Nigella Courgette Pasta

This delicious and fresh courgette pasta, inspired by Nigella Lawson, is a light and healthy meal perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with tender zucchini, sweet cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil, it’s quick to make and can be customized with your favorite pasta and toppings. A hint of lemon zest adds a bright, zesty finish!

Try More Nigella Recipes:

• Nigella Lamb Kofta
• Nigella Pea Risotto
• Nigella Chestnut Soup

💚 Why You’ll Love This Courgette Pasta Recipe:

• Fresh and Healthy: This recipe is packed with fresh vegetables like courgettes and cherry tomatoes, providing a nutritious meal that’s both light and healthy.
• Quick and Easy: With a total cooking time of about 20 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick yet delicious dinner.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of garlic, onions, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese creates a rich and aromatic flavor that will delight your taste buds.
• Kid-Friendly: The mild flavors and fun shape of the spiralized courgettes can make this dish a hit with kids, encouraging them to eat more vegetables.
• Perfect Balance of Texture: The tender pasta, crisp courgettes, and juicy cherry tomatoes create a perfect balance of textures in every bite.

 ❓ What Is Nigella Courgette Pasta Recipe?

Nigella Courgette Pasta Recipe combines spiralized courgettes, pasta, garlic, onion, cherry tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, basil, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Cook the pasta and vegetables, mix together, and serve with fresh basil and optional lemon zest.

🧅 Nigella Courgette Pasta Ingredients

• 2 medium courgettes (zucchini), spiralized or thinly sliced
• 200g (7 oz) pasta (spaghetti or your choice)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• Lemon zest (optional, for a fresh touch)

 🍲 How To Make Nigella Courgette Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, and sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant (about 2-3 minutes).
3. Add the spiralized or thinly sliced courgettes to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the courgettes are tender but still slightly crisp (about 3-4 minutes).
4. Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for another 1-2 minutes until they start to soften. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine everything well. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of the pasta cooking water.
6. Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese (if using) and chopped fresh basil.
7. Garnish with lemon zest for extra freshness, if desired. Serve the courgette pasta immediately, with extra Parmesan and basil on top if desired.

 💭 Recipe Tips:

• Don’t Overcook the Courgettes: Cook the courgettes until they are just tender but still have a slight crunch. Overcooking can make them mushy.
• Save Pasta Water: Reserve a cup of pasta cooking water before draining. This starchy water can be added to the dish if it seems too dry.
• Use a Mandoline or Spiralizer: For uniform courgette noodles, use a mandoline or spiralizer. This ensures even cooking and a pleasing texture.
• Enhance Flavor with Lemon: Adding a bit of lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice brightens up the flavors and adds a fresh touch.
• Use Whole Wheat Pasta: For a healthier option, use whole wheat pasta. It adds more fiber and nutrients to the dish.

 🍤 What To Serve With Courgette Pasta?

Serve Courgette Pasta with a side of garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables complement it with a glass of white wine, and for a richer meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or a protein of your choice.

 🎚 How To Store Leftovers Courgette Pasta?

• Refrigeration: Place leftover courgette pasta in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator it will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Transfer leftover courgette pasta to a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

 🥵 How To Reheat Leftovers Courgette Pasta?

• In On Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat add leftover courgette pasta to the skillet and heat until heated through about 5-7 minutes.
• In The Microwave: Place leftover courgette pasta in a microwave-safe dish cover it with a microwave-safe lid microwave it on medium power for up 2-3 minutes until heated evenly.

FAQ’S

Try More Nigella Recipes:

• Nigella Lawson Lamb Curry
• Nigella Quick Chilli
• Nigella Cottage Pie

Nigella Courgette Pasta Nutrition Fact

Amount Per Serving

• Calories: 267
• Total Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 10mg
• Sodium: 200mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 30g
• Dietary Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 5g
• Protein: 8g
• Vitamin A: 10%
• Vitamin C: 20%
• Calcium: 8%
• Iron: 6%