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!
The 17 Delicious Meal Prep Pasta Recipes On a Budget
It can be hard to stick to your healthy eating goals when you're short on time and money.
Most people think that healthy eating has to be expensive and time-consuming, but that's not always the case. Meal prepping with pasta is a great way to save money and time.
These 17 delicious pasta recipes are all easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights. So stock up on your favorite pasta and get cooking!
Without further ado, let's see what they are!
17. One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta
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.
16. Spicy Sausage Pasta
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.
15. Roasted Red Pepper Alfredo
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.
This recipe is easy to follow and can be made in just a few minutes. If you are looking for a delicious and unique way to enjoy your alfredo sauce, then try this recipe out!
14. Garlic Shrimp Scampi
Garlic Shrimp Scampi is a dish made with fresh, raw shrimp cooked in a garlic sauce. The garlic sauce is made with garlic, olive oil, and red wine vinegar.
The shrimp are then cooked in the sauce until they are pink and slightly charred. This dish is typically served over linguine or angel hair pasta.
13. One Pan of Honey Garlic Chicken and Vegetables
If you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal that's both healthy and delicious, give One Pan Honey Garlic Chicken and Vegetables a try.
The dish is made up of boneless, skinless chicken breasts cooked in garlic and honey sauce over a bed of steamed vegetables.
What makes this dish so special is that it can be prepared in just one pan, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights.
Plus, the ingredients are easily accessible, and all you need is some basic pantry staples to make this dish come together.
If you're looking for something new and unique to serve during the week, give One Pan Honey Garlic Chicken and Veggies a try!
12. Ground Beef and Tomato Pasta Bake
If you're looking for a hearty and delicious meal that can be prepared in under 30 minutes, then ground beef and tomato pasta bake is perfect for you!
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.
This popular dish can be enjoyed by anyone—it's perfect for busy weeknights or weekend family dinners.
11. Slow Cooker Bolognese
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.
If you are looking for an easy but special meal that everyone will love, try slow Cooker Bolognese!
10. Gluten Free Taco Pasta Salad
When it comes to gluten-free food, pasta salad is a classic option. This dish can be made with a variety of ingredients, but the key is to find something that is gluten-free.
In this recipe, the pasta is replaced with taco shells. The tacos add an extra layer of flavor and texture to the salad. It also makes for an interesting presentation.
While this meal is not gluten-free by definition, it can be modified to be so if needed.
9. Pasta Salad With Cucumbers and Italian Dressing
Pasta salad is a very popular dish that can be made with many different ingredients. One of the most common pasta salads is made with cucumbers and Italian dressing.
This recipe calls for plenty of salty, acidic, and savory flavors to balance each other out. The dressing is made up of olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and parmesan cheese.
These ingredients work together to create a delicious and refreshing salad that will leave your taste buds singing for more.
8. Vegan Pesto Pasta Salad With Roasted Veggies
Vegan pesto pasta salad with roasted veggies is a perfect summer meal. This dish is easy to make and full of flavor. It can be served as a main course or as a side dish.
The pesto pasta salad is made with roasted vegetables, vegan cheese, and pesto dressing. The vegan cheese helps to add richness and flavor to the dish.
The pesto dressing gives it a delicious flavor. The salad can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for an easy meal later on.
7. Creamy Mushroom Pappardelle
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.
6. Chicken Pasta Bake
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.
5. Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken
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.
4. Caprese Pasta Salad
Caprese pasta salad is a simple and delicious dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or main course. Made from fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil, this salad is sure to please any palate.
Typically, the ingredients are mixed together and served on a bed of pasta, but Caprese pasta salad can also be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
Whether you're looking for a light and refreshing meal or something more substantial to serve as an appetizer, Caprese pasta salad is the perfect option.
3. Zucchini Pasta with Creamy Avocado Pesto
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.
2. Greek Yogurt Ranch Pasta Salad
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.
1. Black Bean and Quinoa Enchilada Bake
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.
As you can see, there are a lot of different recipes that you can make ahead of time and enjoy throughout the week.
Whether you're looking for something hearty and filling or light and refreshing, there's definitely a meal prep pasta recipe here for you.
So what are you waiting for? Stock up on pasta and give one of these recipes a try tonight!
