There’s nothing quite like a classic pasta dish to brighten up your dinner table, and when it comes to comfort food, carbonara stands out as one of the all-time favourites. This easy recipe combines the rich, smoky flavours of pancetta with the fresh, tender bite of courgettes, bringing a delightful twist to the traditional carbonara. Perfect for anyone looking to enjoy cooking with easy recipes, this courgette carbonara is not only quick to make but also packed with flavour and texture.
The Heart of the Dish: Pancetta and Pasta
Start with a thickly cut piece of pancetta or smoky bacon — five chunky slices for two generous portions works perfectly. Slice them up ruggedly, so they render their fat beautifully in the pan. A splash of olive oil helps get the process going as the pancetta crisps up and releases its irresistible aroma.
While the pancetta cooks, it’s time to prepare the pasta. You could opt for linguine or spaghetti, both classic choices, but interestingly, penne is considered the traditional pasta for carbonara by trusted Italian sources. About 200 grams of penne, salted well and cooked with a lid on, forms the perfect base for this dish.
Adding Freshness: Preparing the Courgettes
Courgettes are a fantastic vegetable to pair with carbonara, especially when they’re in season. Use a couple of small courgettes per person. Cut them in half, then quarter them to remove the fluffy seeds inside. Slice the courgettes at an angle to create shapes that resemble penne quills—this clever technique helps the pasta and sauce marry beautifully.
For variety, slice larger courgettes more roughly, giving the dish a rustic feel. The goal is to soften the courgettes slightly in the pancetta fat while retaining a bit of crunch for texture contrast.
Cooking the Courgettes with Pancetta
Once your pancetta is golden and crisp, toss the courgettes into the pan. They soak up the smoky, salty fat, creating a flavourful base. Don’t forget to add a generous pinch of black pepper — this is essential in carbonara, providing not just seasoning but a subtle heat that lifts the dish.
Fresh thyme is the secret herb here. Lemon thyme and variegated flowering thyme both complement the courgettes and pork beautifully. Adding thyme at this stage infuses the dish with aromatic notes that make it feel fresh and vibrant.
This mix of pancetta, courgettes, herbs, and pepper can stand on its own as a delicious vegetable side dish or be tossed into salads and frittatas. It’s a versatile flavour combo that adds depth to many meals.
The Classic Carbonara Sauce Made Simple
Now for the sauce, which is where many get carbonara wrong. For every person, use one egg yolk — so for two, two yolks. Add a splash of cream, around 25ml per person, and a generous handful of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Avoid pre-grated cheese for the best flavour and texture.
Because the pasta water is salted and the pancetta is naturally salty, you don’t need additional seasoning in the sauce. The pepper already added to the courgettes ensures the dish has a nice kick.
Bringing It All Together
Drain the pasta directly into the pan with the courgettes and pancetta. The courgettes should be tender but still have a slight crunch. This is the perfect time to pour in the egg and cheese sauce. Make sure the pan has cooled slightly — if it’s too hot, the eggs will scramble instead of creating a silky, smooth sauce.
Toss the pasta vigorously while adding a little reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. The goal is a glossy, luscious coating that clings to each penne piece perfectly.
Finishing Touches and Serving
Serve your courgette carbonara on a large plate, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh thyme and a drizzle of good quality olive oil. This simple yet classic dish is a celebration of fresh ingredients and traditional Italian cooking techniques, elevated by the addition of tender courgettes.
Whether you're looking to impress guests or simply enjoy a quick, easy recipe at home, this courgette carbonara ticks all the boxes. It’s a perfect example of how cooking with seasonal vegetables can bring new life to beloved classics.
Enjoy the rich, smoky pancetta, the fresh bite of courgettes, and the silky sauce all in one delightful plate of pasta. Happy cooking!
This article was created from the video How To Cook A Classic Pasta Dish! Courgette Carbonara Recipe By Jamie Oliver with the help of AI.
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