12 Delicious Meal Prep Pasta Recipes On a Budget

Save time. Save money. Enjoy delicious pasta.
Last Updated
:
September 9, 2024
Meal prep containers with pasta salad or quinoa, tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil
This article may have featured some affiliate links that are independently selected by our editors. We may earn affiliate revenue and commission when you buy something here. Affiliate Disclosure

Looking for a way to make your weeknight meals more affordable and healthy? Check out these delicious pasta recipes that are perfect for meal prepping. You can make them all ahead of time and have a variety of meals to choose from throughout the week.

These recipes are all easy to follow and use ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. So why not give them a try tonight? You won’t be disappointed!

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

The 12 Best Meal Prep Pasta Recipes

Without further ado, let’s see what they are!

Black Bean and Quinoa Enchilada Bake

Black bean and quinoa enchilada bake with full focus
Canva Photos

This Black Bean and Quinoa Enchilada Bake is a delicious, hearty meal that is perfect for any time of the day. It is made with quinoa and black beans, which together make a filling and nutritious dish.

The enchilada sauce gives it a great flavor, and the bake is topped with cheese and sour cream for extra richness and flavor. This recipe is easy to make, so you can enjoy it as a quick meal or an easy dinner option.

Get the Black Bean and Quinoa Enchilada Bake recipe.

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Close-up of greek yogurt ranch pasta salad
Two Peas & Their Pod

Greek Yogurt Ranch Pasta Salad

Close-up of greek yogurt ranch pasta salad
Two Peas & Their Pod

Greek yogurt is a creamy, tart, and healthy substitute for sour cream in many recipes. This ranch pasta salad is a great example of how to use Greek yogurt to create a flavorful and nutritious dish.

The Ranch dressing adds a delicious tang and the roasted red peppers add warmth and color. The salad is perfect as a light meal or as an appetizer.

Get the Greek Yogurt Ranch Pasta Salad recipe.

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta

Appetizing pasta with tomatoes, basil and spices
Adobe Stock

One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta is a quick and easy dinner recipe that can be made in just a few minutes. The pasta is cooked in a creamy tomato sauce with fresh basil.

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. You can make it with any type of pasta, but we recommend using penne because it cooks quickly and retains its shape.

If you don’t have any basil, you can substitute any other herb, such as rosemary or thyme. One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta is also vegan, gluten-free, and healthy.

Get the One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta recipe.

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Close-up of spicy sausage pasta
Skinny Spatula

Spicy Sausage Pasta

Close-up of spicy sausage pasta
Skinny Spatula

Spicy Sausage Pasta is a dish that consists of penne pasta tossed with tomato sauce and served with Italian sausage. It is a popular dish that can be enjoyed by both adults and children.

The spice level of the sausage can be adjusted to personal preference, making it possible for even the most spice-averse diner to enjoy this meal.

Additionally, the pasta itself is very versatile, meaning that it can be substituted with other types of pasta if desired.

Get the Spicy Sausage Pasta recipe.

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Close-up of slow cooker bolognese
Sarah Bolla / Food & Wine Magazine

Slow Cooker Bolognese

Close-up of slow cooker bolognese
Sarah Bolla / Food & Wine Magazine

When it comes to quick and easy meals, the slow cooker is hard to beat. This popular kitchen appliance makes cooking a breeze by taking all of the work out of preparing a dish.

In fact, many people consider the slow cooker to be one of the best tools in their kitchen. So, what is Slow Cooker Bolognese, then? As its name suggests, this recipe is based on bologna sausage.

It is made by combining ground bologna sausage with onions, garlic, tomato sauce, and milk. The end result is a delicious and comforting dish that can be served over bread or pasta.

Get the Slow Cooker Bolognese recipe.

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

Chicken Pasta Bake

Pasta baked with broccoli and chicken
Adobe Stock

Chicken Pasta Bake is a dish that is made with chicken, pasta, and vegetables. It is a simple dish that is easy to make and can be served as a main course or side dish.

The chicken and pasta are cooked in a saucepan together until the pasta is al dente.

Then the vegetables are added, and the sauce is simmered until everything is cooked through. This dish can be served warm or cold, depending on your preference.

Get the Chicken Pasta Bake recipe.

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Zucchini pasta with creamy avocado pesto in a bowl
Live Eat Learn

Zucchini Pasta with Creamy Avocado Pesto

Zucchini pasta with creamy avocado pesto in a bowl
Live Eat Learn

Zucchini pasta with creamy avocado pesto is a flavorful and healthy dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish. The pesto is made with avocados, basil, garlic, and olive oil. It is delicious and nutritious, and it provides a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

The zucchini pasta is cooked in water until al dente, then tossed with the pesto. It is served warm or cold and can be topped with additional avocado slices or grated cheese.

Get the Zucchini Pasta with Creamy Avocado Pesto recipe.

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Close-up of garlic shrimp scampi
Canva Photos

Garlic Shrimp Scampi

Close-up of garlic shrimp scampi
Canva Photos

Let’s take a moment to talk about the wonders of garlic shrimp scampi. This dish is the perfect choice for seafood lovers who crave a bold and satisfying flavor experience.

Some may call it a classic, but there’s nothing ordinary about a succulent shrimp cooked to perfection and coated in the most heavenly garlic and butter sauce.

And let’s not forget the refreshing pop of lemon juice and bright green notes of parsley to round out the dish.

With each bite, it’s like you’re being transported straight to the Italian coast, where the seafood is always fresh and the flavors are always unforgettable.

Get the Garlic Shrimp Scampi recipe.

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Close-up of creamy sun-dried tomato chicken
Wholesome Yum

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken

Close-up of creamy sun-dried tomato chicken
Wholesome Yum

Sun-dried tomato chicken is a flavorful and healthy dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. The chicken is coated in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, which gives it a delicious richness and flavor.

The chicken is then oven-roasted to give it a crispy texture, while the sauce ensures that the chicken remains moist and flavourful.

This recipe is simple to prepare and can be made in just minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights.

Get the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken recipe.

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Close-up of roasted red pepper alfredo
Damn Delicious

Roasted Red Pepper Alfredo

Close-up of roasted red pepper alfredo
Damn Delicious

Red Pepper Alfredo is a creamy and cheesy dish that features roasted red peppers as the main ingredient. The dish is made by combining alfredo sauce, cream, and roasted red peppers.

This delicious combination creates a rich and flavorful dish that is sure to please. Roasted red peppers add a beautiful color and flavor to the alfredo sauce, while the cream gives it a light and fluffy texture.

Get the Roasted Red Pepper Alfredo recipe.

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Ground beef and tomato pasta bake
Slow The Cook Down

Ground Beef and Tomato Pasta Bake

Ground beef and tomato pasta bake
Slow The Cook Down

This dish is made with ground beef, diced tomatoes, garlic, and salt.

It is then simmered in a tomato sauce until the ingredients are fully cooked. Once ready, the pasta is tossed with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese before being served warm.

Get the Ground Beef and Tomato Pasta Bake recipe.

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Creamy mushroom pappardelle on a deep plate
Chocolates & Chai

Creamy Mushroom Pappardelle

Creamy mushroom pappardelle on a deep plate
Chocolates & Chai

Creamy Mushroom Pappardelle is a popular Italian pasta dish made with thick, creamy sauce and delicate, pillow-like noodles.

The sauce is made from mushrooms and Hollandaise sauce, and it is usually served on overheated pasta. Pappardelle is a type of spaghetti that is typically longer than most other varieties and have a ridged surface.

Get the Creamy Mushroom Pappardelle recipe.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below