Courgette pasta bake

35 min
Courgette pasta bake

Discover the warmth of Italian cooking with our courgette pasta bake. This dish wraps fresh courgette and firm linguine in a smooth béchamel sauce and tops it off with a layer of melted mozzarella. A hint of lemon adds a refreshing twist to the sauce and makes this a well-rounded dish suited for a weekday dinner or a meal with friends.

Ingredients

Linguine pasta
500 g
Salt
1 tbsp
Courgettes (about 200 g each)
2
Bechamel sauce
1 l
Lemon
1
Mozzarella, grated
150 g
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

To serve

Parmesan cheese, as needed

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 180 °C, fan-assisted oven.
  • Cook pasta in salted water according to the instructions on the package.
  • Cut courgettes into fine strips.
  • Drain the cooked pasta and return to the pan.
  • Add courgette, béchamel, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the pan and stir everything well.
  • Put the mixture in an ovenproof dish and top with mozzarella.
  • Bake for about 15 minutes.
  • Garnish with Parmesan flakes as needed.
Enjoy!

FAQ: Questions about courgette pasta bake

Eager to get this homely dish right? Our FAQs will help you with everything from preparing it in advance to storing leftovers, and freezing your bake for another day, ensuring a delicious result every time.

Can I make courgette pasta bake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare your courgette pasta bake ahead of time. Assemble the dish following the recipe, then cover it with foil and refrigerate. Before you bake it, let the bake sit at room temperature while your oven preheats. Bake it for an extra 5–10 minutes to ensure it is thoroughly heated.

What is the best way to store and reheat leftover courgette pasta bake?

Cover the courgette pasta bake with foil or put it in a sealed container in the fridge after it cools down. It will keep well for three days. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 180 °C until it is hot all the way through. If you are in a hurry, the microwave is a suitable alternative. Just cover the bake and use a medium heat setting, checking now and then to make sure it heats up evenly without becoming dry.

Can I freeze courgette pasta bake?

Yes, you can freeze courgette pasta bake. Let it cool down completely after baking. Then wrap it in cling film or aluminium foil or put it in a container that is safe for the freezer. For the best taste and texture, eat it within three months. Defrost it in the fridge overnight when you are ready to enjoy it and reheat in the oven until it is thoroughly hot.

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Tips: Get the most out of your courgette pasta bake

Unlock the secrets to an excellent courgette pasta bake with our tips.

Al dente pasta

For an ideal courgette pasta bake, cook your linguine to al dente. This means boiling it until tender yet with a bite, which stops it from turning soft and mushy as it soaks up the creamy béchamel sauce in the oven. Simply cook the pasta for 1–2 minutes less than the packet suggests. Also, keep a ladle of the pasta’s cooking water to adjust the consistency of the sauce if needed.

Checking the doneness

To check if your courgette pasta bake is ready, insert a knife or skewer into the centre. It should feel hot when you take it out, showing the bake is well heated. Also, the mozzarella should have melted into a golden colour, and the pasta edges should be crisp. These signs mean your bake is ready to come out of the oven.

Delve into the comfort of our creamy courgette pasta bake

This creamy courgette pasta bake delivers a cosy, convivial atmosphere and great flavours all in one. Tender linguine and vibrant courgette are smothered in a smooth béchamel sauce for a simple yet indulgent dish. We think this is the perfect addition to your dinner recipe collection!

Tender courgette coated with velvety béchamel sauce

Every bite of your courgette pasta bake should feature tender courgettes coated in a smooth béchamel sauce. When cooked, courgette offers a mild, earthy sweetness with just a bit of bite, which complements the velvety béchamel sauce. They also add a green hue that makes the dish look nothing short of heavenly.

We have a large collection of creamy dishes, so why not enjoy a few more? Try our recipes for macarona béchamel, chicken pasta with béchamel sauce, or spicy buffalo chicken mac and cheese.

Subtle citrus infusion

Infuse the pasta bake with subtle notes of citrus to complement the rich sauce without ever overpowering it. Cooking is about balancing tastes and textures, and a simple lemon infusion goes a long way. Béchamel sauce is both creamy and deep-flavoured, and it adds to the comfort food feel of the dish. But by adding the lemon juice, the pasta bake gets a refreshing zing that helps round off the rich flavour.

Perfect as an easy weeknight dinner

Our courgette pasta bake is creamy and delightful from start to finish. It embodies the love and joy of comfort food, making it ideal for an easy weeknight dinner. So, get the bake ready and pop it into the oven. In just about 30 minutes, you can cook a delicious dish that is sure to become a favourite with the whole family.

Add a personal touch to the dish

Bring your creativity to the kitchen and experiment with the recipe. There are plenty of ways you can alter and change our version of the courgette pasta bake. For example, start by mixing breadcrumbs with Parmesan and sprinkle it over the mozzarella before baking. This gives an additional layer of texture and a toasty, nutty flavour that elevates the dish.

If you enjoy the refreshing touch of lemon juice, you might want to consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or oregano to the béchamel for extra aroma. Similarly, a pinch of red pepper flakes can introduce a pleasant heat that pairs well with the lemon and sauce.

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