Curious about how to make the best of this recipe? We have compiled answers to the most common questions below so you can get started and easily succeed with it.
Linguine pasta
|
200 g |
---|---|
Green asparagus tips
|
150 g |
Courgettes, peeled into ribbons
|
2 |
Rocket leaves
|
2 handful |
Pine nuts, roasted
|
75 g |
Lemon, juice and zest
|
1 |
Extra virgin olive oil
|
60 ml |
Salt
|
|
Pepper
|
|
200 g |
Fresh basil
|
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Find out how to make the courgette lemon pasta even better with our tips below.
For the best texture and taste, always use fresh, firm asparagus. Look for bright green stalks with tightly closed tips that snap when bent. This indicates that they are at their peak, offering a crisp bite and a sweet, grassy flavour that complements the courgette. Avoid asparagus that appear wilted or slimy, as these are past their prime.
Cook the pasta until firm yet tender, as this will provide a wonderful contrast to the soft courgette ribbons and asparagus. Keep an eye on the cooking time, tasting a strand of pasta just before the suggested time to prevent the linguine from cooking too long. You can also stir the pasta gently as it boils to prevent it from sticking.
For a deeper, smoky flavour, try grilling the courgette ribbons. This will make their natural sweetness more prominent and give them a subtle char that complements the creamy white cheese with pesto and lemon zest. Lightly brush the courgettes with olive oil before grilling to keep them from sticking to the grill or grill pan. Grilled courgettes add texture and a slight crunch, making them a splendid addition to the tender linguine.
Our courgette lemon pasta brings together the freshest ingredients with citrusy notes, so it feels light yet flavourful at the same time. Soft courgette ribbons, crisp asparagus, and al dente linguine blend seamlessly. Whether you are enjoying it as a midweek meal or something a bit more special, this is sure to become a favourite.
The creamy white cheese with pesto adds richness and a smooth texture to the courgette lemon pasta, which is ideal together with the bright notes of the lemon. The cheese gently melts into the warm pasta, coating the linguine and courgette in a delightful combination of creaminess and zest, and the lemon zest cuts through the richness with its fresh, tangy flavour. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh basil, it is simple yet full of character.
Roasted pine nuts bring a lovely crunch and a subtle nuttiness, adding a textural contrast that makes every bite more interesting. Roasting the pine nuts brings out their natural oils, giving them a deeper, more pronounced flavour. It is such an easy and quick way to add both texture and taste, making the pasta dish even better.
Our quick and easy courgette lemon pasta recipe is the perfect way to embrace the flavours of summer. With just a handful of fresh ingredients, you can whip up a meal that is light, zesty, and full of texture. Both courgette and asparagus are in season in summer, so these vegetables are perfect for use in a summery pasta dish. It is simple, delicious, and ready in no time, making it ideal for when you want something tasty without too much fuss.
Try other summery pasta recipes such as Greek pasta salad, kale pasta, prawn and pea pasta, cold pasta salad, courgette pasta salad, or salmon rocket pasta.
Our pasta recipe is easy to adapt to your liking. Use what is in season, so consider adding sweet peas or colourful edible flowers in spring. For the summer months, fresh herbs like mint or dill can bring a cool, refreshing flavour that complements the lemon zest. When autumn knocks on the door, roasted butternut squash or pumpkin cut into cubes or wedges add a cosy, comforting touch. In winter, sautéed kale or cavolo nero introduces a rich, green element.
Though the recipe calls for linguine, other pasta types like spaghetti or fettuccine also work. For extra heat, sprinkle in a few chilli flakes or use crushed chilli peppers to liven up the flavours, adding a subtle fiery kick.
If you enjoy a creamy finish, try mixing in a spoonful of sour cream or a bit of grated Parmesan cheese, which adds a smooth richness without overpowering the other ingredients.