Slow-cooked courgette pastaNew Recipes

Transform a glut of courgettes into a silky pasta sauce and top with zesty breadcrumbs. It’s a wonderful way to make the most of homegrown courgettes

  • Prep:10 mins
    Cook:55 mins
  • Serves 3
  • Easy

Nutrition per serving

  • kcal 762
  • fat 35g
  • saturates 7g
  • carbs 86g
  • sugars 0g
  • fibre 7g
  • protein 21g
  • salt 0.42g

Ingredients

  • 95ml olive oil
  • 3-4 courgettes , finely sliced using a mandoline, if you have one
  • 3 garlic cloves , finely sliced
  • ½ tsp chilli flakes
  • 35g panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 lemon , zested and juiced
  • 300g spaghetti
  • 40g parmesan or vegetarian alternative, finely grated

Method

  1. Heat a large, deep frying pan over a medium heat. Pour in all but 1 tbsp of the olive oil. Once hot, lower in the courgettes. Cook for 15 mins, stirring often until they start to catch and turn a little golden and lightly charred.

  2. Turn the heat down to low and cook for another 30 mins, stirring frequently until they’re nearly completely disintegrated. Sprinkle in a good pinch of salt, the garlic and chilli flakes. Turn the heat back up to high and cook for a final 5-10 mins until lightly caramelised.

  3. While the courgettes are cooking, heat the remaining 1 tbsp oil in a small frying pan. Sprinkle in the panko breadcrumbs and some salt and pepper. Cook over a medium heat for 4-5 mins, stirring until golden and crisp. Transfer to a small bowl and stir through the lemon zest. Cook the spaghetti following pack instructions.

  4. When the pasta is al dente and the courgettes are cooked, transfer the pasta straight into the courgette pan using tongs, along with plenty of pasta water and most of the parmesan. Mix thoroughly, adding more pasta water as needed to create a glossy sauce. Finish with the lemon juice.

  5. Sprinkle over the lemony breadcrumbs, the remaining parmesan and a few twists of black pepper to serve.

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