Creamy Garlic Pasta Sauce Meal Prep: Nutritious and Flavorful

Discover how to create a creamy garlic pasta sauce that’s perfect for meal prep. This recipe focuses on achieving a rich, creamy texture without using traditional cream, making it both delicious and nutritious.

Key Takeaway:

Learn how to make a creamy garlic pasta sauce that’s ideal for meal prepping, emphasizing simplicity and flavor.

Ingredients:

Here’s what you’ll need for Creamy Garlic Pasta Sauce Meal Prep:

• Sauce Ingredients:
• 4 large tomatoes, sliced and diced
• 2 bell peppers (capsicums), sliced and diced
• 5 cloves garlic, grated
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Sea salt flakes and cracked black pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 2 tsp sweet paprika
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 180ml chicken stock
• 240g soft low-fat cream cheese
• Pasta Ingredients:
• 500g rigatoni or pasta of choice
• 10ml olive oil
• 750g lean ground beef
• Sea salt flakes and cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sauce:

• Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
• Add tomatoes, bell peppers, sea salt, and black pepper. Cook for 6 minutes.
• Stir in grated garlic, cook for another 4 minutes.
• Add onion powder, sweet paprika, oregano, basil. Cook for 3 minutes.
• Pour in chicken stock, bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
• Cool for 15-20 minutes, then blend until smooth. Add cream cheese, blend until creamy.

1. Cook the Pasta:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Cook pasta for 1 minute less than package instructions. Drain.

1. Prepare the Beef:

• Heat olive oil in another pan over high heat.
• Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper. Cook for 3 minutes until browned.
• Break up beef, cook for 6 minutes until fully browned.
• Stir in prepared sauce, cook for 2 minutes until simmering.

1. Combine and Serve:

• Add drained pasta to the sauce. Stir well to coat evenly.
• Cook for 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens.
• Divide into 5 meal prep containers (750ml each).
• Garnish with Parmesan cheese if desired.

1. Storage and Reheating:

• Cool containers for 15-20 minutes before sealing with lids.
• Store in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 4 months.
• Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutritional Breakdown per Serving:

• Calories: Approximately 530
• Protein: Approximately 30g

Cost Breakdown:

• Total Cost per Serving: Around $4.50

Conclusion:

Enjoy the convenience and deliciousness of creamy garlic pasta sauce with this meal prep recipe. It’s a great way to incorporate flavorful ingredients into your weekly meals without compromising on nutrition. Whether you’re preparing lunches for work or dinners for the family, this dish is sure to satisfy.

Experiment with different pasta shapes or add extra vegetables to customize the recipe to your taste. The creamy texture comes from the blend of tomatoes, bell peppers, and cream cheese, offering a healthier alternative to traditional cream-based sauces.

For more meal prep ideas and culinary tips, stay tuned and explore the joy of homemade meals. Let’s make meal prepping simple and enjoyable together!

This creamy garlic pasta sauce meal prep recipe delivers on both taste and practicality. It’s a versatile dish that’s easy to prepare ahead of time and offers a comforting meal whenever you need it. Dive into the flavors and experience the satisfaction of homemade cooking with every bite!