A SIMPLE DISH—quick to prepare and full of flavor. You can play with this recipe: change the vegetables, mellow the garlic by roasting it with the vegetables, substitute red wine vinegar for balsamic. A short pasta, such as rotini or penne, can replace the linguine. If you are feeding a particularly hungry crowd, you may want to use 1 pound pasta and increase the olive oil to ½ cup. When it comes to pasta and roasted vegetables, the combination works so well that the specifics can be altered without fear of ruining the recipe.

SERVES 4

INGREDIENTS

• 1 small to medium-size zucchini, cut into matchsticks
• 1 medium-size red bell pepper, cut into matchsticks
• 1 medium-size carrot, cut into matchsticks
• 1 small head radicchio, cut into matchsticks
• 4 canned or frozen and defrosted artichoke hearts, cut into matchsticks
• 1 shallot, sliced
• 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 tablespoons white (clear) balsamic vinegar, or more to taste
• ¼ cup chopped mixed fresh herb leaves, such as basil, mint, parsley, and chives
• ¾ pound linguine or fettuccine
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup chopped or sliced brine-cured black olives, such as Kalamata

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 425°f. Lightly oil a large shallow roasting or half sheet pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine the zucchini, bell pepper, carrot, radicchio, artichokes, and shallot. Add 2 tablespoons of the oil and salt and pepper to taste. Toss to mix well. Arrange in a single layer in the pan. Do not wash the bowl.
3. Roast for 15 to 20 minutes, until the vegetables are lightly browned and tender, stirring or shaking the pan once or twice for even cooking.
4. Return the roasted vegetables to the bowl and toss with the garlic, vinegar, and herbs.
5. Meanwhile, cook the pasta in plenty of boiling salted water until al dente. Drain well.
6. Transfer the pasta to a large serving bowl and toss with the remaining 4 tablespoons oil and the cheese. Add the vegetables and olives and toss to mix well. Taste and adjust the seasonings, adding more salt, pepper, or vinegar as needed. Serve at once.