Description
This creamy courgette pasta is a delicious and comforting vegetarian Italian-inspired dish featuring tender zucchini grated and sautéed with garlic, then combined with a rich Parmesan cream sauce and a bright hint of lemon. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light summer meal, it balances creamy texture with fresh flavors and can be customized with optional proteins.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 ounces pasta (such as linguine or penne)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 medium courgettes (zucchini), grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Flavorings and Garnish
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
- Sauté the Courgettes: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the grated courgettes and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly golden brown.
- Add Garlic and Make Sauce: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. Then add the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Incorporate Lemon: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the sauce, stirring well to combine and enhance the freshness and brightness of the dish.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the creamy courgette sauce. Gradually add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped basil or parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with milk or use Greek yogurt instead.
- Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms for extra protein.
- If you prefer a spicy kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
- Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano can be used as an alternative garnish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 340 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
