The Perfect Courgette and Pepper Pasta Recipe for Summer Nights

Crafting a delightful courgette and pepper pasta brings unexpected magic to your weeknight dinner routine.

Vibrant vegetables dance alongside silky noodles, creating a symphony of fresh flavors.

Mediterranean ingredients whisper stories of sunshine and simple pleasures.

Chopped peppers add brilliant color and crisp texture to every forkful.

Tender courgettes melt seamlessly into a light, aromatic sauce that feels both comforting and sophisticated.

Quick to prepare and impossible to resist, this dish promises to become a cherished favorite.

Let your kitchen transform into a culinary playground with this irresistible recipe.

FAQs About Courgette And Pepper Pasta

• Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, this courgette and pepper pasta is completely vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by omitting the Parmesan cheese.

• Can I use zucchini instead of courgettes?

Absolutely! Courgettes and zucchini are the same vegetable, so they can be used interchangeably in this recipe without any changes.

• How spicy is this dish?

This recipe is mild and not spicy at all. If you want some heat, you can add red pepper flakes or a pinch of chili powder during cooking.

• What type of pasta works best?

Short pasta like penne, fusilli, or farfalle work great because they hold the vegetables well and create better texture in the dish.

Why Courgette And Pepper Pasta Is So Bright And Simple

• Savor Quick Veggie Delight
• Master Beginner-Friendly Cooking: No advanced culinary skills needed – even kitchen newbies can nail this recipe with straightforward chopping and sautéing steps.
• Customize Your Comfort Plate: Easily swap vegetables, adjust cheese amounts, or add protein to make this recipe perfectly suited to your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Celebrate Fresh Seasonal Produce: Highlights summer vegetables like courgettes and peppers, bringing vibrant colors and nutritious ingredients directly to your plate.

Ingredients For Courgette And Pepper Pasta

• Courgette: A mild, tender summer squash that adds a soft texture and light flavor to the pasta dish.
• Pepper: Provides a sweet and slightly crunchy element to complement the courgette.
• Pasta: The hearty base that serves as the main carrier for the vegetables and seasonings.

• Garlic: Adds a rich, pungent flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Basil: Brings a fresh, herbal note that brightens the entire pasta preparation.
• Parmesan Cheese: Offers a salty, umami finish that rounds out the flavors.

• Olive Oil: Creates a smooth base for sautéing and adds a subtle fruity undertone to the recipe.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that help elevate and balance the natural flavors of the ingredients.

How To Make Courgette And Pepper Pasta Quickly

Step 1: Prep the Veggie Base

Grab your cutting board and slice the courgettes into thin, elegant rounds. Dice the peppers into bite-sized chunks that will add a pop of color and crunch to your dish.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta to Perfection

Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and add your favorite pasta. Cook until it reaches that magical al dente stage – tender but with a slight bite. Before draining, scoop out a small cup of the starchy cooking water, which will come in handy later.

Step 3: Awaken the Flavors

Heat a generous splash of olive oil in a large skillet. Mince the garlic and let it dance in the hot oil for just a moment, releasing its aromatic magic without burning.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

• Courgette slices
• Diced peppers

Let them sizzle and soften, stirring occasionally. You want them to become tender but still maintain a bit of their vibrant character – about 5-7 minutes of cooking will do the trick.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Add the perfectly cooked pasta to the skillet. If the mixture seems a bit dry, splash in some of that reserved pasta water to create a silky, light sauce that coats every strand.

Step 6: Final Flourish

Sprinkle in fresh, torn basil leaves and a generous shower of grated Parmesan cheese. Give everything a gentle toss to combine all the flavors. Serve immediately while it’s hot and steaming, ready to delight your taste buds.

Helpful Cooking Tips For Courgette And Pepper Pasta

• Prevent Soggy Vegetables: Cut courgettes and peppers into uniform, thin slices to ensure even cooking and avoid mushy texture.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Briefly roast garlic in olive oil before adding vegetables to release its rich, aromatic essence.
• Rescue Dry Pasta: Keep pasta water handy to add moisture and help sauce cling perfectly to noodles when mixing.
• Boost Nutrition Boost: Experiment with whole wheat pasta for added fiber and a nutty undertone to the dish.
• Quick Serving Hack: Sprinkle freshly torn basil leaves and grated Parmesan just before serving to maintain maximum flavor and aroma.

Fun Flavor Twists On Courgette And Pepper Pasta

• Gluten-Free Zucchini Pasta: Replace regular pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or gluten-free brown rice pasta for a low-carb, celiac-friendly option.
• Vegan Veggie Delight: Swap Parmesan with nutritional yeast and add pine nuts for extra protein and creamy texture.
• Spicy Mediterranean Version: Include red pepper flakes, swap basil for oregano, and add kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Protein-Packed Alternative: Mix in grilled chicken or tofu cubes to boost protein content and create a more substantial meal.

What Goes Well With Courgette And Pepper Pasta

• Elevate with Crisp White Wine: Pair this light, veggie-packed pasta with a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which complements the fresh courgette and pepper flavors perfectly.
• Match with Fresh Side Salad: Create a green salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette to enhance the dish's bright, summery profile and add extra texture.
• Introduce Crusty Garlic Bread: Serve warm, herb-infused garlic bread alongside the pasta to soak up the delicious olive oil and vegetable juices, providing a satisfying crunch.
• Boost with Protein Option: Add grilled chicken or seared shrimp on top for those wanting extra protein, which seamlessly blends with the pasta's light Mediterranean-style composition.

Best Way To Store Courgette And Pepper Pasta

• Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle with a few drops of water, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to prevent sticking and restore moisture.
• Freeze the pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent clumping.

Courgette And Pepper Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 67 mins
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Homemade courgette and pepper pasta brings Mediterranean warmth to your kitchen with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor. Fresh vegetables dance through delicate pasta strands, creating a light yet satisfying meal that connects you to simple, elegant Italian cooking.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Vegetables:

• 2 courgettes
• 1 bell pepper

Pasta:

• 250 grams (8.8 ounces) pasta

Seasoning and Garnish:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Fresh basil, torn
• Grated Parmesan, to serve

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Instructions

1. Thinly slice courgettes into half-moons and cut peppers into small, uniform cubes to ensure even cooking.
2. Boil pasta in salted water for 8-10 minutes until perfectly al dente, then drain while preserving a small amount of starchy cooking liquid.
3. Heat extra virgin olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, then gently sauté minced garlic for 30-45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
4. Introduce the prepared vegetables to the pan, stirring occasionally and cooking for 5-7 minutes until they soften slightly but maintain a crisp texture.
5. Add drained pasta to the vegetable mixture, carefully folding and tossing to distribute ingredients evenly, using reserved pasta water to create a light, glossy coating.
6. Sprinkle freshly torn basil leaves and generously grate Parmesan cheese over the dish, ensuring each portion receives an equal distribution of herbs and cheese.
7. Transfer to warmed serving plates immediately and serve piping hot to preserve the vibrant flavors and optimal texture.

Notes

• Select young, firm courgettes for the best texture and flavor in your pasta dish.
• Use a mix of green and yellow peppers to add vibrant color and variety to the recipe.
• Chop garlic finely to distribute its flavor evenly throughout the dish without overwhelming other ingredients.
• Reserve pasta water as a secret weapon to create a silky sauce that helps ingredients cling together perfectly.

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 57 mins
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 545 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 15 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 70 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 7 mg