5 Delicious Courgette Spaghetti Recipes You Have To Try

The humble courgette (or zucchini, as it's known in some parts of the world) is often overlooked as a mere side dish ingredient. However, with the rise of spiralizers, this versatile vegetable has taken center stage in countless kitchen experiments, offering a healthier, gluten-free alternative to traditional pasta dishes. Here, we dive deep into five mouth-watering courgette spaghetti recipes that you'll find yourself making again and again. 🌱

1. Zesty Lemon Garlic Courgette Spaghetti

This dish is a burst of freshness with each bite, perfect for those warm summer evenings or when you crave something light yet satisfying.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Lemon Garlic Zucchini Pasta" alt="Lemon Garlic Zucchini Pasta" /> </div>

Ingredients:

• 4 medium courgettes, spiralized
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• Olive oil
• Salt & pepper
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Spiralize your courgettes: Use a spiralizer to create long, spaghetti-like strands from your courgettes.
2. Heat the Pan: In a large pan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
3. Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add Courgette: Introduce your spiralized courgettes to the pan, cooking for 2-3 minutes until they are slightly tender but still have a bit of crunch.
5. Lemon Twist: Turn off the heat, then pour in the lemon juice and sprinkle the zest over the courgette strands, tossing well to mix.
6. Season: Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your taste.
7. Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped parsley and, if desired, freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

<p class="pro-note">💡 Note: For a creamier texture, you can add a splash of cream or a dollop of mascarpone cheese just before serving.</p>

2. Mediterranean-Inspired Courgette Spaghetti with Cherry Tomatoes and Feta

Take a trip to the Mediterranean without leaving your kitchen with this vibrant, colourful courgette spaghetti dish, loaded with juicy cherry tomatoes, tangy feta, and a host of aromatic herbs.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Mediterranean Zucchini Pasta" alt="Mediterranean Zucchini Pasta" /> </div>

Ingredients:

• 4 medium courgettes, spiralized
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 100g feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp capers
• Fresh basil leaves, torn
• Oregano, to taste
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Sauté Tomatoes: Heat olive oil in a skillet, then add the halved cherry tomatoes, cooking until they start to blister.
2. Add Garlic and Herbs: Add the garlic, capers, and oregano to the tomatoes. Sauté for another minute.
3. Spiralize and Cook: Meanwhile, spiralize your courgettes and cook them briefly in the same pan, just enough to warm through.
4. Mix and Serve: Toss the cooked courgette with the tomato mixture, then sprinkle with feta and torn basil leaves. Serve immediately with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.

<p class="pro-note">🌿 Note: This dish is also lovely with a sprinkle of pine nuts or sunflower seeds for added texture.</p>

3. Spicy Shrimp Courgette Spaghetti with Chili and Lime

For those who love a bit of heat, this dish combines the freshness of courgette spaghetti with succulent shrimp and a spicy chili-lime sauce.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Spicy Shrimp Zucchini Pasta" alt="Spicy Shrimp Zucchini Pasta" /> </div>

Ingredients:

• 4 courgettes, spiralized
• 200g shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 chili pepper, finely chopped (or chili flakes)
• Juice of 1 lime
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt & pepper
• Fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions:

1. Prepare Shrimp: Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and a dash of chili.
2. Cook Shrimp: In a pan, heat oil, add garlic, and sauté until aromatic, then add the shrimp. Cook until they turn pink, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Combine: Add the spiralized courgette, toss with the cooked shrimp, and continue cooking until the courgette is al dente.
4. Finish with Lime: Squeeze lime juice over the dish, toss to combine, and garnish with fresh cilantro.

4. Pesto Perfection Courgette Spaghetti

Pesto courgette spaghetti is a classic that never fails to impress with its rich, nutty flavor and simplicity.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Pesto Zucchini Pasta" alt="Pesto Zucchini Pasta" /> </div>

Ingredients:

• 4 medium courgettes, spiralized
• For the Pesto:
  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts or walnuts
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt to taste
• Cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
• Grated Parmesan for serving

Instructions:

1. Make Pesto: Blend all pesto ingredients together until smooth.
2. Cook Courgettes: Lightly sauté the spiralized courgettes for about 2-3 minutes until tender but still crisp.
3. Combine: Toss the warm courgettes with the freshly made pesto. If using tomatoes, add them now for a burst of flavor and color.
4. Serve: Top with extra Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.

<p class="pro-note">🌰 Note: You can use other nuts like almonds or cashews if you don't have pine nuts on hand.</p>

5. Carbonara-Style Courgette Spaghetti

A lighter take on the iconic Roman dish, this carbonara-style courgette spaghetti brings the traditional creamy richness without the guilt.

<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Zucchini Carbonara" alt="Zucchini Carbonara" /> </div>

Ingredients:

• 4 medium courgettes, spiralized
• 100g pancetta or bacon, diced
• 2 egg yolks
• 50g grated Pecorino or Parmesan cheese
• Black pepper, freshly ground
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Fry Pancetta: In a pan, cook the pancetta or bacon until crispy, then remove from the pan, leaving the rendered fat.
2. Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the cheese, pepper, and a pinch of salt.
3. Cook Courgettes: Sauté the spiralized courgettes in the same pan until just tender. Turn off the heat.
4. Combine: Quickly mix in the egg mixture with the hot courgettes, tossing continuously to ensure the eggs don't scramble but create a creamy sauce.
5. Serve: Return the pancetta or bacon to the pan, mix, and serve immediately with extra cheese and black pepper on top.

From the zesty citrus burst to the comforting familiarity of carbonara, these five courgette spaghetti recipes showcase the versatility of this wonderful vegetable. Whether you're looking to lighten up your meals or experiment with new flavors, courgette spaghetti offers endless possibilities for delicious and nutritious dishes. Remember, the key to perfect courgette spaghetti lies in the timing; cook it until it's al dente to preserve the best texture and flavor.

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What’s the best way to store spiralized courgettes?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>The best way to store spiralized courgettes is in an airtight container lined with a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture. Store them in the refrigerator and try to use them within 2-3 days for the freshest taste.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I freeze courgette spaghetti?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, you can freeze courgette spaghetti, but it's worth noting that the texture will change slightly upon thawing, becoming softer. Spread the strands out on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to freezer bags or containers. They can be kept frozen for up to 3 months.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How do you avoid watery courgette spaghetti?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>To avoid watery courgette spaghetti, make sure to not overcook it. Cook just until al dente. Also, you can salt and rest the courgette noodles for about 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture before cooking.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can courgette spaghetti be used as a pasta alternative for any recipe?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, courgette spaghetti works well as a pasta alternative in many recipes, especially those that are lighter or with sauces that aren’t too heavy. It's particularly good with fresh, vibrant flavors where the delicate taste of the courgette can shine through.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>