Creamy Rigatoni with Courgette and Spinach

Delicious creamy rigatoni pasta mixed with courgette ribbons and fresh spinach in a zesty lemon and cheese sauce. Perfect for a nutritious Italian-inspired meal.

Good

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

Put a large saucepan of water with 4 tsp salt on to boil for the pasta.

Step 2

Halve, peel and thinly slice the shallot. Peel and grate the garlic (or use a garlic press).

Step 3

Trim the courgette. Use a peeler to peel long ribbons down the length of the courgette, stopping at the spongy centre.

Step 4

Zest and halve the lemon (see ingredients for amount).

Step 5

Once the oil is hot, add the shallot and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 4-5 mins. Stir in the veg stock paste and reserved pasta water, then simmer until reduced by half, 3-4 mins.

Step 6

Mix in the creme fraiche and heat through until piping hot, then season with pepper.

Step 7

Cook the Pasta: Once boiling, add the rigatoni to the water and bring back to the boil. Cook until tender, 12 mins. When ready, reserve some of the pasta water, then drain in a colander.

Step 8

Pop the pasta back into the pan, drizzle with oil and stir through to stop it sticking together.

Step 9

Stir three quarters of the hard Italian style cheese through your creamy sauce.

Step 10

Add the cooked pasta and half the cooked green veg and stir well to combine. Add a splash of water if it's a little too thick.

Step 11

In a large frying pan, heat with a drizzle of oil, add the courgette ribbons and season with salt and pepper. Cook until softened, 2-3 mins, then stir in the garlic and cook for 1 min more.

Step 12

Add the spinach a handful at a time and cook until wilted and piping hot, 1-2 mins. Transfer everything to a large bowl and cover to keep warm.

Step 13

Put your (now empty) frying pan back on medium heat with a drizzle of oil.

Step 14

Serve: Share the creamy pasta between your bowls, top with the remaining cooked green. Finish with a sprinkle of the remaining hard Italian style cheese.

Step 15

Enjoy!