If you’re looking for a quick, meat-free dinner the whole family will enjoy, this courgette pasta recipe with lemon and capers is a brilliant one to keep in your weeknight rotation. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and comes together in the time it takes your pasta to cook – perfect for those evenings when you need something on the table fast.
The combination of fresh courgette, zesty lemon and salty capers makes for a light but flavourful sauce that coats the pasta beautifully. It’s a great way to sneak some extra veg into a family meal too, without any fuss.
Ingredients
- 500g / 17 oz pasta – whatever shape you like, such as penne, spirals or spaghetti
- 1 courgette (or zucchini, if you’re Stateside)
- 50g / 1.5 oz butter
- 1 garlic clove, chopped
- 1 lemon
- 100g / 3 oz capers
- Optional: black olives or dried chilli flakes
- Pecorino or parmesan, to serve
Method
1. Cook your pasta according to the packet instructions.
2. While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a frying pan and gently fry the chopped garlic until fragrant.
3. Grate the courgette and add it to the pan.
4. Squeeze in the lemon juice and add the capers, along with the olives and/or chilli flakes if using.
5. Season with salt and pepper, then let the sauce cook gently for a few minutes.
6. Drain the cooked pasta and mix it through the sauce. Serve with a generous grating of parmesan or pecorino.
Tips for Making It Your Own
This recipe is easy to adapt depending on what you have to hand or what your family likes:
- Add protein: Stir in some cooked chicken, prawns, or white beans to make it more substantial.
- Boost the veg: A handful of cherry tomatoes or some peas cooked in with the courgette works well.
- Make it creamier: A splash of cream or a spoonful of crème fraîche stirred through at the end gives a richer sauce.
- Adjust the zing: If you love lemon, add a little grated lemon zest along with the juice for extra brightness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes. The recipe is already vegetarian as written. To make it vegan, simply swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use a vegan hard cheese or nutritional yeast instead of parmesan or pecorino.
Can I use a different vegetable instead of courgette?
Yes, though courgette works particularly well because it cooks quickly and takes on the flavours of the lemon and garlic. If you’d like to experiment, grated carrot or thinly sliced leek can also work, though the texture and cooking time will vary slightly.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as the courgette can become watery once frozen and defrosted. It’s quick enough to make on the night you plan to eat it.
How long does this recipe take from start to finish?
Around 15-20 minutes, making it ideal for a busy weeknight dinner.
Can kids help make this recipe?
Yes, older children can help with grating the courgette (with supervision) and squeezing the lemon, while younger children can help measure ingredients or grate the cheese.
Related Articles
- Simple Pasta Recipes for Kids
- One Pot Pasta Meal in 9 Minutes
- Quick and Easy Family Dinner Ideas
Save This for Your Next Family Dinner
Love a good easy family recipe? Browse our full collection of family food ideas for more quick, kid-friendly meals you can make any night of the week.
Get More Family Food Ideas in Your Inbox
Sign up for our free newsletter for weekly recipe ideas, family activities and great offers, straight to your inbox.
