Courgette lemon pasta

Courgette lemon pasta

20 min
Enjoy the refreshing taste of our courgette lemon pasta with white cheese. Tender courgette ribbons are woven into perfectly cooked linguine, each bite brightened by lemon and finished with a delightful crunch from roasted pine nuts. Simple and light yet satisfying, it captures the simplicity of summer, made even more special with creamy white cheese with pesto and a sprinkle of fresh basil.
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Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil and cook the linguine as per the pack instructions. Two minutes before the end of the cooking time, add the asparagus. You can also grill the asparagus instead.
  • Drain the linguine and asparagus and return them to the pan. Add all of the remaining ingredients, using only half of the white cheese with pesto.
  • Toss together and serve with the remaining white cheese with pesto scattered on top, as well as fresh basil.
Enjoy!

FAQ: Questions about courgette lemon pasta

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.

Can I prepare courgette lemon pasta ahead of time?
It is best to serve this pasta dish fresh, but you can prepare the courgettes, lemon, and other ingredients ahead of time. Assemble everything just before serving to maintain the perfect texture. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, add a splash of water to the pasta and gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave to restore its original lightness.
How should I store courgette lemon pasta to keep it fresh?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, add a little water to prevent the pasta from becoming too dry. Warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave to preserve the textures and flavours. It may lose some of its original firmness, but it will still be a delicious, quick meal to enjoy the next day.

Ingredients

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
Apetina® Original White Cheese In Brine with pesto
200 g
Garnish
Fresh basil

Tips: Get the best courgette lemon pasta

Find out how to make the courgette lemon pasta even better with our tips below.

Choose fresh and firm asparagus

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.

Al dente pasta

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.

Grill courgettes for a smoky flavour

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.

Try our courgette lemon pasta with white cheese and asparagus

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.

With creamy white pesto cheese and refreshing lemon

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.

Crunch from roasted pine nuts

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.

Embrace summer with a quick pasta dish

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.

Add your own touch

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.