Courgette spaghetti

Matt Tebbutt recipe

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

  1. Garlic bread for additional texture
  2. Mixed green salad with light vinaigrette
  3. Roasted cherry tomatoes for extra sweetness
  4. Grilled asparagus as a side vegetable
  5. 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

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