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
Scale
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.
