Go Back Email Link
+ servings
Warm, savory dish presented with a sprinkle of grated cheese.

Fridge Raid Pasta

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
A vibrant, flexible pasta dish made with roasted vegetables, spinach, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan. Perfect for using up fridge leftovers without compromising on flavor or comfort.
8 Servings

Ingredients

  • 2 bell peppers halved and deseeded
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil divided (plus extra for finishing)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 medium onions thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups green beans trimmed and chopped (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 cups baby spinach roughly chopped
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes quartered
  • 1 pound spiral penne, or elbow pasta
  • Pinch of white pepper optional
  • 1 bunch fresh basil roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup shaved Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

Roast the Bell Peppers

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the halved bell peppers on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season with salt and black pepper. Roast for 20–30 minutes, stirring once or twice, until tender and slightly caramelized. Add the minced garlic during the final minute of roasting. Set aside to cool slightly before dicing.

Caramelize the Onions

  1. In a large skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for approximately 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply browned and softened. Remove from heat and set aside.

Blanch the Green Beans and Spinach

  1. Fill a large stockpot halfway with water and bring to a boil. Add the chopped green beans and cook for 2–3 minutes, or until bright green and tender-crisp. Using a slotted spoon, transfer them to a bowl of ice water. Repeat this process with the spinach, blanching for about 1 minute before transferring to the same bowl. Drain both well.

Cook the Pasta

  1. In the same pot of boiling water, cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly under cool water to stop the cooking. Toss with a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Assemble the Dish

  1. In a large serving bowl, combine the cooked pasta, roasted peppers, caramelized onions, blanched green beans and spinach, cherry tomatoes, and chopped basil. Drizzle with additional olive oil and season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of white pepper if using. Add the shaved Parmesan and toss thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated.

Notes

To make this dish gluten-free, simply substitute your preferred gluten-free pasta. Be mindful of the cooking time, as gluten-free varieties tend to soften quickly. Ensure that all additional ingredients, including Parmesan and seasoning blends, are certified gluten-free if serving individuals with severe gluten intolerance.
Bitty