Roasted Courgette Pesto Pasta with Green Herb Sauce
This dish combines soft, caramelized roasted courgettes with al dente pasta and a bright green herb sauce. It’s comforting yet healthy — perfect for Mediterranean eating.
⏱ Total Time
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Ingredients
For Roasted Courgettes
2 medium courgettes (zucchini), sliced
1.5 tbsp olive oil
Salt & pepper
½ tsp dried oregano
For the Pasta
200 g pasta (fusilli, penne, or spaghetti)
Salt for boiling
For the Green Herb Pesto Sauce
1 packed cup fresh basil leaves
½ packed cup parsley
2 tbsp pine nuts or walnuts
1 small garlic clove
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp grated parmesan (optional for Mediterranean style)
Juice of ½ lemon
Salt & pepper to taste
2–4 tbsp pasta water (to thin the sauce)
Instructions
1. Roast the Courgettes
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
Toss courgette slices with olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Spread on a baking tray in a single layer.
Roast 15–20 minutes until golden and soft.
2. Cook the Pasta
Boil salted water.
Add pasta and cook until al dente.
Reserve ½ cup pasta water.
Drain pasta.
3. Make the Green Herb Pesto
Blend or process together:
Basil
Parsley
Pine nuts / walnuts
Garlic
Olive oil
Lemon juice
Parmesan
Salt & pepper
Add 2–4 tbsp pasta water to create a smooth, pourable green sauce.
4. Combine the Pasta
In a large pan, add the pasta + roasted courgette pieces.
Pour in the green sauce.
Toss on low heat for 1–2 minutes until the sauce coats the pasta beautifully.
Add a splash more pasta water if needed.
⭐ 5. Serve
Top with:
Extra parmesan
Extra basil
A drizzle of olive oil
Cracked pepper
Tips
Add roasted cherry tomatoes for sweetness.
Add grilled chicken or shrimp for protein.
Add spinach for more greens.
Use whole-wheat pasta for a healthy Mediterranean option.
❓ frequently Asked Questions FAQ
Q: Is the pesto too strong?
Use half the garlic or replace with roasted garlic for a milder flavor.
Q: Can I make the sauce in advance?
Yes — keeps 3 days in the fridge.
Q: Can I make it creamy?
Add 1 tbsp Greek yogurt to the pesto for a creamy Mediterranean twist.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 490–540
Protein: 14–18g
Carbs: 55–60g
Fat: 20–25g
Fiber: 5–8g
