Fridge Friend Recipes
Creamy Courgette and Spiral Ricosa Bake recipe
Tender courgette is folded through pasta and tomato sauce, then baked until bubbling and cohesive. The result is a comforting traybake-style dinner with a lightly creamy finish.
40 min · Medium · Mediterranean-inspired Jump to method
Ingredients
- 320g Spiral Ricosa
- 500g Tomato sauce
- 120ml Eko milk
- 2 medium Courgette
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tsp Salt
| Nutrition | Per servingEstimated |
|---|---|
| Calories | 323 kcal |
| Protein | 12.8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 43.6 g |
| Fat | 10.4 g |
| Saturated fat | 2.1 g |
| Fibre | 5 g |
| Sugar | 9.3 g |
| Sodium | 739 mg |
Why this works
Moderate-calorie baked pasta dish with some fibre and veg, but fairly high in sodium and mainly carbohydrate-based.
Courgettes add fibre and micronutrients. Courgettes contribute fibre, potassium and vitamin C, helping to improve the overall nutrient density of the bake.
Tomato sauce supports antioxidant intake. Tomato-based sauce provides lycopene, a protective plant compound, along with some vitamin C and potassium.
Salt is the main concern. The added 1 tsp salt pushes sodium up noticeably; this may be a concern for blood pressure if the sauce or pasta is already salted.
Method
- Heat the oven to 200°C (Fan 180°C, 392°F, Gas Mark 6).
Make sure the oven has fully reached temperature before the dish goes in, so the pasta starts baking immediately rather than steaming.
- Slice the courgette into thin half-moons and cook in a frying pan until just softened.
Keep the slices evenly thin so they soften at the same rate, and stir only occasionally so they take on a little colour instead of collapsing into a purée.
- Cook the Spiral Ricosa in salted water until nearly al dente, then drain.
Taste a strand a minute or two before the end; it should still have a firm centre, as it will finish cooking in the oven.
- Mix the pasta with the tomato sauce, Eko milk and cooked courgette until well coated.
Mix while the pasta is still hot so the sauce loosens and clings, but stop as soon as everything looks evenly coated to avoid breaking up the spiral shape.
- Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 15-20 minutes until bubbling and lightly browned on top.
Set the dish in the middle of the oven for even heat, and look for bubbling at the edges and a pale golden top rather than a dark crust.
Other Mediterranean-inspired recipes
Baked Eggs with Mushroom and Yoghurt Sauce
30 min · Gently baked eggs are served with mushrooms and a tangy yoghurt sauce for a fresh, comforting dish. The sauce adds creaminess without making the plate heavy.
Baked Eggs with Salsa and Mozzarella
25 min · A bubbling, savoury egg bake with hot salsa and melted mozzarella, finished with rich butter for a comforting breakfast or light dinner. It’s quick to assemble and full of bold, spicy flavour.
Creamy Tomato and Feta Pasta
25 min · A comforting pasta dish with a silky tomato and cream cheese sauce, brightened with tangy feta and finished with a handful of broccoli. It is rich, colourful and quick enough for a midweek dinner.
Creamy Tomato Baked Eggs
22 min · A simple baked egg dish with a rich tomato base and a soft, creamy finish. It is ideal for a speedy supper or a weekend brunch.
Ham, Mozzarella and Chilli Stuffed Sweet Peppers
25 min · Sweet peppers are filled with savoury ham, mozzarella and a little heat for an easy, colourful meal. They’re juicy, cheesy and neatly balanced with a fresh salad side.
Peri Peri Chicken Pepper and Tomato Skillet
30 min · This bright skillet supper combines spicy chicken with peppers and tomatoes, finished with softly baked eggs. It is hearty, easy and perfect for sharing.
View category
Discover recipes from your fridge contents
Use the FridgeFriend app to recognise the ingredients already in your fridge and help you discover recipes.
