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–+ servings
A bowl of creamy, cheesy pasta with sausage and tomato sauce, perfect for Pasta Recipes Meal Prep.

Pasta Recipes Meal Prep That Actually Tastes Great

This recipe provides a simple method for preparing a flavorful sausage pasta dish suitable for meal prepping. You can enjoy this satisfying meal throughout the week without sacrificing taste.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 3 containers
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion diced
  • 1 green bell pepper diced
  • 2 stalk celery diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 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 sausage links of your choice sliced; andouille-style or chorizo recommended
  • 15 oz canned 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 start to brown, 7 to 10 minutes. If food sticks 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 browned bits. Stir until the spices evenly coat the ingredients and cook until the sausage is nearly done, 5 to 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 watch the water level. If the liquid evaporates quickly, reduce the heat a little and add water as needed. If the pasta is ready but the rest looks too soupy, cook with the lid off for a minute.
  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, so do not worry if there seems to be extra liquid initially.
  5. Divide the pasta among three meal prep containers and allow to cool completely before refrigerating. Garnish with parsley.

Notes

I mastered making pasta recipes that save time and satisfy, allowing my family to gather around the table for joyful meals even on busy nights.

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