Description
This Creamy Courgette Pasta is a quick and delicious vegetarian dish featuring tender courgettes cooked in a luscious creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a weeknight meal, it combines al dente pasta with a smooth, flavorful sauce enhanced by garlic, fresh herbs, and a hint of lemon for brightness.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 medium courgettes (zucchini), sliced thinly or spiralized
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh herbs (such as basil or parsley), for garnish
Staples & Dairy
- 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 grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Optional Liquids
- 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable or chicken broth (optional, for thinning)
Seasoning
- 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 cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the courgette becomes tender but still holds some shape. 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. Let the cream simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and develop flavor.
- Add Cheese and Adjust Sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water or a little vegetable or chicken broth to thin it to your desired consistency.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy courgette sauce. Toss everything together thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Add the lemon juice if using, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Divide the creamy courgette pasta among plates and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs such as basil or parsley. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Spiralizing the courgettes adds a fun texture and enhances blending with pasta.
- Reserve some pasta water to help adjust the sauce’s consistency.
- Add chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free.
