Introduction
Looking for an easy and healthy dinner idea? This Pasta with Roasted Carrots and Parmesan is the perfect recipe for you! The sweet and nutty flavor of roasted carrots pairs perfectly with the salty and umami taste of parmesan cheese. This dish is also vegetarian and can be easily made vegan by omitting the cheese or using a vegan cheese substitute.
Ingredients
- 350g pasta
- 500g carrots
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic
- 50g parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F.
- Peel and chop the carrots into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the carrots with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
- Spread out the carrots onto a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes or until they are tender and slightly crispy.
- While the carrots are roasting, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
- Peel and finely chop the garlic.
- In a large saucepan, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
- Add the cooked pasta, roasted carrots, reserved pasta water, and remaining salt to the saucepan.
- Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce and the carrots are distributed throughout the dish.
- Grate the parmesan cheese and sprinkle it over the top of the pasta.
- Chop the parsley and sprinkle it over the top of the dish.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Variations
- Vegetarian/Vegan: This recipe is already vegetarian, but it can be easily made vegan by omitting the parmesan cheese or using a vegan cheese substitute.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta instead of regular pasta.
- Spicier: Add some red pepper flakes to the saucepan when sautéing the garlic for an added kick of heat.
- Creamier: Add a splash of heavy cream or coconut cream to the saucepan when tossing everything together for a creamier dish.
Conclusion
This Pasta with Roasted Carrots and Parmesan is a simple and delicious recipe that is perfect for a quick and healthy dinner. Roasting the carrots adds a sweet and nutty flavor to the dish, while the parmesan cheese adds a satisfying umami taste. This recipe is also versatile and can be easily customized to suit your preferences. Give it a try and enjoy!
FAQ
Can I use any type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer. However, we recommend using a short pasta like penne or fusilli, as they hold the sauce well.
Can I use baby carrots instead of regular carrots?
Yes, you can use baby carrots instead of regular carrots. However, keep in mind that they may require less roasting time due to their smaller size.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! This dish is very versatile and can be customized to your liking. You can add other roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers, or even some sautéed spinach or kale.
Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan cheese?
While pre-shredded Parmesan cheese is convenient, we recommend using freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, you can make this dish vegan by using a plant-based Parmesan cheese alternative or omitting the cheese altogether.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the roasted carrots and pasta ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the carrots and toss them with the pasta and Parmesan cheese.
Can I freeze this dish?
We do not recommend freezing this dish, as the roasted carrots may become mushy when reheated.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use a different type of cheese if you prefer. Pecorino Romano or Asiago would be good substitutes for Parmesan.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs?
Yes, you can use dried herbs if you don’t have fresh herbs on hand. However, keep in mind that the flavor may not be as bright as using fresh herbs.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Yes, you can add protein to this dish by tossing in some cooked chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
