Courgette noodles
These incredible courgette noodles are also known as "zoodles" and offer a fresh take on classic pasta. This recipe blends the soft texture of courgette with crispy bacon and creamy cheese sauce for a comforting and rich dish similar to carbonara.
Ingredients
|
Courgette
|
1⅕ kilo |
|---|---|
|
Garlic cloves
|
2 |
|
Olive oil
|
2 tbsp |
|
Bacon
|
140 g |
|
Milk
|
100 ml |
|
Cream cheese
|
200 g |
|
Parmesan cheese
|
100 g |
|
Chives, chopped
|
50 ml |
|
Salt and pepper, to taste
|
Selecting the ideal courgettes
When making courgette noodles, pick firm, medium-sized courgettes. These have the right texture and flavour, making your noodles tender and firm. Larger courgettes have more water and seeds, which can make them mushy. Smaller courgettes are sweeter, more tender, and perfect for noodles. Choosing the correct size improves both taste and appearance.
Master the right noodle shape
To get the best courgette noodles, use a julienne peeler and run it firmly down the length of the courgette. This creates long, even strips that resemble classic noodles. Choose smaller courgettes—they are denser, hold their shape better, and release less water when cooked. Rotate the courgette as you peel to make use of all sides, including the firmer skin for added texture. When you reach the soft core, stop peeling.
FAQ: Questions about courgette noodles
Courgette noodles are a versatile and delicious alternative to pasta. This section answers common questions, including how to keep them from getting soggy and how to store them.
How can I make courgette noodles without a spiraliser?
You can make courgette noodles with simple kitchen tools. Use a julienne peeler to cut the courgette into thin strands. This tool is small and easy to use. A mandolin slicer with a julienne setting can also work well. For wider noodles, peel the courgette into long strips with a vegetable peeler, then cut them into noodles with a knife. Using a sharp knife alone is more work and may not make very thin noodles.
How can I prevent courgette noodles from becoming soggy?
You can prevent the courgette noodles from becoming soggy by not overcooking them. Use a hot pan and sauté quickly for no more than 1–2 minutes. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can cause steaming instead of searing. And always add sauces at the end, just before serving, to keep the texture crisp and fresh.
How to store courgette noodles?
Store them in an airtight container with paper towels in the fridge for up to three days. The paper towels absorb extra moisture. Wait to add sauce until serving to keep their texture. If they release water, just drain them before use. For long storage, blanch courgette noodles and then freeze them. Dunk them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then rinse with cold water. Pat dry, freeze on a baking sheet, and transfer to freezer bags. Store for up to six months. Frozen noodles may be softer, so thaw them overnight in the fridge before use.
Nutritional values
Nutritional value, per
1808 Kcal
| Fibre | 21.7 gram fibers |
| Protein | 68.9 gram |
| Carbohydrates | 42.6 gram |
| Fat | 153.2 gram |
Other recipes
Try our favourite courgette noodles with creamy cheese sauce
Serve up something new and exciting at your dinner table with this courgette noodles and creamy cheese sauce recipe. It delivers all the richness of a cheesy pasta dish – but with tender courgette noodles instead. Finished with a scattering of fresh chives, it truly is a beautiful meal everyone will want to enjoy.
Creamy sauce with milk and Parmesan cheese
The heart of this dish lies in its rich and smooth cheese sauce. A combination of milk, cream cheese, and freshly grated Parmesan creates a silky base that wraps around the courgette noodles.
The sauce balances indulgence and simplicity, delivering a luscious texture that ties all the ingredients together. While this is not a traditional carbonara, our recipe explores similar creamy textures and rich flavours. Even if the courgette noodles are different from traditional pasta, you will still get a wonderful dinner meal.
If you love cheesy dishes, you might also enjoy our baked courgette, fried cheese balls, or paneer pakora.
A savoury bite from crispy bacon bits
Nothing brings a dish to life quite like the irresistible crunch of crispy bacon. These golden bites offer a savoury punch with just the right amount of salty balance, creating a delightful contrast to the creamy sauce and tender courgette noodles. We especially enjoy the bold, smoky bacon notes that bring a little extra excitement to the dish.
A fresh take on classic pasta
Courgette noodles offer a creative twist on traditional pasta, bringing a new dimension to familiar dishes. Their tender, delicate texture pairs beautifully with rich and indulgent sauces – like the creamy bacon and cheese version in this recipe. This fresh approach reinvents the classic pasta experience, combining comfort with a sense of novelty.
Ideas for varying the recipe
There are endless ways to personalise this courgette noodles recipe, letting you explore different ingredients and combinations.
If you want to switch up the courgette noodles, try butternut squash noodles for a slightly firmer texture and a delicate sweetness. Carrots, if julienned finely, can also work as an alternative, though they will retain a gentle crunch for added texture.
If cream cheese is not your favourite, try using mascarpone for a milder, silkier alternative or ricotta for a soft texture and slightly sweet undertone. For those who enjoy bolder flavours, crumbled blue cheese such as Gorgonzola can add a rich, tangy complexity to the sauce.
The bacon can also be substituted with pancetta for a meatier bite or smoked ham for a gentler savoury note. If you prefer a vegetarian option, roasted mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes can bring depth and richness to the dish.
For a finishing touch, consider adding toasted pine nuts or walnuts for a nutty crunch. Alternatively, a drizzle of truffle oil can provide an earthy, umami boost, elevating the dish to something truly special.
