If you are looking for a vibrant and flavorful vegetable side that never fails to impress, the Roasted Broccoli and Carrots with Italian Seasoning and Parmesan Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dish perfectly balances sweet, tender carrots with crispy, earthy broccoli, all enhanced by a blend of savory Italian herbs and the nutty richness of freshly grated Parmesan. Whether you’re aiming to brighten up a weeknight dinner or add a delicious vegetable-forward course to your holiday table, this recipe offers a simple yet impressive way to elevate your roasted veggies to a new level of yum.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may be simple, but each one plays a crucial role in building the perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and color. From the naturally sweet carrots to the zesty Italian seasoning blend, every item you add makes this dish sing deliciously.
- 6 medium carrots, peeled: Choose firm, sweet carrots to bring both vibrant color and a tender, caramelized bite to the dish.
- 1 large head broccoli, cut into florets: Fresh broccoli adds a satisfying crunch and grassy flavor that pairs beautifully with the carrots.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: This fragrant herb blend is key for infusing every piece of vegetable with warm, aromatic notes.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors and perfectly seasoning the vegetables.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlicky depth without overpowering the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Brings a gentle sweetness and rounds out the savory elements.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: Just enough to add a slight hint of heat and complexity.
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil: Provides a luscious coating that helps the vegetables roast to a golden, crispy perfection.
- 3 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese (optional for serving): Adds a salty, nutty finish that takes this dish from simple to spectacular.
How to Make Roasted Broccoli and Carrots with Italian Seasoning and Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s hot enough to give the vegetables that beautiful roasted crispness. Generously spray a large rimmed baking sheet with non-stick spray — this will keep your veggies from sticking and make cleanup so much easier.
Step 2: Cut and Arrange the Vegetables
If your carrots are on the thicker side, slice them lengthwise to ensure they cook evenly and become tender without burning. Then cut them diagonally into 1 ½-inch slices. Place these carrot pieces in the center of your baking sheet. Add the broccoli florets around or on the baking sheet with the carrots, so everything cooks uniformly.
Step 3: Season and Toss
In a small bowl, combine the Italian seasoning, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Drizzle the extra-virgin olive oil over the vegetables, then sprinkle on your spice blend. Toss everything together thoroughly, so each broccoli floret and carrot slice is coated evenly. Spread the veggies out in a single layer to maximize their roasting potential — crowded vegetables tend to steam rather than roast.
Step 4: Roast Until Perfect
Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 20 minutes. Halfway through cooking, give everything a good toss to ensure even browning and cook time. The vegetables should come out tender on the inside with crispy, caramelized edges. Once done, sprinkle the finely grated Parmesan cheese over the hot vegetables — it will melt slightly and add an irresistible savory layer.
How to Serve Roasted Broccoli and Carrots with Italian Seasoning and Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra flair and texture, feel free to sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil on top right before serving. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice added at the table can also brighten up the flavors and complement the Parmesan beautifully. Toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds make a delightful crunch, pairing surprisingly well with the roasted vegetables’ tenderness.
Side Dishes
This vegetable duo makes an excellent accompaniment to many mains. Whether you serve it alongside grilled chicken, baked salmon, or a hearty pasta dish, these roasted veggies work with just about everything. You can also add them to grain bowls with quinoa or farro for a wholesome, filling meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Try serving the roasted broccoli and carrots over a creamy bed of mashed potatoes or polenta. Or, use the mixture as a vibrant topping for flatbreads or pizzas. Another fun idea is to toss the roasted veggies with cooked pasta and a drizzle of extra olive oil and lemon zest for an easy vegetable pasta salad.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover roasted broccoli and carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The vegetables tend to keep their texture nicely and can be enjoyed cold or reheated.
Freezing
While roasting brings out the best texture and flavor, you can freeze leftovers by placing cooled veggies in a freezer-safe container. For best results, consume within 2 months. Keep in mind frozen roasted vegetables may turn a bit softer after thawing, but the flavor will remain inviting.
Reheating
To reheat, spread the vegetables on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes to regain some of their original crispness. Alternatively, gently heat them in a skillet on the stovetop. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve that delightful roasted texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli and carrots for this recipe?
While fresh vegetables roast more evenly and develop better texture, you can use frozen broccoli and carrots, but be sure to thaw and pat them dry first. This prevents sogginess and helps them crisp up in the oven.
Is Parmesan necessary or can I skip it?
Parmesan adds a lovely salty and nutty finish, but the dish is delicious on its own without it. You can also try using other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or vegan cheese alternatives if desired.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! All the ingredients in the Roasted Broccoli and Carrots with Italian Seasoning and Parmesan Recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and tasty choice for gluten-sensitive eaters.
How can I make the vegetables more tender?
If you prefer softer vegetables, roast them a bit longer, around 25 to 30 minutes, checking often so they don’t burn. Additionally, cutting vegetables into smaller or thinner pieces helps them cook faster.
What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
No worries! You can easily make your own mix by combining dried basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram. This mix will give you the same wonderful herbal notes that the seasoning blend provides.
Final Thoughts
This Roasted Broccoli and Carrots with Italian Seasoning and Parmesan Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll find yourself coming back to time and again. Its simplicity is its charm, making it a go-to side that effortlessly adds a burst of color, flavor, and nutrition to any meal. I can’t recommend it enough — once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever roasted vegetables any other way!
Print
Roasted Broccoli and Carrots with Italian Seasoning and Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and flavorful recipe for roasted broccoli and carrots, seasoned with Italian herbs and spices, then finished with a touch of Parmesan cheese. This easy vegetable side dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday meals.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 6 medium carrots, peeled (about 10 ounces)
- 1 large head broccoli, cut into florets (about 3 cups florets)
Seasonings
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese (optional for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a large rimmed baking sheet by generously coating it with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the vegetables: If the carrots are thick, cut them in half lengthwise. Then slice diagonally into 1 ½-inch thick pieces. Place the carrot slices in the center of the baking sheet, and add the broccoli florets alongside the carrots.
- Season the vegetables: In a small bowl, mix together the Italian seasoning, kosher salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Drizzle the olive oil over the vegetables on the baking sheet, then sprinkle the spice blend evenly on top. Toss everything to coat the vegetables well, then spread them out in an even layer.
- Roast the vegetables: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 20 minutes. Halfway through cooking, toss the vegetables to ensure even roasting and browning. Roast until the broccoli and carrots are tender and have a nice browned color.
- Finish and serve: Remove the vegetables from the oven and sprinkle with the finely grated Parmesan cheese, if using. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Use fresh broccoli and firm carrots for the best texture.
- Feel free to substitute the Italian seasoning with your favorite herb blend, such as herbes de Provence or dried oregano.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative.
- Adjust roasting time slightly for more crisp-tender or softer vegetables according to your preference.
- This recipe works well as a side dish to a variety of mains, including roasted chicken, grilled fish, or tofu.
