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Jamie Oliver Lemon and Courgette Pasta

Jamie Oliver Lemon and Courgette Pasta
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Jamie Oliver Lemon and Courgette Pasta is an Italian-inspired pasta dish featuring sautéed courgettes, garlic, fresh lemon, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and pasta. Instead of using a heavy cream sauce, the recipe relies on pasta water and melted Parmesan to create a silky coating that clings beautifully to every strand of pasta.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta

    • 400g spaghetti, linguine, or tagliatelle

    • 2 medium courgettes, thinly sliced or grated

    • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

    • 2 garlic cloves, finely minced

    • 1 lemon (zest and juice)

    • 75g freshly grated Parmesan cheese

    • Salt, to taste

    • Freshly ground black pepper

Optional Ingredients

    • Fresh basil leaves

    • Fresh parsley

    • Chili flakes

    • Toasted pine nuts

    • Baby spinach

    • Fresh mint

    • Grilled chicken

    • Cooked prawns

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water.

Step 2: Prepare the Courgettes

Wash the courgettes and slice them into thin rounds or grate them using the coarse side of a box grater. Thin pieces cook quickly and blend beautifully into the finished pasta.

Step 3: Sauté the Courgettes

Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the courgettes and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly golden.

Step 4: Add the Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Avoid letting the garlic brown, as this can create a bitter taste.

Step 5: Add the Lemon

Mix in the lemon zest and half of the lemon juice, allowing the flavors to combine with the courgettes for about a minute.

Step 6: Combine With the Pasta

Transfer the drained pasta directly into the pan. Toss well so the pasta absorbs the lemon-infused olive oil and mixes evenly with the courgettes.

Step 7: Add Parmesan and Pasta Water

Sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan while gradually adding small amounts of the reserved pasta water. Continue tossing until the cheese melts into a silky sauce that coats the pasta.

Step 8: Finish the Dish

Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, black pepper, or additional lemon juice if desired. Garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh herbs, and a drizzle of olive oil before serving immediately.

Find it online: https://jamieolivereats.uk/lemon-and-courgette-pasta/