oz tagliatelle nests or pasta of choice (penne, farfalle, or spaghetti)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 33 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with vibrant colors, layers of texture, and a luscious sauce that wraps every bite in comfort, this Creamy Roasted Veggie Pasta Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. It celebrates roasted vegetables perfectly caramelized to bring out their natural sweetness, paired with a dreamy vegan cream cheese sauce infused with fresh basil and aromatic herbs. Trust me, this is the kind of pasta that feels like a warm hug on a plate, yet stays light enough to enjoy any night of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass square container holds three layers of vegetables. The top layer has three bright red tomato halves, each sprinkled with herbs and spices. Below them are two halved red bell peppers, also seasoned with herbs, followed by two halved yellow bell peppers with a similar sprinkle of spices. At the bottom, there are chunks of purple onion and pieces of zucchini with green skin and white flesh, all lightly seasoned. The container is placed on a white marbled surface with a black kitchen appliance visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

What makes this recipe shine is how straightforward and accessible the ingredients are, yet each one plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color that makes this dish so special.

3 medium tomatoes, halved: These become beautifully soft and add a juicy sweetness when roasted.
½ red bell pepper: Adds a hint of natural sweetness and a stunning red hue.
½ yellow or orange bell pepper: Brings brightness and a slightly fruity flavor to the mix.
½ zucchini, chopped: Offers a tender bite and a subtle earthiness that balances the peppers.
1 small red onion, quartered: Roasting mellows its sharpness, lending gentle caramelized notes.
1½ tbsp olive oil: Essential for roasting vegetables to golden perfection and boosting flavor.
1 cup cherry tomatoes: These burst as they roast, creating pockets of intensified flavor.
Salt and black pepper, to taste: Simple seasoning to elevate all the fresh ingredients.
1 tsp garlic powder: Adds a subtle, comforting garlicky aroma without overpowering.
1 tsp Italian herb blend: Brings classic Mediterranean herbs that tie the dish together.
¼ tsp chili flakes (optional): For those who love a little kick of warmth.
¾ cup vegan cream cheese: The star of the sauce for that irresistibly creamy texture.
A handful of fresh basil: Freshness and herbal brightness that awaken the palate.
1 cup vegetable broth: Lightens the cream cheese and adds depth to the sauce.
6-7 oz tagliatelle nests or pasta of choice: Penne, farfalle, or spaghetti are all excellent options to carry the sauce and veggies beautifully.

How to Make Creamy Roasted Veggie Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Vegetables

First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the halved tomatoes, bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, and cherry tomatoes in the olive oil along with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, Italian herbs, and chili flakes if using. Spread them out evenly on a baking sheet and roast for about 25-30 minutes, until they’re tender and dancing with caramelized edges. This roasting step intensifies the veggies’ natural flavors and creates that gorgeous depth that makes this Creamy Roasted Veggie Pasta Recipe so memorable.

Step 2: Prepare the Pasta

While your veggies are roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain it, reserving about a cup of the cooking water. This starchy water is gold when it comes to finishing pasta sauces, lending silky smoothness without thinning their flavor.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted vegetables (reserve a few for garnish if you like), vegan cream cheese, fresh basil, and vegetable broth. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to reach your desired consistency. This sauce comes together quickly but feels indulgent and fresh all at once — a hallmark of a truly great Creamy Roasted Veggie Pasta Recipe.

Step 4: Combine and Toss

Return your cooked pasta to the pot or a large bowl and pour the creamy roasted veggie sauce over it. Gently toss until every strand or piece is luxuriously coated. If the sauce feels too thick, add more pasta water a little at a time. This soft, velvety coating is what turns a humble meal into something spectacular that feels special yet effortless.

How to Serve Creamy Roasted Veggie Pasta Recipe

A clear glass baking dish shows eight small nests of uncooked yellow fettuccine pasta placed evenly on top of a thick, creamy orange sauce with visible green herbs and pieces of red tomatoes mixed in. The surface of the sauce is smooth with some small bubbles, and the dish sits on a white marbled texture surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Freshness on top makes all the difference. Sprinkle torn basil leaves or a few whole roasted cherry tomatoes over your pasta for added color and a fresh punch. A few cracked black pepper flakes or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil never hurts either!

Side Dishes

This pasta stands beautifully on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or warm garlic bread can round out the meal perfectly. Think crisp arugula with lemon vinaigrette or some crunchy toasted ciabatta slices rubbing garlic and olive oil.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party vibe, serve the pasta in deep bowls with a swirl of extra creamy sauce and a few whole basil leaves on top. You might also serve it family-style on a large platter, artfully arranging the roasted veggies atop the saucy pasta, inviting sharing and conversation at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making for a delicious next-day lunch or quick dinner.

Freezing

While you can freeze the sauce and pasta separately, it’s best to freeze the sauce alone for up to 2 months. Pasta textures tend to get mushy after freezing and reheating, so cooking fresh pasta when serving is ideal.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the leftover pasta and sauce in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently to avoid sticking and to revive that creamy texture we love.

FAQs

Can I use dairy cream cheese instead of vegan?

Absolutely! The recipe works wonderfully with traditional cream cheese if you’re not following a vegan diet. The creaminess and texture remain just as delightful.

What pasta works best with this sauce?

Tagliatelle is perfect for holding the sauce, but farfalle, penne, or spaghetti also do a fantastic job. Choose what you have on hand or your favorite familiar shape.

Can I add protein to this recipe?

Definitely! Grilled tofu, chickpeas, or even a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts can add a nice protein boost while keeping the meal balanced and healthy.

Is this recipe spicy?

The only heat comes from optional chili flakes, so you can easily omit them if you prefer a milder dish. The herbs and roasted veggies provide plenty of flavor on their own.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply swap the pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety, and you’re good to go! The sauce and veggies are naturally gluten-free and delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Roasted Veggie Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes I never tire of making or sharing. It’s vibrant, comforting, and packed with wholesome ingredients that come together effortlessly in one amazing bowl. Give it a try and watch how it quickly becomes a weeknight favorite you’ll want to make again and again.