This Jamie Oliver Simple Courgette Pasta Recipe is a quick and delightful dish, perfect for a light yet satisfying meal. With its fresh and creamy flavor, it’s ready in under 30 minutes and is ideal for busy weeknights or casual lunches.
What is Jamie Oliver Simple Courgette Pasta?
Jamie Oliver’s Simple Courgette Pasta is a vibrant dish made with fresh courgettes (zucchini), pasta, and a touch of creamy sauce. It’s light yet flavorful, with a balance of freshness and indulgence.

Other Popular Recipes
- Jamie Oliver’s Squash and Spinach Pasta Rotolo
- Jamie Oliver Tuna Sweetcorn Pasta
- Jamie Oliver Seafood Pasta
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make: Perfect for those with busy schedules.
- Fresh and flavorful: The courgettes add a burst of freshness, while the pasta provides a hearty base.
- Minimal ingredients required: A simple yet elegant recipe.
- Versatile pairing options: Pairs well with salads, bread, or roasted vegetables.
- Kid-friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy its creamy, mild flavor.
Ingredients Needed for Jamie Oliver Simple Courgette Pasta
- Pasta: 300g, such as spaghetti or linguine.
- Courgettes (zucchini): 2 large, grated or finely sliced.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons for sautéing.
- Cream (optional): 100ml for added richness.
- Parmesan cheese: 50g, grated.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
- Fresh basil: A handful for garnish.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large pot for boiling pasta.
- Medium frying pan for sautéing courgettes.
- Sharp knife for chopping and slicing.
- Cheese grater for parmesan and courgettes.
- Wooden spoon for stirring.
Instructions to Make Jamie Oliver Simple Courgette Pasta
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Boil water in a large pot, add a pinch of salt, and cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
Step 2: Prepare the courgettes
Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add grated courgettes and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
Step 3: Combine pasta and courgettes
Toss the cooked pasta into the pan with courgettes. Stir to combine. Add reserved pasta water to loosen the mixture.
Step 4: Add cream and parmesan
Pour in cream (if using) and sprinkle grated parmesan. Stir well until the sauce coats the pasta evenly.
Step 5: Season and garnish
Add salt, pepper, and fresh basil leaves. Toss once more and serve immediately.

What to Serve With Jamie Oliver Simple Courgette Pasta
- Garlic bread: A crispy and flavorful side.
- Simple green salad: Tossed with vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
- Grilled chicken: Adds protein for a more filling meal.
- Steamed vegetables: For an extra serving of greens.
Pro Tips for Making the Best Courgette Pasta
- Use fresh courgettes: Opt for young and tender ones for the best texture.
- Grate finely: Helps the courgettes blend well with the pasta.
- Reserve pasta water: It’s perfect for creating a smooth sauce.
- Don’t overcook the courgettes: They should retain a slight bite for texture.
- Add cream sparingly: Keeps the dish light and not overly rich.
- Use high-quality parmesan: Enhances the flavor significantly.
- Serve immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh and hot.
What are Variations of Jamie Oliver Simple Courgette Pasta?
- Add protein: Include grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon.
- Try a different cheese: Swap parmesan for pecorino or goat cheese.
- Make it spicy: Add chili flakes for a kick of heat.
- Use spiralized courgettes: Replace pasta with zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
- Incorporate herbs: Thyme or oregano can add extra depth of flavor.
How Do I Store Jamie Oliver Simple Courgette Pasta?
- In the refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Avoid freezing: The texture of courgettes may become mushy when thawed.
How Do I Reheat Jamie Oliver Simple Courgette Pasta?
- On the stovetop: Heat gently in a pan with a splash of water or cream.
- In the microwave: Reheat in short bursts, stirring in between to prevent drying.
How Can I Make Jamie Oliver Simple Courgette Pasta Healthier?
- Skip the cream: Use a splash of vegetable stock or olive oil instead.
- Go whole grain: Choose whole-wheat pasta for added fiber.
- Add more veggies: Include spinach, peas, or cherry tomatoes.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 10g
- Carbs: 45g
- Fat: 12g
FAQs
How long does it take to make Jamie Oliver Simple Courgette Pasta?
This recipe takes approximately 25-30 minutes to make. It includes about 10 minutes of preparation and 15-20 minutes of cooking time, making it a quick and easy dish.
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any pasta you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or even whole-grain options. Adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose.
Is Jamie Oliver Simple Courgette Pasta suitable for vegetarians?
This recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it uses courgettes, pasta, and cheese. To make it vegan, substitute cream and parmesan with plant-based alternatives.
How can I make the sauce creamier without adding cream?
To make the sauce creamier without cream, use reserved pasta water and a generous amount of grated parmesan. Stir well to create a silky and smooth sauce.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s Simple Courgette Pasta Recipe is a timeless dish that combines simplicity with flavor.
Give it a try, and let its creamy, garlicky goodness win over your taste buds!
More Delicious Recipes
PrintJamie Oliver Simple Courgette Pasta Recipe
Jamie Oliver’s Simple Courgette Pasta is a vibrant dish made with fresh courgettes (zucchini), pasta, and a touch of creamy sauce. It’s light yet flavorful, with a balance of freshness and indulgence.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 3
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- Pasta: 300g, such as spaghetti or linguine.
- Courgettes (zucchini): 2 large, grated or finely sliced.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons for sautéing.
- Cream (optional): 100ml for added richness.
- Parmesan cheese: 50g, grated.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
- Fresh basil: A handful for garnish.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Boil water in a large pot, add a pinch of salt, and cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
Step 2: Prepare the courgettes
Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add grated courgettes and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
Step 3: Combine pasta and courgettes
Toss the cooked pasta into the pan with courgettes. Stir to combine. Add reserved pasta water to loosen the mixture.
Step 4: Add cream and parmesan
Pour in cream (if using) and sprinkle grated parmesan. Stir well until the sauce coats the pasta evenly.
Step 5: Season and garnish
Add salt, pepper, and fresh basil leaves. Toss once more and serve immediately.