Creamy courgette pasta makes the perfect weeknight dinner — fast, cozy, and full of flavor. In just 20 minutes, you can create a creamy, zesty, and cheesy dish that feels restaurant-worthy yet uses simple ingredients you likely already have at home. This recipe perfectly balances the natural sweetness of courgettes with the tangy freshness of lemon and the rich creaminess of cheese. Whether it’s a hectic family evening or a solo dinner, this dish will quickly earn a spot in your regular meal rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Courgette Pasta
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Quick & easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Fresh & flavorful: Lemon zest and courgettes bring a refreshing twist.
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Creamy & comforting: Garlic and herb cream cheese plus Parmesan make this pasta irresistibly rich.
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Versatile: Works with any pasta shape and can be adapted for different diets.
Ingredients
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2 tbsp olive oil
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300 g spaghetti or linguine (or your favorite pasta variety)
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1 kg courgettes (zucchini), finely chopped into small cubes
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200 g garlic and herb cream cheese
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1 lemon, zest and juice
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100 g Parmesan cheese, grated (or vegetarian alternative)
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step: How to Make Creamy Courgette Pasta
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Cook the courgettes: Warm the olive oil in a large frying or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped courgettes and cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and lightly caramelized.
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Cook the pasta: While the courgettes are cooking, boil a large pot of well-salted water. Add spaghetti (or your chosen pasta) and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
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Reserve pasta water: Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the cooking water. This will help make the sauce silky and creamy.
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Combine everything: Return the drained pasta to the pot and mix in the cooked courgettes, garlic and herb cream cheese, lemon zest, half the lemon juice, reserved pasta water, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
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Adjust seasoning: Taste and tweak with extra lemon juice, salt, or pepper to suit your preference.
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Serve immediately: Top with extra Parmesan and freshly ground black pepper.
Helpful Tips
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Cook courgettes until caramelized: Letting them brown slightly enhances their flavor.
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Don’t skip the pasta water: It creates a creamy, restaurant-quality sauce.
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Adjust the lemon: Add more or less juice depending on your taste.
Substitutions and Variations
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Make it vegetarian: Use a vegetarian-friendly Parmesan alternative.
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Add protein: Stir in cooked chicken, prawns, or crispy pancetta for extra heartiness.
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Swap the pasta: Try penne, fusilli, or even whole-wheat pasta for a different texture.
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Use ricotta or mascarpone: For a different creamy base, swap cream cheese with ricotta or mascarpone.
Storage Instructions
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Refrigerate: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Reheat: Warm gently in a pan with a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce.
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Freezing: Not recommended, as the cream sauce may separate when thawed.
Nutritional Information
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Calories: 589 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 71 g
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Protein: 26 g
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Fat: 23 g
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Saturated Fat: 10 g
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Fiber: 6 g
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Sugar: 12 g
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Vitamin C: 59 mg
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Calcium: 433 mg
Serving Suggestions
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With garlic bread: Perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
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Pair with salad: A fresh green salad balances the creaminess of the pasta.
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Top with fresh herbs: Add basil or parsley for extra freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Courgette Pasta
Can I use frozen courgettes?
Yes, frozen courgettes work well but will need extra cooking time to allow water to evaporate fully.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
Mascarpone, ricotta, or even a splash of double cream can substitute for cream cheese.
Can I make this vegan?
Absolutely! Use vegan cream cheese and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.
What’s the best pasta for this recipe?
Spaghetti and linguine work best, but short pasta like penne or fusilli also absorbs the sauce well.
How can I make it spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the courgettes for a subtle heat.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy both cooking and savoring this dish as much as I do. It’s one of my favorite quick dinners — rich, flavorful, and perfect for when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Wishing you happy cooking — and thank you for being part of this food-loving community!
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Creamy Courgette Pasta Ready in 20 Minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy courgette pasta is a quick and flavorful 20-minute meal made with tender courgettes, lemon, garlic & herb cream cheese, and Parmesan. Perfect for a fast weeknight dinner that tastes like a restaurant dish!
Ingredients
2 tbsp olive oil
300 g spaghetti or linguine (or your favorite pasta)
1 kg courgettes (zucchini), finely chopped
200 g garlic and herb cream cheese
1 lemon, zest and juice
100 g Parmesan cheese, grated (or vegetarian alternative)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Cook the courgettes: Warm the olive oil in a large frying or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped courgettes and cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and lightly caramelized.
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Cook the pasta: While the courgettes are cooking, boil a large pot of well-salted water. Add spaghetti (or your chosen pasta) and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
-
Reserve pasta water: Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the cooking water. This will help make the sauce silky and creamy.
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Combine everything: Return the drained pasta to the pot and mix in the cooked courgettes, garlic and herb cream cheese, lemon zest, half the lemon juice, reserved pasta water, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
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Adjust seasoning: Taste and tweak with extra lemon juice, salt, or pepper to suit your preference.
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Serve immediately: Top with extra Parmesan and freshly ground black pepper.
Notes
Use any pasta shape you like — penne and fusilli work well.
To make it vegetarian-friendly, use a vegetarian Parmesan alternative.
For added protein, stir in grilled chicken, prawns, or crispy pancetta.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 589
- Carbohydrates: 71g
- Protein: 26g