If you’re craving a dish that feels both indulgent and fresh, the Creamy Courgette Pasta Recipe is absolutely the one to try. It’s a delightful blend of tender courgettes cooked just right and enveloped in a lush, velvety sauce that clings to every strand of your favorite pasta. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between creamy comfort and a light, garden-fresh vibe, making it a go-to weeknight dinner that tastes like a special treat but is surprisingly simple to whip up. Once you try this, it’ll quickly become a beloved staple in your meal rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a few key ingredients is all it takes to create this delicious Creamy Courgette Pasta Recipe. Each element plays a vital role, from the fresh courgettes adding crispness and color to the rich cream and Parmesan bringing that luscious depth of flavor.
- 2 medium courgettes, sliced thinly or spiralized: Fresh and tender courgettes provide a subtle sweetness and vibrant green color.
- 300g (10 oz) pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne): Choose your favorite shape—the pasta serves as the perfect vehicle for the creamy sauce.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a smooth base for sautéing the courgettes and garlic, enriching the overall flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the dish with a fragrant warmth, balancing the mildness of the courgettes.
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream or double cream: This is the star that makes the sauce irresistibly creamy and silky.
- 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable or chicken broth (optional): A splash helps thin the sauce without watering down its richness, if needed.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish): Parmesan provides a nutty, salty kick that rounds out the dish beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional): A squeeze of lemon adds a lovely brightness that lifts the sauce.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all the natural flavors.
- Fresh herbs (such as basil or parsley), for garnish: Fresh herbs bring a touch of color and a fragrant 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 pasta until it’s just al dente. The key is to avoid overcooking here because the pasta will absorb sauce while you mix it later. Reserve about half a cup of the pasta water before draining—it will come in handy if your sauce needs a little loosening up.
Step 2: Sauté the Courgettes and Garlic
While the pasta boils, heat olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat and add your thinly sliced or spiralized courgettes. Cook them gently for about 5 to 6 minutes until they soften but still have a pleasant bite, then stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute or two so the flavors meld beautifully without burning the garlic.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to blend it with the courgettes and garlic. Let the mixture simmer softly for a few minutes as it thickens into a rich, luscious sauce. Then sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and keep stirring until it smoothly melts into the cream.
Step 4: Adjust the Sauce Consistency
If you find the sauce too thick, gently add a splash of the reserved pasta water or broth to achieve that perfect creamy texture that clings lovingly to every strand of pasta. Season with salt and pepper to really bring all the flavors together.
Step 5: Combine Pasta with Sauce
Now the magic moment: toss your cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the creamy courgette sauce. Mixing everything thoroughly ensures every bite is coated in that irresistible creaminess. If you like, this is the time to stir in some fresh lemon juice for an added spark of zest.
Step 6: Serve Your Creamy Courgette Pasta Recipe
Dish it out warm onto plates and finish with extra Parmesan and a scattering of fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a beautiful, aromatic presentation that will impress anyone lucky enough to share your meal.
How to Serve Creamy Courgette Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your dish, sprinkle additional grated Parmesan and a handful of freshly chopped herbs such as basil or parsley. These garnishes not only add color but also deepen the flavor, making your presentation as delightful as the taste.
Side Dishes
This creamy courgette pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp side salad or some crusty garlic bread to soak up every last bit of sauce. For a heartier meal, roasted vegetables or a light soup make fantastic companions.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pasta in hollowed-out courgette boats or use edible flowers as a garnish to bring an elegant touch. You can also toss in toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of chili flakes if you want to add texture or a little heat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the pasta well covered to prevent it from drying out and maintain its creamy texture.
Freezing
Because of the cream in the sauce, freezing this dish is not ideal as the texture can become grainy upon thawing. If you must freeze, try to keep the sauce and pasta separate and combine them fresh after reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Microwaving works too, just be careful not to overheat and curdle the cream.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cream in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with double cream or a lighter cream, but keep in mind that lower-fat options might yield a less rich sauce. For a dairy-free alternative, coconut cream can also work with a slightly different flavor profile.
Is it necessary to use Parmesan cheese?
Parmesan really adds a salty, umami depth, but if you’re avoiding dairy or don’t have it on hand, nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese substitute can provide a similar satisfying boost.
How can I make this dish vegan?
Swap out the cream for a plant-based alternative like cashew cream or coconut cream and use vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast instead of the regular cheese. Make sure your pasta is egg-free to keep it vegan-friendly.
Can I add protein to the Creamy Courgette Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy tofu cubes make excellent additions. Simply cook your protein separately and mix it in at the end for a more substantial meal.
What’s the best pasta type to use?
While spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne all work beautifully, choosing a pasta with a bit of texture helps the sauce cling better. Fresh pasta can also elevate the dish with a delicate chew.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Creamy Courgette Pasta Recipe that makes it both comforting and refreshing. It’s effortless enough for a busy weeknight, yet it tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen crafting something extraordinary. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—once you try it, it might just become your new favorite way to enjoy pasta and courgettes together!
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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 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
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.
