Creamy Courgette Pasta Recipe
Creamy Courgette Pasta is the sort of dish you fall in love with at first bite — a shimmering bowl of silky, delicate noodles tangled with courgette, kissed with Parmesan, and swirled in a dreamy cream sauce. When life calls for a dinner that feels like a warm hug but doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen, this recipe is an absolute go-to. The subtle sweetness of courgettes melds beautifully with lemon zest and a hint of garlic, making every forkful vibrant and comforting in equal measure.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the joys of Creamy Courgette Pasta lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, each one has a starring role to play — from the vivid green courgettes that bring gentle freshness, to the Parmesan for a savory depth. Here’s what you’ll need and why they matter:
- Olive oil: Brings a fruity depth and helps soften the courgette without weighing down the dish.
- Courgettes (zucchini): Shredded or finely chopped, these add a tender bite and mellow green flavor that makes the sauce luscious and light.
- Garlic cloves: Finely minced for a fragrant backbone that lifts the entire pasta.
- Heavy cream or crème fraîche: Gives the sauce that irresistible, velvety texture and mellow richness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, adding salty umami and nutty notes — don’t skip this!
- Pasta (spaghetti or linguine): Holds up beautifully to a creamy sauce; choose your favorite shape.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
- Chili flakes (optional): Add a spark of gentle heat if you fancy a little extra zing.
- Lemon zest: Just a touch brightens the entire dish and pairs so well with courgette.
- Fresh basil or parsley: For garnish — a scattering over the top makes everything pop with freshness and color.
How to Make Creamy Courgette Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil, add your chosen pasta, and cook it until just al dente — a minute or two shy of the package instructions is perfect since it’ll finish cooking in the sauce. Don’t forget to reserve about half a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining; it’s liquid gold for silky-smooth sauces.
Step 2: Prepare the Courgettes
While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a roomy skillet over medium heat. Add your grated or finely chopped courgettes with a good pinch of salt and cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir often and let them soften and gently caramelize while releasing most of their water — you want them meltingly tender but not mushy.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Aromatics
Once the courgettes look ready, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute or two. This quick sizzle infuses the veg with lovely aromatic depth and keeps any bitterness at bay.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Turn the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream or crème fraîche, followed by the Parmesan and a splash of reserved pasta water. Stir everything together until the cheese melts and you have a thick, glossy sauce that clings to your spoon. If it’s too thick, loosen with a bit more pasta water; it should be creamy but still fluid enough to coat the noodles.
Step 5: Toss and Finish
Add the drained pasta straight into the skillet and toss enthusiastically, making sure each strand is embraced by the courgette and sauce. Season with salt, black pepper, chili flakes if you like a tickle of heat, and finish with lemon zest for fresh vibrancy. Give it all one last toss so every bite sings.
How to Serve Creamy Courgette Pasta
Garnishes
Right before serving, sprinkle over a shower of freshly grated Parmesan and some torn basil or parsley leaves. A whisper of extra lemon zest or a drizzle of good olive oil is fantastic, too — these tiny touches are what transform your Creamy Courgette Pasta from comforting to restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
Looking to round out your meal? A crisp green salad with punchy vinaigrette or a plate of roasted cherry tomatoes works beautifully alongside. If you’re feeling indulgent, some crusty garlic bread is perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, try plating individual twirls of Creamy Courgette Pasta and topping each with a bright salad of shaved raw courgette ribbons. Or, nestle the pasta in shallow bowls and scatter over microgreens and edible flowers for a garden-fresh look that wows every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let leftover Creamy Courgette Pasta cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It holds up well for up to two days — the flavors meld, and the sauce remains beautifully creamy if handled right.
Freezing
While pasta dishes like this are best fresh, you can freeze it in a pinch. Divide into single portions, seal tightly, and freeze for up to one month. Be aware the sauce may separate a bit after thawing, but a gentle stir and splash of cream during reheating can help bring it back to life.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of milk or water to the pasta before warming gently in a skillet over low heat. Stir often, letting the sauce become silky again. The microwave works for a speedy lunch, but stovetop reheating keeps the texture closest to freshly made.
FAQs
Can I make Creamy Courgette Pasta gluten free?
Absolutely! Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta — there are plenty of excellent options made from rice, corn, or legumes that soak up the sauce just as well.
What’s the best substitute for crème fraîche?
If you don’t have crème fraîche, heavy cream is the classic swap, but full-fat Greek yogurt or mascarpone also work. Just add a splash of lemon or vinegar to balance the richness if you use Greek yogurt.
Can I add extra protein to this dish?
Definitely! Stir in some cooked chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crisped-up pancetta just before tossing the pasta. For a vegetarian boost, toss through some toasted pine nuts or a handful of peas.
How do I make the sauce extra smooth?
For ultra-silky Creamy Courgette Pasta, you can carefully blend the courgette mixture with cream before adding it to the pasta. Just let it cool a little and blend in bursts to avoid steam build-up.
Can I use other vegetables besides courgette?
While courgette is classic here, you can swap in finely shredded yellow squash, baby spinach, or even grated carrots for a fun twist and a pop of color, though each will offer a slightly different flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly satisfying about a bowl of Creamy Courgette Pasta — comforting, bright, and so easy you’ll want to make it on repeat. If you’re craving a weeknight winner that never fails to impress, give this recipe a try and watch it become a favorite at your table, too.
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Creamy Courgette Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this creamy courgette pasta that’s quick and easy to make. The luscious sauce perfectly coats each strand of pasta, making it a delightful vegetarian meal.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 8 ounces pasta (such as spaghetti or linguine)
Creamy Courgette Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 medium courgettes (zucchini), grated or finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- ½ cup heavy cream or crème fraîche
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- salt and black pepper to taste
- ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- zest of ½ lemon
- fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve pasta water before draining.
- Prepare Courgette Sauce: Sauté courgettes in olive oil until soft. Add garlic, then cream, Parmesan, and pasta water. Toss in cooked pasta.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt, pepper, chili flakes, and lemon zest. Garnish with herbs.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt or low-fat crème fraîche.
- Blend courgette mixture for a smoother sauce.
- Add chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
