Pâtes aux Courgettes

Pâtes aux Courgettes is a delightful vegetarian French pasta dish that combines the fresh flavors of zucchini with a light, creamy sauce, creating a perfect harmony of textures. This dish is not only simple to prepare but also showcases the essence of seasonal ingredients.

Ingredients

• Pasta (e.g., spaghetti) - 200 grams
• Zucchini - 2 medium (about 300 grams total)
• Garlic - 2 cloves
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Heavy cream - 100 milliliters
• Parmesan cheese - 50 grams, grated
• Fresh basil - a handful, chopped
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Lemon zest - 1 teaspoon

Steps

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
2. While the pasta cooks, wash and slice the zucchini into thin rounds or half-moons.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Add the sliced zucchini to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and slightly golden.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
6. Once the pasta is cooked, reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the zucchini sauce.
7. Toss the pasta in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce is too thick. Season with salt, black pepper, and lemon zest to taste.
8. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped basil. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 550
• Protein: 15 g
• Carbs: 67 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Cholesterol: 50 mg
• Total Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Water: 0.25 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in dietary fiber from zucchini, aiding in digestion.
• Provides a good source of calcium and protein from Parmesan cheese.

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