Creamy Courgette & Bacon Pasta Recipe: A Weeknight Wonder

Whisking up a delightful courgette bacon pasta promises culinary magic that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Fresh summer squash meets crispy bacon in a surprisingly smooth combination.

Creamy sauces often feel indulgent, but this recipe balances richness with bright vegetable notes.

Simple ingredients transform into something spectacularly comforting on your dinner plate.

Each forkful brings a harmony of textures and flavors that surprise and delight.

Home cooks seeking a quick weeknight meal will adore how effortlessly this dish comes together.

Dive in and let this pasta transport you to a world of delicious simplicity.

Why Creamy Courgette Bacon Pasta Is So Savory

• Speed Up Weeknight Dinner: Prepare a delicious meal in under 30 minutes with minimal prep work and easy cooking steps.
• Comfort Food Meets Gourmet: Combine classic bacon and pasta with elegant courgettes and creamy sauce for a restaurant-quality dish at home.
• Customize Your Culinary Adventure: Easily swap ingredients like zucchini types, cheese varieties, or add extra vegetables to match your taste preferences and pantry supplies.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup by using a single frying pan for cooking bacon, vegetables, and creating a rich, creamy sauce that coats every pasta strand.

What You’ll Need For Creamy Courgette Bacon Pasta

• Pasta: A staple ingredient that serves as the base of this delicious dish.
• Courgettes: Fresh vegetables that add a light and tender texture to the creamy sauce.
• Bacon: Provides a crispy and savory element to enhance the overall flavor of the pasta.
• Double Cream: Creates a rich and smooth sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp and tangy flavor to the creamy sauce.

• Garlic, Salt, Pepper: These ingredients bring depth and enhance the taste of the entire dish.

• Fresh Basil, Fresh Parsley: Optional herbs that add a burst of freshness and color to the final presentation.

How To Cook Creamy Courgette Bacon Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook the pasta in a pot of salted water following package directions. Once fully cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Crisp Bacon

Place bacon in a large frying pan over medium heat. Cook until crispy and golden brown, approximately 5-6 minutes.

Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic

In the same pan with bacon drippings, add minced garlic.

Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.

Step 4: Cook Courgettes

Add sliced courgettes to the pan.

Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables become tender and slightly soft.

Step 5: Create Creamy Sauce

Reduce heat and pour double cream into the pan.

Stir gently to combine with courgettes and warm the cream.

Step 6: Add Cheese

Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce.

Stir continuously until the cheese melts and creates a smooth, velvety texture.

Step 7: Season Sauce

Season the sauce with salt and black pepper according to your taste preferences.

Step 8: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta into the creamy courgette and bacon sauce. Mix thoroughly to ensure every pasta strand is coated with the delicious sauce.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped basil or parsley on top. Serve the pasta immediately while hot and enjoy.

Tips For A Great Creamy Courgette Bacon Pasta

• Choose firm, fresh courgettes for the best texture and flavor in your pasta dish.
• Pat bacon dry before cooking to ensure it becomes perfectly crispy and renders more fat.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a richer, more authentic taste compared to pre-grated varieties.
• Adjust cream thickness by adding pasta water if the sauce becomes too thick or too thin during cooking.
• For a lighter version, substitute double cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce calories.

Tweak Ideas For Creamy Courgette Bacon Pasta

• Spicy Pepper Punch: Replace courgettes with roasted red peppers and add chili flakes for a fiery kick.
• Mediterranean Mix: Swap bacon for chorizo and include sun-dried tomatoes and fresh oregano for a Spanish-inspired flavor.
• Vegetarian Delight: Substitute bacon with crispy mushrooms and add spinach for a meat-free protein alternative.
• Seafood Fusion: Replace bacon with succulent shrimp and incorporate fresh dill for an oceanic touch.

Great Matches For Creamy Courgette Bacon Pasta

• Savor Fresh White Wine Pairing: Crisp Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the creamy sauce, offering bright acidity that balances the richness of bacon and cheese.
• Complement with Crusty Garlic Bread: Toasted sourdough with garlic butter provides a crunchy texture contrast and helps soak up the delicious creamy sauce.
• Match with Light Side Salad: Crisp mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette creates a refreshing counterpoint to the heavy pasta, cleansing the palate between bites.
• Enhance with Chilled Pinot Grigio: Delicate Italian white wine with subtle mineral notes perfectly complements the courgette and bacon, adding a sophisticated touch to the meal.

How To Store Creamy Courgette Bacon Pasta Right

• Refrigerator Storage: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and absorption of other food odors.
• Microwave Reheating: Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Stovetop Reheating: Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore creamy consistency. Stir gently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Freezing Option: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Creamy Courgette Bacon Pasta Q&A

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute with other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or spaghetti. Choose a pasta that holds sauce well.

• Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Remove the bacon and add smoked paprika or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor. You can also include mushrooms for a meaty texture.

• How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too watery?

Use fresh courgettes and avoid adding extra liquid. Pat the courgettes dry before cooking and cook them on medium-high heat to remove excess moisture.

• Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Prepare the sauce separately and store it in the refrigerator. Cook the pasta fresh when ready to serve to maintain the best texture and prevent it from becoming soggy.

Creamy Courgette Bacon Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets elegance in this creamy courgette bacon pasta, blending rustic Italian countryside flavors with simple, hearty ingredients. Silky zucchini ribbons and crispy bacon create a perfect harmony that brings warmth and satisfaction to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 300 grams (10.5 ounces) pasta
• 200 grams (7 ounces) streaky bacon, chopped
• 2 medium courgettes (zucchini), sliced
• 200 milliliters (7 fluid ounces) double cream
• 100 grams (3.5 ounces) grated Parmesan cheese

Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh basil or parsley

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve.
2. Crisp bacon in a large skillet over medium heat for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and crunchy, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
3. Using the same skillet with bacon drippings, sauté minced garlic for 30-45 seconds until aromatic.
4. Add sliced courgettes to the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing them to soften and develop light caramelization.
5. Reduce heat to low and gently pour double cream into the skillet, stirring continuously to prevent scorching.
6. Incorporate grated Parmesan cheese, mixing thoroughly until the sauce transforms into a silky, uniform consistency.
7. Season the sauce with freshly ground black pepper and sea salt, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
8. Fold the cooked pasta into the creamy vegetable sauce, ensuring each pasta strand is evenly coated.
9. Crumble reserved bacon over the pasta and sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
10. Serve immediately while the dish remains hot and the sauce maintains its creamy texture.

Notes

• Opt for pancetta instead of bacon for a more authentic Italian flavor profile that adds rich depth to the dish.
• Use gluten-free pasta to transform this recipe into a celiac-friendly meal without compromising taste or texture.
• Slice courgettes thinly and uniformly to ensure even cooking and a consistent creamy sauce consistency.
• Consider adding red pepper flakes for a subtle heat kick that complements the creamy sauce and smoky bacon perfectly.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 683 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 63 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg