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When you’re craving something both comforting and fresh, this Creamy Courgette Pasta Recipe is an absolute game changer. Picture silky ribbons of pasta coated in a luscious, velvety sauce made from tender courgettes, cream, and Parmesan cheese, delivering a perfect balance of lightness and indulgence. It’s simple, satisfying, and just the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing friends without breaking a sweat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and thoughtfully chosen, each bringing something important to the final dish—whether it’s the creamy texture, fresh flavors, or that irresistible cheesy tang.
- 2 medium courgettes (zucchini), sliced thinly or spiralized: This adds fresh, tender greens that soak up the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 300g pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne): Choose your favorite pasta shape to carry the sauce and create that perfect bite.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For a subtle richness and to gently cook the courgettes and garlic.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the dish with depth and a gentle aromatic kick.
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream or double cream: The star of the creamy texture, making the sauce luscious and smooth.
- 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable or chicken broth (optional): Helps thin the sauce to your desired consistency while adding body.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish): Gives that nutty, salty flavor that’s pure comfort food magic.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional): A splash of brightness that lifts the entire dish effortlessly.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors beautifully.
- Fresh herbs such as basil or parsley, for garnish: Adds color and a refreshing herbal finish.
How to Make Creamy Courgette Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the pasta perfectly
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, and cook your chosen pasta until it’s just al dente—firm but tender. This texture prevents the dish from becoming mushy when combined with the sauce. Don’t forget to reserve about half a cup of pasta water before draining; it’s liquid gold for adjusting sauce consistency later!
Step 2: Sauté the courgettes and garlic
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add your sliced or spiralized courgettes, giving them 5 to 6 minutes to soften and turn tender without losing their shape. Then toss in the minced garlic, stirring for about a minute or two until you can smell the fragrant aroma—this step builds layers of flavor in your creamy courgette pasta recipe.
Step 3: Create the creamy sauce
Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring it into the courgettes. Let it gently simmer so the cream can thicken and marry beautifully with the veggies. This slow simmer is essential to achieve that indulgent, silky mouthfeel that sets this pasta apart.
Step 4: Add Parmesan and adjust sauce consistency
Stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce, creating a rich, cheesy base. If the sauce feels too thick, this is where the reserved pasta water or broth comes in—add it gradually until the sauce coats the pasta with just the right luxurious texture.
Step 5: Toss pasta with the creamy courgette sauce
Introduce the drained pasta to your skillet, tossing gently to ensure every strand or piece is enveloped by that creamy courgette sauce. A splash of fresh lemon juice here is optional but highly recommended—it brightens the dish and balances the cream’s richness perfectly. Season generously with salt and freshly ground pepper to customize the taste exactly how you like it.
Step 6: Serve and garnish
Divide the pasta onto serving plates, then sprinkle with extra Parmesan and scatter fresh basil or parsley leaves over the top. This final touch not only adds a burst of color but also a fresh herbal note that complements the creamy texture and mild courgettes superbly. You’ve just made a wonderful version of the creamy courgette pasta recipe that’s as delicious to look at as it is to eat.
How to Serve Creamy Courgette Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil and parsley bring brightness and a pop of green that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce. A little more grated Parmesan not only adds flavor but an inviting visual, making the dish feel extra special. For a bit of crunch, toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of chili flakes can add unexpected texture and spice.
Side Dishes
This creamy courgette pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a crunchy baguette is ideal for mopping up every last bit of that luscious sauce, while a simple roasted vegetable platter complements the fresh, seasonal vibe of the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this creamy courgette pasta recipe as a pasta bake by transferring it into a casserole dish, topping with extra Parmesan and breadcrumbs, then baking until golden and crispy. Alternatively, swapping spiralized courgettes for ribbons of carrot or beet alongside the pasta gives an added splash of color and texture. Experimenting with different shaped pasta can also change the dining experience beautifully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers of this creamy courgette pasta recipe, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The pasta will soak up the sauce over time, so it’s best enjoyed fresh but still delicious when reheated thoughtfully.
Freezing
This dish is not the best candidate for freezing due to the cream sauce, which can separate upon thawing. If you must freeze, consider storing the pasta and sauce separately and combining them freshly when reheating, though fresh is always preferable for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat your creamy courgette pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce as needed. This careful warming preserves the silky texture and prevents the cream from curdling, bringing your dish back to life effortlessly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cream in this recipe?
Absolutely! While heavy cream gives the richest result, you can substitute with half-and-half or even crème fraîche for a slightly tangier sauce. Just keep in mind that lower-fat creams might not thicken as well.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, simply swap the regular pasta for your preferred gluten-free pasta variety. The creamy courgette sauce is naturally gluten-free and will work beautifully with those alternatives.
Can I add protein to the Creamy Courgette Pasta Recipe?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even crispy pancetta make excellent additions to boost the dish’s heartiness without overpowering the delicate flavors of courgette and cream.
What’s the best way to slice the courgettes for this recipe?
Using a spiralizer is fantastic for creating thin, pasta-like ribbons that blend seamlessly, but thinly sliced rounds work just as well and add lovely texture to the final dish.
Can I prepare the courgettes ahead of time?
You can slice or spiralize the courgettes a few hours in advance and keep them in the fridge to save time, but it’s best to cook them just before serving to maintain their tender-crisp texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re after a dish that’s both elegant and wonderfully simple, this Creamy Courgette Pasta Recipe checks every box. It’s fresh, comforting, and packed with flavor—perfect for sharing around the dinner table or treating yourself to a little weekday comfort. Go ahead and give it a try; once you taste that creamy, garlicky, cheesy goodness paired with tender courgettes, it just might become your new favorite!
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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 recipe offers a delightful and comforting dish featuring tender zucchini sautéed in olive oil and garlic, combined with a luscious Parmesan-infused cream sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, it pairs simple ingredients to create a flavorful vegetarian pasta that is both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 medium courgettes (zucchini), sliced thinly or spiralized
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh herbs (such as basil or parsley), for garnish
Pasta & Grains
- 300g (10 oz) pasta (such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
Dairy & Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream or double cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
Liquids & Seasonings
- 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable or chicken broth (optional, for thinning)
- 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 cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender but retaining some firmness. Add the minced garlic and sauté 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 blend well. Allow the cream to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, enabling it to thicken slightly.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce. If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it out by adding a splash of the reserved pasta water or broth to achieve your preferred consistency.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the creamy courgette sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Incorporate the fresh lemon juice if using, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Plate the creamy courgette pasta and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs such as basil or parsley for a fragrant finish.
Notes
- Using spiralized courgettes adds a fun texture but thin slices work well too.
- Substitute heavy cream with a lighter cream or a non-dairy alternative for a different dietary preference.
- Reserve pasta water is useful for adjusting sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
- Fresh herbs add brightness; try basil for sweetness or parsley for a peppery note.
- This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the creamy texture.
