Pasta Shells with Roasted Vegetables and Black Olives

Pasta is another one of winter's comfort foods that I don't actually eat all that often, but I certainly have friends and a husband who would like to eat it more frequently. But I will indulge them — and myself — more often if the pasta is dressed in an interesting, delicious and nourishing way. And in the winter, what better to toss pasta with than roasted vegetables?

This shell pasta I dressed up with a zesty combination of lemon juice, sun-dried tomatoes, balsamic vinegar and olives along with the roasted vegetables. This pasta is delicious served hot but also works just as well as a cold salad. I have no doubt that fresh grated Parmesan cheese would be tasty on this pasta, but I added a good helping of nutritional yeast to give it that pasta-friendly cheesiness in a vegan way — but feel free to substitute with Parmesan or omit the cheesiness altogether. My husband, who is the biggest pasta fan I know, was delighted with this.

Pasta Shells with Roasted Vegetables and Black Olives

Recipe by Lisa Turner Published on February 26, 2016 Pasta tossed with roasted vegetables and a zesty combination of lemon juice, sun-dried tomatoes, balsamic vinegar and olives Preparation: 20 minutes Cooking time: 40 to 45 minutes Print this recipe Ingredients: 1 lb (450 g or 4 cups) dry shell or other preferred pasta 1/2 red onion, sliced 2 medium carrots, sliced 1 medium zucchini, sliced 1 medium eggplant, sliced 1 pint (2 cups or 500 mL) cherry tomatoes 1 to 2 jalapeños, seeded and cut into rounds 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 1 1/2 tablespoons sesame oil 2 1/2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped (2 teaspoons dried) 2 cloves garlic, minced juice from 1 lemon (3 tablespoons) 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, soaked in hot water for 20 to 30 minutes, drained and chopped 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 1/2 cup pitted black olives 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional) 2 teaspoons sriracha or hot sauce (optional) freshly cracked black pepper to taste Instructions: In a large pot, cook the pasta in salted water until tender according to package instructions. Drain and return to the pot. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat an oven to 425°F. In a large bowl, toss together the onion, carrots, zucchini, eggplant, cherry tomatoes, jalapeños, salt and sesame oil. Spread the vegetables evenly onto the baking sheet. Roast for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and flip, then sprinkle with the thyme, garlic and lemon juice. Return to the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes until browned. Meanwhile, soak the sun-dried tomatoes in hot water for 20 to 30 minutes. Drain and chop. Add the roasted vegetables to the cooked pasta, along with the sun-dried tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, olives, nutritional yeast and hot sauce if using. Give everything a good toss, season with more salt and some fresh cracked black pepper to taste. Serve hot, warm or chilled. Makes 6 servings

Other pasta dishes to enjoy from Lisa's Kitchen:
Zesty Green Pea and Jalapeño Pesto Pasta
Lemony Pasta with Broccoli and Chickpeas
Vegetarian Mushroom and Spinach Lasagne
Penne Pasta with Ricotta, Parmesan and Tomatoes