If you’re craving something comfortingly fresh yet indulgently luscious, this Creamy Courgette Pasta Recipe is an absolute winner. It brings together tender courgettes, silky cream, and perfectly cooked pasta in a harmony that feels both light and utterly satisfying. Whether you’re after a speedy weeknight dinner or a dish to impress friends without fuss, this recipe has all the charm of wholesome home cooking with an elegant twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let its simplicity fool you; each ingredient here is essential to building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make the Creamy Courgette Pasta Recipe shine. From the creamy richness of the heavy cream to the fresh zing of lemon juice, every element plays its part beautifully.
- 2 medium courgettes (zucchini): Thinly sliced or spiralized to bring a delicate veggie texture that soaks up the sauce perfectly.
- 300g pasta: Choose spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne for a comforting, familiar base.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a fruity, silky backdrop for sautéing the courgettes deeply.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a warm, aromatic kick that lifts the entire dish.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or double cream: The heart of the sauce, creating that luscious, creamy feel we all crave.
- 1/4 cup vegetable or chicken broth (optional): Perfect for loosening the sauce if it gets too thick without watering down flavor.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, nutty finish that melts seamlessly into the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional): Injects a bright note that balances the richness just right.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the natural flavors.
- Fresh herbs (basil or parsley): For a fragrant, colorful garnish that elevates the final presentation.
How to Make Creamy Courgette Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your pasta in plenty of salted water, following the package’s al dente timing for that perfect bite. Don’t forget to reserve about half a cup of pasta water before draining; it’s the secret weapon for adjusting sauce consistency later.
Step 2: Prepare the Courgette
While the pasta cooks, gently heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced courgettes and cook until tender but still holding some structure, around 5 to 6 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for another minute or two — the aroma at this stage is pure kitchen magic and sets the tone for the creamy sauce ahead.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring gradually to blend it with those softened courgettes and garlic. Let it gently simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened. Then, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan and watch it melt into a beautifully smooth sauce. If it feels too rich or thick, a bit of the reserved pasta water or broth will bring it to just the right silky consistency.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Introduce the cooked pasta straight into the skillet, giving everything a good toss to ensure every strand or piece is cloaked in that creamy courgette goodness. Add a splash of fresh lemon juice if you love a touch of brightness to cut through the richness. Finish by seasoning generously with salt and pepper — this step truly elevates the final flavor balance.
Step 5: Serve It Up
Dish out your creamy courgette pasta into warm plates or bowls. This moment is where anticipation turns to delight, as the gorgeous sauce clings to the pasta, crowned by fresh herbs and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan.
How to Serve Creamy Courgette Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs such as basil or parsley are an effortless and stunning touch, adding refreshing color and an aromatic lift. A light dusting of extra Parmesan amps up the cheesy, savory factor, while a few cracked black peppercorns bring a subtle spice note.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to enhance the freshness. For heartier meals, crusty garlic bread or a rustic baguette makes a superb companion, perfect for scooping up every last bit of that irresistible sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, twirl the pasta into neat nests on the plate, then arrange courgette ribbons elegantly around or on top. Adding edible flowers or microgreens makes the dish pop visually if you’re hosting guests and want to up the wow factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve got any leftover creamy courgette pasta, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The sauce may thicken upon chilling, but it will still taste fantastic after reheating.
Freezing
Because of its creamy nature, freezing this dish is not ideal as the texture can change once thawed. However, you can freeze the cooked courgettes separately without the cream sauce for up to a month and combine fresh when you’re ready to eat.
Reheating
Gently reheat your pasta on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to restore that perfect sauce texture. Avoid microwaving at high power to keep the sauce smooth and the courgettes tender.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cream for this recipe?
Absolutely! While heavy or double cream gives the richest texture, you can swap in half-and-half or even a creamy plant-based alternative for a lighter version, though the sauce may be less thick.
What can I substitute if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?
Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano work beautifully as alternatives, offering a similar salty, nutty flavor. Nutritional yeast can be used for a vegan twist, though the taste will be slightly different.
Is spiralized courgette better than sliced for this recipe?
Both work wonderfully! Spiralized courgette creates a fun, noodle-like experience, while slices provide a delightful tender crunch. Choose based on your texture preference or what you have on hand.
How can I make this dish vegan?
Replace the heavy cream with a creamy plant-based milk or cashew cream, and swap Parmesan for a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast. Use olive oil in place of butter if your recipe calls for it.
What kind of pasta shape is best for creamy courgette pasta?
Long pastas like spaghetti and fettuccine catch the sauce elegantly, but penne’s tubular shape holds the veggies and sauce inside, making every bite bursting with flavor. Pick whichever you love most!
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Courgette Pasta Recipe is a delicious invitation to enjoy comfort food with a fresh, green twist. Simple ingredients come together in incredible harmony, offering a dish that feels special yet effortless. I absolutely encourage you to try it – it might just become your new favorite weeknight go-to or a charming meal to share and savor with friends!
Print
Creamy Courgette Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Courgette Pasta is a quick, delicious, and comforting dish perfect for a weeknight meal. Featuring tender sautéed courgettes in a luscious creamy Parmesan sauce tossed with your choice of pasta, it combines fresh flavors with a smooth, velvety texture. The addition of garlic, lemon juice, and fresh herbs elevates this simple recipe into a flavorful delight that’s ready in just 25 minutes and serves four.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 medium courgettes (zucchini), sliced thinly or spiralized
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh herbs (such as basil or parsley), for garnish
Pasta and Sauce
- 300g (10 oz) pasta (such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream or double cream
- 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable or chicken broth (optional, for thinning)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions in salted water until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use.
- Prepare the Courgette: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced courgette and sauté for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the courgette is tender but still retains some firmness. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the courgettes. Let the cream simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt fully into the sauce. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water or broth to achieve your preferred consistency.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy courgette sauce. Toss everything thoroughly to ensure the pasta is evenly coated. Add lemon juice if using, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the creamy courgette pasta plated and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs such as basil or parsley for a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter or dairy-free variation, though the texture will differ slightly.
- Spiralizing the courgettes creates a more pasta-like texture, making this dish even more nutritious and gluten-free friendly if gluten-free pasta is used.
- Reserved pasta water is helpful for loosening the sauce without diluting its flavor.
- For added protein, consider incorporating grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp.
- Adjust salt carefully, as Parmesan cheese adds saltiness to the dish.
- Use fresh Parmesan for best flavor, and avoid pre-grated which often contains anti-caking agents.
