Pin It One evening after work, I opened the fridge to find a handful of vegetables that were still good but needed using soon. I had just gotten an air fryer and was looking for excuses to test it out. That night, I threw together ditalini with whatever I had on hand, and the smell of roasted vegetables filled the kitchen in minutes. It became my go-to meal for busy weeknights when I wanted something colorful and satisfying without much fuss.
I made this for my neighbor once when she mentioned she was too tired to cook. She came over in her slippers, and we ate straight from the serving bowl on my counter, talking about our week. She kept saying she couldn't believe how much flavor came from such simple ingredients. Since then, she asks me to make it whenever she's had a rough day, and I always do.
Ingredients
- Ditalini pasta: These little tubes catch the vegetables and dressing perfectly, and they cook quickly so you're not standing over the stove for long.
- Zucchini: It gets tender and slightly sweet in the air fryer, just make sure to dice it evenly so it cooks at the same rate as everything else.
- Red bell pepper: Adds a pop of color and a mild sweetness that balances the savory herbs.
- Red onion: Roasting softens its sharpness and brings out a hint of caramel that makes the whole dish more interesting.
- Cherry tomatoes: They burst and release their juices, creating little pockets of bright acidity throughout the pasta.
- Broccoli florets: The edges get crispy and nutty, which is my favorite part of this dish.
- Olive oil: Use a good one for tossing the vegetables and an even better one for finishing the pasta.
- Italian herbs: Dried oregano, basil, and thyme work beautifully here and smell incredible when they hit the heat.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated melts into the warm pasta and adds a salty, umami depth.
- Fresh basil or parsley: A handful of chopped herbs at the end makes everything taste brighter and more alive.
- Lemon zest: Just a little bit wakes up all the other flavors without making the dish taste citrusy.
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer:
- Set it to 200°C (400°F) and let it warm up while you prep the vegetables. A hot basket helps everything roast evenly and develop those golden edges.
- Toss the vegetables:
- In a large bowl, coat your zucchini, bell pepper, onion, tomatoes, and broccoli with olive oil, herbs, salt, and pepper until every piece is lightly dressed. Don't skimp on the oil or they'll dry out instead of caramelize.
- Air fry the vegetables:
- Spread them in a single layer in the basket and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking halfway through. You want them tender with crispy, browned spots that add texture and flavor.
- Cook the pasta:
- While the vegetables roast, boil salted water and cook the ditalini until al dente, then drain and save half a cup of the starchy pasta water. That water will help the dressing cling to every piece.
- Combine everything:
- Toss the hot pasta with the air-fried vegetables, extra-virgin olive oil, Parmesan, lemon zest, and fresh herbs in a large bowl. Add reserved pasta water a splash at a time until everything is glossy and coated.
- Adjust and serve:
- Taste it and add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if you like. Serve it warm with extra Parmesan on top and maybe a drizzle of your best olive oil.
Pin It There was a Sunday afternoon when I made this dish for a small gathering, and everyone stood around the kitchen island, forks in hand, talking and laughing while the bowl emptied. No one sat down at the table. It felt less like a meal and more like a moment we all shared, and I realized that sometimes the best recipes are the ones that bring people together without any ceremony.
Choosing Your Vegetables
The beauty of this recipe is that it's flexible and forgiving. I've used carrots, eggplant, asparagus, and mushrooms depending on what I had, and it always turned out delicious. Just make sure everything is cut into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly. If you're using something dense like carrots, dice them a bit smaller so they soften in time with the rest.
Making It Your Own
If you want to make this vegan, skip the Parmesan or use a plant-based cheese that melts well. I've also stirred in cooked chickpeas or white beans when I needed extra protein, and it made the dish heartier without changing the flavor much. A handful of toasted pine nuts or walnuts adds a nice crunch if you're in the mood for something extra.
Serving and Pairing
This pasta is great on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp Italian white wine like Pinot Grigio or Vermentino. I've also served it alongside a simple green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil, and it felt like a complete meal. Leftovers reheat surprisingly well, though I usually add a splash of water or olive oil to bring back the moisture.
- Serve it warm, but it's also delicious at room temperature for picnics or packed lunches.
- If you have any leftover herbs, chop them and sprinkle them on top just before serving for extra freshness.
- Don't be shy with the Parmesan at the table, it really makes a difference.
Pin It Every time I make this dish, I'm reminded that good food doesn't have to be complicated or precious. It just needs to be made with care and shared with people you enjoy.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do air-fried vegetables affect the dish texture?
Air frying the vegetables results in a tender interior with a slight crispness and subtle browning, enhancing their natural flavors while adding a pleasant texture contrast to the pasta.
- → Can different vegetables be used in this dish?
Absolutely. The recipe is flexible and works well with a variety of vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, broccoli, eggplant, and more, allowing you to customize based on availability.
- → What is the best way to achieve perfectly cooked ditalini?
Cook ditalini in generously salted boiling water until al dente, then drain while reserving a little pasta water to adjust the moisture if needed when combining with the vegetables.
- → How can this dish be adapted for a vegan diet?
Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a plant-based alternative to maintain the rich flavor without dairy ingredients.
- → What herbs complement the flavors in this dish?
Fresh basil or parsley add bright, herbaceous notes that balance the richness of the olive oil and the slight tang from the lemon zest.
- → Is it necessary to use an air fryer specifically?
While an air fryer gives the best texture with minimal oil, roasting the vegetables in a conventional oven can also achieve tender, browned results.