If you’re in the mood for a hearty, colorful pasta dish that celebrates the very best of fall, you’re going to fall hard for this recipe: roasted butternut squash, carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes come alive when tossed with chewy pasta, tart cranberries, and a shower of toasted walnuts. But the thing that makes this pasta positively irresistible is the tangy-salty pop of Feta & Fresh Lemon Juice scattered over the top, bringing every bite into focus with its zingy brightness and creamy crumble.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love about this recipe is how every ingredient earns its keep, from the earthiness of roasted veggies to the vibrant finish of Feta & Fresh Lemon Juice. These are humble, everyday ingredients, but together they make something unexpectedly special. Here’s what you’ll need, along with tips to make the most of every element:
- Butternut squash: Sweet and creamy when roasted, it brings warmth and pops of golden color to the pasta.
- Carrots: Roasting brings out their natural sugars for a touch of subtle sweetness and satisfying bite.
- Brussels sprouts: Halved and roasted until caramelized, they add gorgeous emerald-green color and a slight nuttiness.
- Sweet potato: Earthy and lush, these cubes become tender and mellow in the oven—perfect for soaking up lemon and feta.
- Olive oil: Don’t skimp—the oil helps vegetables roast to golden perfection and adds silkiness to the finished dish.
- Garlic powder: Infuses every bite with mellow, toasty garlic notes without overpowering the veggies.
- Smoked paprika: Adds smoky depth and gorgeous color, making the roast veggies even more inviting.
- Salt & black pepper: Balances all the flavors—taste and adjust before serving for the best result.
- Pasta (fusilli, rigatoni, or penne): These shapes all hug the vegetables well—choose your favorite for maximum sauce cling!
- Dried cranberries: Their tart-sweet zing brightens the dish and pairs beautifully with the tang of lemon and feta.
- Toasted walnuts: For crunch, toast them in the oven for extra nuttiness—they make every forkful more interesting.
- Crumbled feta: Nothing beats the creamy saltiness of real feta—buy a block and crumble it yourself if you can!
- Lemon zest: Adds bursts of citrus aroma—zest the lemon before juicing for best results.
- Fresh lemon juice: Squeeze just before serving for that signature brightness that makes Feta & Fresh Lemon Juice so irresistible.
- Chopped parsley (optional): A fresh green flourish to finish, but not required if you’re out.
How to Make Feta & Fresh Lemon Juice
Step 1: Roast the Vegetables
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the butternut squash, carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potato on a large baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle over the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything thoroughly with your hands or a spatula until all the veggies are beautifully coated. Spread them out in a single layer for maximum caramelization. Roast, stirring once halfway through, for 30 to 40 minutes or until the vegetables are gloriously golden and tender. The house will smell amazing at this point!
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
While the veggies are roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook until it’s just al dente—a minute less than you think is usually perfect. Drain well, then drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil over the pasta to keep it glossy and prevent sticking. Set aside while you finish up the rest of the pasta magic.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Roasted Veggies
Now comes the fun part! Transfer your drained pasta into a massive mixing bowl or back into the pot. Tip in those caramelized roasted vegetables, along with the dried cranberries and toasted walnuts. Gently toss everything together—don’t be afraid to use your hands to ensure every piece of pasta picks up some of those flavorful veggies.
Step 4: Add Feta & Fresh Lemon Juice
It’s time to let the flavors sing. Add in your crumbled feta, shower over the fragrant lemon zest, and squeeze in that fresh lemon juice. Drizzle with another splash of olive oil, then toss the whole lot gently. The Feta & Fresh Lemon Juice take the dish from cozy to downright crave-worthy, bringing creaminess, tang, and that electric pop of citrus all at once. Taste and adjust—I promise you might want a bit more lemon, salt, or oil, depending on your mood.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
If you’re feeling fancy, scatter over some chopped parsley for a bright finish. You can serve this dish warm for ultimate coziness or at room temperature for a fabulous make-ahead lunch or picnic. The flavors deepen as they mingle, so don’t hesitate to let it rest a little before serving.
How to Serve Feta & Fresh Lemon Juice
Garnishes
Bring the dish to life with a final flurry of crumbled feta, a few extra drops of fresh lemon juice, and a generous sprinkle of finely chopped parsley. If you love a little extra crunch, a handful of toasted walnuts on top is delicious. This vibrant finishing touch signals that you’re in for something truly special.
Side Dishes
This pasta is hearty enough to be the star of the show, but it pairs beautifully with light sides. Consider a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, or garlic bread toasted to golden perfection. For a dinner party, roasted chicken or salmon alongside the pasta turns it into a feast. Serve with lemon wedges so everyone can tailor their personal balance of Feta & Fresh Lemon Juice.
Creative Ways to Present
For a potluck, pile the pasta high on a big ceramic platter and let the colors shine. If you’re packing lunches, spoon into individual containers and include a lemon wedge and feta to add just before eating, so every bite is fresh. Stuff leftovers into whole wheat pita or roll into wraps with extra greens—the Feta & Fresh Lemon Juice flavors make any vessel taste gourmet.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate; the flavors meld and deepen overnight thanks to the magic of the roasted vegetables and Feta & Fresh Lemon Juice. The pasta will keep well for up to three days, making it a fabulous lunch or quick dinner option—just be sure to give it a good toss before enjoying.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze this dish, it’s best to do so before adding the feta and lemon juice. Prep the pasta and roasted vegetables, then cool completely before freezing. When ready to serve, defrost overnight in the fridge and toss with freshly crumbled feta and fresh lemon juice just before eating for best flavor and texture.
Reheating
For the best experience, gently reheat portions in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of olive oil to bring back moisture. Always add a bit of extra Feta & Fresh Lemon Juice after reheating to brighten up the flavors and restore that signature zing. The dish is also surprisingly delicious at room temperature!
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Fusilli, rigatoni, and penne all work wonderfully, but feel free to use whatever pasta makes you happy. The most important thing is that it catches those chunks of veggies, cranberries, and the glorious Feta & Fresh Lemon Juice in every bite.
What’s the best way to toast walnuts?
Simply spread walnuts on a baking sheet and toast in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 7 to 10 minutes, shaking once, until fragrant and golden. They add crunch and a wonderful nutty counterpoint to the tang of the feta and lemon juice!
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes! Just swap the feta for a plant-based alternative or skip it entirely. The combination of roasted veggies, cranberries, and lemon juice is still absolutely vibrant. Perhaps add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy note if you like.
How do I keep the vegetables from getting mushy?
Be sure to cut them into evenly-sized pieces and give them lots of room on the baking sheet (use two sheets if needed). Roasting at a high temperature also encourages caramelization and prevents sogginess, making every bite perfectly textured for catching the Feta & Fresh Lemon Juice mixture.
Can this recipe be made ahead for meal prep?
Definitely! Roasted vegetable pasta is an ideal make-ahead dish. Prepare everything up to the mixing step, then store chilled. Right before serving, add the Feta & Fresh Lemon Juice and a drizzle of olive oil to freshen everything up—it will taste just-made.
Final Thoughts
Trust me: you’re going to want to make this vibrant pasta again and again. Every forkful is a celebration of roasted vegetables, chewy pasta, tangy cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and the unbeatable finishing flourish of Feta & Fresh Lemon Juice. Try it once and you’ll be hooked—perfect for any weeknight dinner or showstopping side at your next gathering!