Light Courgette and Ham Pasta Bake with Gouda Topping
This courgette and deli ham pasta bake is quick and easy to put together. Wholegrain fusilli, courgette, onion, and chicken ham are baked in a creamy tomato sauce, then topped with melted Gouda. It’s a great choice for lunch or dinner, and it’s perfect for making ahead.
Nutrition
- Calories 503kcal 132kcal
- Fat 16.5g 4.4g
- Carbs 59.3g 15.6g
- Protein 26.1g 6.9g
- Fibre 8.4g 2.2g
Ingredients
Spoon measurements may change based on how you scoop the ingredients.
For the most accurate results and nutrition info, it’s best to use grams.
Method
You may also like
Why I Like this Recipe
I enjoy this recipe because it’s simple and has a nice balance of pasta, protein, and sauce. It’s also great for meal prep and reheats well.
Tips and Variations
- Try using light mozzarella or cottage cheese instead of Gouda to lower the calories.
- Add grated carrots or spinach to the sauce for extra fibre.
- To make this dish vegetarian, swap the chicken ham for chickpeas or tofu.
- Add some chilli flakes or smoked paprika if you like a bolder flavour.
- Serve the pasta bake with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a well-balanced meal.
- If you’re sensitive to dairy, use lactose-free rice cream.
- Stir in a spoonful of nutritional yeast to boost the protein.
- Store individual portions in containers to make meal prep easy during the week.
Meal Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.
Freezer tips
Freeze the pasta bake in an airtight container at -18°C.
Let the pasta bake thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use light cooking cream or plant-based cream alternatives if you prefer.
Yes. Just leave out the chicken ham and add lentils, tofu, or extra vegetables instead.
Dutch Gouda gives a rich, creamy finish, but mozzarella or cheddar also works well.
Yes, it keeps and reheats really well, so it’s great for healthy lunches or quick dinners.
Definitely! Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
Closing Note
This courgette and pasta bake is creamy and cheesy, but still feels easy enough for a balanced lunch or dinner. It also reheats well, so it is handy if you want to cook once and keep a portion for the next day. If you like simple baked pasta dishes with courgette, you might also enjoy this courgette and chicken pasta bake.
- 💪 High Protein
- 🧊 Freezer Friendly
Recipe Tags
Reviews
Be first! Review this recipe now!
Browse related recipe pages
Explore more recipe pages related to this dish.
