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Close-up of a glass container filled with creamy pasta, sausage pieces, and diced tomatoes, a perfect pasta recipes meal prep.

Pasta Recipes Meal Prep That Actually Tastes Great

This recipe offers a delicious and practical solution for busy individuals and families looking for tasty pasta meal prep ideas. It simplifies weeknight dinners with flavorful, satisfying, and nutritious options.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 3 meal prep containers
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion diced
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • 2 stalks celery diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
For the Spices and Sausage
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp oregano
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp thyme
  • 1/8 tsp cayenne optional, or more to taste
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 3 links sausage of your choice, sliced
For the Pasta and Sauce
  • 15 oz diced tomatoes fire-roasted and Rotel style also work
  • 2 cup broth of your choice
  • 6 ounces short pasta such as penne
  • 1/2 cup milk any kind
  • 2 oz cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese optional, but recommended
  • parsley optional, for garnish

Equipment

  • Dutch oven

Method
 

  1. Heat a Dutch oven over medium heat and add the oil. Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery with a sprinkle of salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are translucent and the veggies are starting to brown, 7-10 minutes. If things are sticking to the pan, add a splash of water.
  2. Add the garlic, chili powder, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, cayenne (if using), salt, pepper, and sausage with a splash of water to scrape up the brown bits. Stir until the spices evenly coat the ingredients and cook until the sausage is nearly done, 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add the tomatoes (including their juices), broth, and pasta. Increase the heat until the mixture comes to a low boil. Stir well, cover, and reduce to a low simmer for 10 minutes. Stir occasionally and monitor the water level. If the liquid seems to be evaporating quickly, reduce the heat a little and add water as needed. If the pasta is almost ready but the rest looks too soupy, let it cook with the lid off for a minute or so.
  4. When the pasta is ready, reduce the heat. Add the milk and cream cheese and stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated. Add the Parmesan cheese gradually, if using, and stir until melted. The sauce will thicken as it cools.
  5. Divide the pasta among three meal prep containers and allow to cool completely before refrigerating. Garnish with parsley.

Notes

This recipe is designed for meal prepping, making it easy to have delicious pasta ready throughout the week. Ensure the pasta is completely cooled before sealing the containers for refrigeration.

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