Description
A quick and creamy courgette pasta recipe featuring tender courgettes cooked in a garlic-infused cream sauce with Parmesan cheese. This dish combines simple ingredients to create a comforting and flavorful meal ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 medium courgettes (zucchini), sliced thinly or spiralized
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Pasta
- 300g (10 oz) pasta (such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
Sauce
- 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
Garnish
- Fresh herbs (such as basil or parsley), for garnish
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.
- 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 is tender but still holds some shape. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 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 for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy courgette sauce. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce. Add lemon juice if using, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Divide the creamy courgette pasta among plates and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
Notes
- Use a spiralizer for a more visually appealing courgette presentation.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.
- Adding reserved pasta water helps thin the sauce and helps it adhere better to the pasta.
- Fresh herbs such as basil or parsley add freshness and color to the dish.
- Adjust seasoning at the end to balance creaminess and saltiness from Parmesan.
