Save A vibrant and colorful pasta dish featuring bow tie pasta tossed with roasted vegetables, fresh herbs, and a zesty lemon-garlic dressing—perfect for celebrations or special gatherings.
This pasta platter quickly became a favorite at our family gatherings, bringing everyone to the table with its bright flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 500 g (1 lb) bow tie (farfalle) pasta
- Roasted Vegetables: 1 medium red bell pepper, diced 1 medium yellow bell pepper, diced 1 medium zucchini, chopped 1 small red onion, sliced 200 g (7 oz) cherry tomatoes, halved 2 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp dried Italian herbs Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Dressing: 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice 1 tsp lemon zest 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tsp honey or maple syrup 1 tbsp Dijon mustard Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- To Finish: 60 g (2 oz) crumbled feta cheese 3 tbsp chopped fresh basil 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley 30 g (1 oz) toasted pine nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Step 2:
- Toss the bell peppers, zucchini, red onion, and cherry tomatoes with 2 tbsp olive oil, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20 25 minutes, stirring halfway, until vegetables are tender and lightly caramelized.
- Step 3:
- Meanwhile, cook the bow tie pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and transfer to a large serving bowl.
- Step 4:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Step 5:
- Add the roasted vegetables to the pasta. Pour over the dressing and toss gently to combine.
- Step 6:
- Sprinkle with feta cheese, fresh basil, parsley, and toasted pine nuts if using. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Save This dish always brings joy to our family meals, especially during holidays when everyone appreciates bright fresh flavors and easy sharing.
Required Tools
Large pot, baking sheet, mixing bowls, whisk, serving bowl
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten) in pasta, milk in feta cheese, and pine nuts (tree nuts, optional). Check ingredient labels for possible traces of allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 390, Total Fat 14 g, Carbohydrates 55 g, Protein 10 g
Save This festive pasta platter is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and perfect for any celebratory occasion.
Kitchen Guide
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Bow tie (farfalle) pasta holds the dressing well and complements the roasted vegetables with its shape and texture.
- → Can I prepare the roasted vegetables ahead of time?
Yes, roasting the vegetables in advance and storing them refrigerated will save time and flavor will intensify after resting.
- → How can I make this dish vegan-friendly?
Omit the feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based alternative while keeping the fresh herbs for brightness.
- → What are good protein additions to this platter?
Grilled chicken or shrimp can be added to increase protein and complement the roasted vegetables and lemon dressing.
- → What kind of dressing is used for the pasta and vegetables?
A zesty lemon-garlic dressing made with extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, honey, and Dijon mustard enhances the fresh flavors.
- → Can I substitute the pine nuts in this dish?
Yes, toasted walnuts or almonds can be used as alternatives to pine nuts for added crunch and flavor.