Imagine a pasta dish that transforms ordinary ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that will make your taste buds dance with joy! This Courgette Lemon and Garlic Pasta is not just a meal; it's a quick, vibrant journey through fresh Mediterranean flavors that will transport you straight to a sunny Italian kitchen. With its perfect balance of bright lemon, aromatic garlic, and tender courgettes, this recipe proves that gourmet cooking doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 200 grams pasta
- 2 courgettes, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients: 200 grams of pasta, 2 courgettes, 2 cloves of garlic, 1 lemon, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh basil for garnish.
- Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the courgettes. Wash them thoroughly, then slice them into thin rounds or half-moons, depending on your preference.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Add the sliced courgettes to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sauté the courgettes for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and slightly golden.
- While the courgettes are cooking, zest the lemon using a microplane or a fine grater, and then juice the lemon into a small bowl, removing any seeds.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sautéed courgettes and garlic. Pour in the lemon juice and add the lemon zest. Toss everything together, adding a little reserved pasta water if needed to create a light sauce that coats the pasta.
- Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Remove the skillet from heat.
- To serve, plate the pasta and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Optionally, you can add a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of grated cheese for extra flavor.
- Enjoy your Courgette Lemon and Garlic Pasta warm!
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select firm, bright green courgettes and use fresh garlic for the most vibrant flavor.
- Pasta Cooking Hack: Always reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy water helps create a silky sauce that clings perfectly to your pasta.
- Prevent Burning Garlic: Sauté garlic on medium heat and remove from heat immediately when it becomes fragrant to avoid a bitter taste.
- Zesting Tip: Use a microplane or fine grater for lemon zest to get maximum flavor without the bitter white pith.
- Al Dente is Key: Cook your pasta just until it's tender but still has a slight bite - this ensures the best texture in your final dish.
- Customize Your Dish: Feel free to add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp, or make it vegetarian by adding some toasted pine nuts.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh basil isn't just a garnish - it adds a burst of freshness that elevates the entire dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
