Balsamic Beetroot, Squash & Kale Penne Pasta

Balsamic Beetroot, Squash & Kale Penne Pasta

Pasta lovers – try our winter veg penne! Starring seasonal veggies, like roasted butternut squash, beetroot, onions and kale. Simmer everything with herby tomatoes and aged balsamic. Then top with parsley for freshness and walnuts for crunch.

Prep in 10 8 plants Low sat fat

Serving size

Cook time: 35 mins
Cuisine: French
Food group: Vegan
Allergens: Sulphites, Nuts
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Cooking Instructions

The protein cooking time listed in this recipe has been updated.

As of December 2025, we’ve revised cooking times for all our proteins to reflect improved food safety guidance.

Check out the latest recommended times in our Cooking Guidelines.

Before you start

  • Preheat the oven to 240C / fan 220C / gas mark 9 / air fryer 190C
  • Line 2 baking trays with parchment paper
  • Bring a large saucepan filled with salted water to a boil
  • Pull out a peeler, a measuring jug & a sieve

Roast the veg

  • Peel and halve the squash lengthways, discard the seeds, then cut into 2cm cubes
  • Peel the onions and cut them into 6 wedges each. Quarter the beetroot
  • Divide the squash, beetroot and onions between 2 lined baking trays, drizzle with 1 tbsp oil and season with salt and pepper
  • Roast for 30-35 / air fryer 20-25 mins, until soft and golden

Get the pasta on

  • Add the penne to the saucepan and boil for 7-8 mins, until cooked
  • Drain, remove from the pan and set aside

Get your simmer on

  • Reheat the empty saucepan with 1 tbsp oil on medium-high heat. Once hot, add the balsamic vinegar and garlic herb paste. Cook for 30 secs
  • Add the passata, stock powder and 100ml water
  • Simmer for 8-10 mins, until the sauce has thickened and reduced
  • Roughly chop the parsley and walnuts

Last bit

  • Remove the woody stalks from the kale
  • In the final 6 mins of roasting / air fryer 4 mins, add the kale and beetroot to the baking tray and cook until crisp and golden

Plate up

  • Stir the cooked veg into the tomato sauce, along with the penne and half the parsley. Season with salt and pepper
  • Serve the pasta in bowls and garnish with the walnuts and remaining parsley

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