Spicy Courgette and Garlic Penne with Parmesan
Inspired by a delightful Italian lunch experience, this dish brings together the freshness of courgettes (zucchini), the kick of red chilies, and the aromatic allure of garlic. Served over al dente penne pasta, it's topped with a generous amount of freshly grated Parmesan cheese that melts into the warm vegetables, creating a rich and satisfying sauce. The combination of flavors and textures makes this an easy yet elegant one-dish meal perfect for any day of the week. Serve it with crusty bread for a complete dining experience!
2
Servings
375
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Courgettes (zucchini)
2 (medium, grated)
Garlic cloves
4 (chopped or minced)
Red chilies
2 (finely chopped (1 for less heat))
Grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (freshly grated)
Penne pasta
150 g (uncooked)
Butter
1 teaspoon (for sautéing)
Olive oil
1 tablespoon (optional, for pasta)
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and add the penne pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente.
2
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables: grate the courgettes (zucchini), mince the garlic, and finely chop the red chilies. Take care to adjust the chili amount based on your heat preference.
3
In a large frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
4
Stir in the chopped chilies and grated courgettes (zucchini) to the pan, cooking for 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent browning; you want the vegetables to soften without losing their vibrant color.
5
Once the courgettes are tender, remove the pan from heat and mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until well combined.
6
When the pasta is cooked to your liking, drain it well, and if desired, stir in a tablespoon of olive oil for added richness.
7
To serve, plate the pasta and generously top it with the courgette and garlic mixture. Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top if desired.
Nutrition Information
14
Fat
45
Carbs
15
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Courgette and Garlic Penne with Parmesan?
It is an Italian-inspired vegetarian dish featuring grated courgettes, garlic, and red chilies served over penne pasta with a rich Parmesan cheese sauce.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 2 people.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is vegetarian as it contains no meat products.
How many calories are in a single serving?
Each serving contains approximately 375 calories.
What type of pasta should I use?
The recipe calls for 150g of penne pasta, though you could substitute with other short pasta shapes.
How many courgettes do I need?
You will need 2 medium-sized courgettes, also known as zucchini.
How should the courgettes be prepared?
The courgettes should be grated before cooking to help them soften into a sauce-like consistency.
Is this dish very spicy?
It has a kick from 2 red chilies, but you can reduce the amount to 1 chili for less heat.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe requires 4 garlic cloves, minced or finely chopped.
What kind of cheese is used in this recipe?
The dish uses 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
How long do the vegetables need to cook?
The courgettes and chilies should be sautéed for 10-15 minutes until they are tender.
What fat is used for sautéing the vegetables?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of butter to sauté the garlic and vegetables.
When should I add the Parmesan cheese?
The cheese should be stirred into the vegetable mixture after removing the pan from the heat.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 14 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein does this dish provide?
Each serving provides 15 grams of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 45 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Should I cook the pasta al dente?
Yes, the penne should be cooked until al dente according to the package instructions.
Can I add olive oil to the pasta?
Yes, you can optionally stir in 1 tablespoon of olive oil into the drained pasta for added richness.
How do I prevent the courgettes from browning?
Stir the vegetables occasionally and cook over medium heat to ensure they soften without losing their color.
What can I serve as a side for this meal?
This dish is delicious served with crusty bread to complete the dining experience.
Is this considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and a convenient one-dish meal option.
What is the texture of the sauce?
The grated Parmesan melts into the warm, softened vegetables to create a rich and satisfying sauce.
How do I prepare the garlic?
The garlic should be either chopped or minced and sautéed in butter for about 2 minutes.
Can I use frozen zucchini?
While fresh is best for texture, you can use frozen if it is well-thawed and drained of excess moisture.
Is there a specific way to chop the chilies?
The red chilies should be finely chopped before being added to the pan.
What are the primary flavor profiles of this dish?
The dish features fresh, spicy, and aromatic flavors from the zucchini, chili, and garlic.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include pasta, courgette, zucchini, italian, one dish meal, spicy, vegetarian, and quick meal.
Can I add extra Parmesan at the end?
Yes, you can sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top of the plated pasta if desired.
Does the recipe use salt?
The pasta should be cooked in a large pot of salted water.
What inspired this recipe?
The recipe was inspired by a delightful Italian lunch experience.