Ingredients

• For the dressing

• 2 tbs balsamic vinegar

• 6 sprigs of thyme

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• Salt and pepper

• 1 handful fresh basil leaves ¾ cup olive oil

• For the vegetable and pasta

• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 green bell pepper
• 1 red onion
• 1 medium sweet potato
• 1 medium carrot
• 1 parsnip
• 2 zucchini
• Salt and pepper
• 35oz -1kg Sedani Rigati - Rigatoni pasta
• Half cup fresh basil leaves

Steps

• Step 1

  Preheat oven to 400°F – 200°C


• Step 2

  
In a small mixing bowl, add the balsamic vinegar, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, pepper and olive oil. Mix ingredients thoroughly and pour over vegetables. Toss veggies in the bowl enough to ensure each piece is coated with dressing.

• Step 3

  Trim and cut bell peppers, cut into bite size pieces and place in large mixing bowl.


• Step 4

  Trim ends then cut zucchini into 6 pieces. Cut in half first then each half into three for more precise cuts. Add to mixing bowl.

• Step 5

  
Peel, trim and cut carrot and parsnip into long angled rustic cuts by rotating carrot a quarter turn each cut. Add to mixing bowl.


• Step 6

  
Peel the red onion and cut in half through the root, then each half into 4 pieces. Add to mixing bowl.


• Step 7

  Peel the sweet potato and cut in half, then lengthwise into four or five slices. Cut each slice into quarters. Add to mixing bowl and toss or mix well ensuring each piece is coated.


• Step 8

  
Place veggies on a baking tray (sheet-pan) lined with parchment paper.
Scatter them so they are nicely spaced out without much overlapping.

• Step 9

  Place in oven and lower temperature to 350°F – 180°C and bake for 30 minutes. (Fan forced oven – otherwise increase time or temp 30%).


• Step 10

  Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a pot of boiling salted simmering water until al dente. Drain. Add olive oil, toss to coat all the pasta.

• Step 11

  Remove vegetables from oven, prick them to ensure they are all cooked. Place all the pasta over the vegetables, try and cover all of them. Add the grated cheese and bake 10 minutes until cheese has melted. Or if you prefer crispy, cook a little longer. (Don’t over cook them or pasta will be dry).

• Step 12

  Scatter some torn basil leaves over hot veggies, scoop and serve immediately.

Little Tips

Cook more veggies, less pasta for a healthier meal!