A delightful vegetarian pasta dish that transforms courgettes into a light, creamy spaghetti alternative. This recipe offers a fresh, seasonal approach to pasta with rich, herbal flavours and a satisfying textural contrast.
Preparation time
less than 30 mins
Cooking time
10 to 30 mins
Serves
Serves 2
By Matt Tebbutt
From Saturday Kitchen
Nutrition Analysis: A balanced vegetarian dish with vegetables, dairy protein, and moderate fat content. Courgettes provide low-calorie volume, while Parmesan and ricotta contribute protein and calcium.
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Courgette Pasta
- Olive oil 2 tbsp, for frying
- Garlic cloves 2, crushed
- Vegetable stock 150ml/5fl oz
- Double cream 100ml/3½fl oz
- Parmesan 50g/1¾oz, grated, with rind retained
- Fresh basil 20g/¾oz, chopped, leaves and stalks separated
- Spaghetti 50g/1¾oz, blanched
- Courgettes 500g/1lb 2oz, spiralised or sliced into long thin strips
- Ricotta 100g/3½oz
For the Topping
- Breadcrumbs 50g/1¾oz, toasted
- Pine nuts 25g/1oz, toasted
Method
Prepare the Courgette Pasta Base
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large frying pan
- Add 2 crushed garlic cloves and fry for a few minutes
- Pour in 150ml vegetable stock
- Add 100ml double cream and Parmesan rinds
- Add basil stalks from 20g fresh basil
- Boil the mixture for a few minutes
Cook the Pasta and Vegetables
- Add 50g blanched spaghetti to the pan
- Cook for a couple of minutes to soften
- Add 500g spiralised courgettes
- Sprinkle 50g grated Parmesan
- Add chopped basil leaves from 20g fresh basil
- Cook for 1-2 minutes to soften courgettes
- Stir in 100g ricotta until well combined
Finish and Serve
- Transfer to pasta bowls
- Sprinkle 25g toasted pine nuts on top
- Garnish with 50g toasted breadcrumbs
- Serve immediately
Suggested Wine Pairing
- Majestic: Pinot Grigio delle Venezie
Light, crisp white that complements the delicate courgette flavours - Tesco: Finest Vermentino
Aromatic Italian white with herbal notes matching the basil - Sainsbury’s: Taste the Difference Gavi
Refreshing wine with mineral undertones perfect for vegetable dishes
What can you serve with this
- Garlic bread for additional texture
- Mixed green salad with light vinaigrette
- Roasted cherry tomatoes for extra sweetness
- Grilled asparagus as a side vegetable
- Bruschetta with fresh herbs
Nutri-score Health Check
Nutri-Score: B (Well-balanced)
This recipe receives a B rating due to vegetable base, moderate dairy content, and balanced nutritional profile. Courgettes provide low-calorie volume, while cheese and cream contribute protein and calcium. The score has been automatically calculated from ingredients and serves as a general guide.
Recipe FAQ
- Can I use zucchini instead of courgettes? Yes, they are the same vegetable
- Is this dish vegetarian? Yes, completely vegetarian
- Can I make it vegan? Substitute dairy with plant-based alternatives
- How do I spiralise courgettes? Use a spiraliser or vegetable peeler
- Can I use dried basil? Fresh is best, but dried can work in small amounts
- How long will this keep? Best eaten immediately, refrigerate for 1-2 days
- Can I add protein? Add grilled chicken or tofu
- Is this gluten-free? Use gluten-free pasta or omit spaghetti