Embark on a culinary journey with our stuffed courgette recipe, a gem of Mediterranean cuisine that brings simple ingredients and rich flavors to your dinner table.
Perfect for anyone seeking healthy dinner ideas that don't compromise on taste, this dish combines savory mixed minced meat with fresh tomatoes and crunchy almonds, all nestled inside vibrant yellow courgettes.
Drizzled with olive oil and roasted to perfection, each bite is a delight.
Paired with delicate ribbons of green courgette and al dente fettuccine, this easy weeknight meal not only satisfies your hunger but also enchants your palate.
Ready in under an hour, it’s ideal for both busy evenings and leisurely weekend dining. Dive into this delicious, nutritious meal that's sure to impress!
⦁ 1 clove garlic
⦁ 10 black olives, without stones, cut into fine rings
⦁ 2 tbsp (30ml) chopped almonds
⦁ 2 yellow courgettes
⦁ 9 ½ oz (300g) fettuccine
⦁ Salt as desired
⦁ Freshly ground pepper as desired
⦁ 3 tbsp (45ml) olive oil
⦁ 1 green courgette
⦁ 4 chopped tomatoes
⦁ 6 ½ oz (200g) mixed minced meat
⦁ 8 black olives
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Combine the minced meat, tomatoes, almonds, and olive rings in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Rinse the yellow courgette, slice them lengthways, and hollow out the centers using a teaspoon. Stuff the courgette halves with the meat mixture.
4. Place the stuffed courgette on a greased baking tray, drizzle each with 1 tbsp (15ml) of olive oil, and roast in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes.
5. Use a potato peeler to create thin ribbons from the green courgette. Boil the pasta in a large pot of salted water until it reaches 'al dente' texture, then drain.
6. Toss the hot pasta with the green courgette ribbons and 2 tbsp (30ml) of olive oil. Season the pasta lightly with a pinch of salt.
7. Serve the pasta on plates, topped with a stuffed courgette half and garnished with black olives.
🛒 Choosing Ingredients
✔ Ribbon Pasta – Tagliatelle, pappardelle, or fettuccine; fresh or dried, cooked al dente
✔ Courgettes (Zucchini) – Young, firm, and small for best flavor and texture
✔ Almonds – Use slivered or sliced; toast them for a rich, nutty crunch
✔ Olives – Kalamata or green olives; pitted and roughly chopped
✔ Garlic – Finely minced for aromatic depth
✔ Lemon Zest – Adds brightness and ties all ingredients together
✔ Fresh Herbs – Parsley, mint, or basil to finish with freshness
✔ Olive Oil – High-quality extra virgin for sautéing and drizzling
✔ Parmesan or Pecorino – Optional, for a savory finishing touch
👩🍳 Preparation
✔ Cook Pasta First – Reserve some pasta water for finishing the sauce
✔ Toast Almonds Separately – Use a dry pan until lightly golden and fragrant
✔ Sauté Courgettes Lightly – Use olive oil; cook until just tender but still vibrant
✔ Layer Flavors – Add garlic and olives after courgettes to preserve their punch
✔ Combine with Pasta – Toss everything in a pan with a bit of reserved pasta water to bring it all together
🔥 Cooking Techniques
✔ Keep Courgettes Tender – Don’t overcook; they should keep a slight bite
✔ Pasta Water Magic – Use it to create a light sauce and help the oil cling to the pasta
✔ Build in Layers – Toast almonds first, then remove and add them back at the end to retain crunch
✔ Finish in the Pan – Toss pasta and sauce together over low heat for perfect integration
🍳 Balancing Flavors
✔ Nutty + Briny – Almonds add richness, olives bring a salty contrast
✔ Lemon Zest – Brightens and cuts through the olive oil
✔ Herbs Add Freshness – Parsley for earthiness, mint for a cool twist, or basil for sweetness
✔ Optional Cheese – A small sprinkle of Parmesan or Pecorino adds umami without overpowering
📦 Storage
✔ Fridge – Keeps 2–3 days in an airtight container
✔ Best Served Fresh – Almonds lose crunch over time; add fresh ones when reheating
✔ Reheat Gently – In a pan with a splash of olive oil or water
✔ Not Ideal for Freezing – Pasta and courgettes can become mushy when thawed
🍽 Serving
✔ Plating – Serve in wide bowls with toasted almonds on top for texture
✔ Garnish Ideas – Extra herbs, lemon zest, or a drizzle of good olive oil
✔ Wine Pairing – Pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Vermentino
✔ Perfect For – Light lunches, summer dinners, vegetarian mains, or picnic-style pasta salads