Delicious Courgette & Pasta Recipes: A Culinary Fusion

Courgettes and pasta? A match made in culinary heaven! This versatile pairing offers a plethora of flavour combinations and textures, perfect for a light summer meal or a comforting autumn dinner. Whether you prefer creamy sauces, vibrant pesto, or simple aglio e olio, courgettes add a delightful freshness and subtle sweetness to your pasta dishes. This article explores several delicious recipes, ensuring you find your new favourite!

Simple Courgette & Pasta Recipes for Beginners

These recipes are perfect for those new to cooking with courgettes or looking for quick and easy weeknight meals.

Creamy Tomato & Courgette Pasta

This recipe highlights the simplicity and flavour of fresh ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 250g pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work well)
• 2 medium courgettes, diced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 x 400g tin chopped tomatoes
• 100ml double cream
• Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a pan. Sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Add diced courgettes and cook until slightly softened (about 5 minutes).
4. Stir in chopped tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Stir in double cream and season with salt and pepper.
6. Drain pasta and add to the sauce. Toss to coat.
7. Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.

Courgette & Lemon Pasta with Parmesan

A bright and zesty option, perfect for a light lunch or dinner.

Ingredients:

• 250g pasta (spaghetti or linguine are ideal)
• 2 medium courgettes, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Zest of ½ lemon
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a pan. Sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Add courgette slices and cook until tender-crisp (about 5 minutes).
4. Stir in lemon juice and zest. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Drain pasta and add to the pan. Toss to coat.
6. Serve immediately with grated Parmesan cheese.

More Advanced Courgette & Pasta Recipes

These recipes offer more complex flavour profiles and techniques, perfect for more experienced cooks.

Courgette & Ricotta Pasta with Brown Butter Sage Sauce

This recipe combines the creamy richness of ricotta with the nutty aroma of brown butter and sage.

Ingredients:

• 250g pasta (fettuccine or tagliatelle are recommended)
• 2 medium courgettes, grated
• 50g ricotta cheese
• 50g Parmesan cheese, grated
• 50g butter
• 10 fresh sage leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. While pasta cooks, brown butter in a pan until golden brown and nutty. Add sage leaves and cook for 1 minute.
3. In a bowl, combine ricotta and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Drain pasta and add to the pan with the brown butter sage sauce. Toss to coat.
5. Stir in the ricotta mixture and serve immediately.

Spicy Courgette & Chorizo Pasta

A vibrant and flavourful dish with a kick!

Ingredients:

• 250g pasta (penne or fusilli work well)
• 2 medium courgettes, diced
• 100g chorizo sausage, sliced
• 1 red chilli, finely chopped (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a pan. Fry chorizo until crispy. Remove chorizo and set aside.
3. Add garlic and chilli (if using) to the pan and sauté until fragrant.
4. Add diced courgettes and smoked paprika. Cook until softened.
5. Stir in cooked pasta and chorizo. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Tips for Cooking with Courgettes

• Choose young, tender courgettes: They have a milder flavour and are less likely to be watery.
• Don't overcook: Courgettes become mushy if overcooked. Aim for tender-crisp.
• Salt courgettes: Salting grated courgettes helps to draw out excess moisture before cooking.
• Get creative with flavours: Experiment with different herbs, spices, and cheeses to create your own unique recipes.

By experimenting with these recipes and incorporating your own culinary creativity, you can unlock a world of delicious possibilities with courgette and pasta. Remember to adjust seasonings to your preference and enjoy the process!