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
Scale
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.
