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Four Easy Pasta Freezer Meals Recipe

Four Easy Pasta Freezer Meals Recipe
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5.3 from 31 reviews

Discover four easy and delicious pasta freezer meals that save you time and effort while satisfying your Italian food cravings. From fresh basil pesto pasta to classic spaghetti with tomato sauce, hearty penne with meatballs, and creamy chicken Alfredo, these recipes are perfect for batch cooking and freezing. Customize them with ingredient swaps for gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegetarian preferences, and enjoy homemade comfort anytime.

Ingredients

Scale

Pesto Pasta

  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/3 cup pine nuts
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your choice)

Spaghetti and Tomato Sauce

  • 1 pound (450g) spaghetti
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional)
  • Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Penne with Meatballs

  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Chicken Alfredo

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 8 oz fettuccine pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pesto Pasta – Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Pesto Pasta – Prepare the Pesto: In a food processor, combine basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and minced garlic. Pulse until finely chopped.
  3. Pesto Pasta – Add Olive Oil: With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Pesto Pasta – Combine Pasta and Pesto: In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the pesto sauce until evenly coated.
  5. Pesto Pasta – Serve and Freeze: Divide into serving bowls to enjoy now or let cool before transferring to freezer-safe bags for storage.
  6. Spaghetti and Tomato Sauce – Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  7. Spaghetti and Tomato Sauce – Prepare the Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  8. Spaghetti and Tomato Sauce – Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Pour in crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well. Add sugar if the sauce tastes too acidic.
  9. Spaghetti and Tomato Sauce – Simmer the Sauce: Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until slightly thickened.
  10. Spaghetti and Tomato Sauce – Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss cooked spaghetti with the tomato sauce until evenly coated.
  11. Spaghetti and Tomato Sauce – Serve and Freeze: Garnish with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately or cool and freeze in ziplock bags.
  12. Penne with Meatballs – Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  13. Penne with Meatballs – Prepare the Meatballs: In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef or Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, milk, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Mix well.
  14. Penne with Meatballs – Form the Meatballs: Roll mixture into 1-inch diameter bite-sized meatballs.
  15. Penne with Meatballs – Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs in batches, browning all sides and cooking through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  16. Penne with Meatballs – Heat the Sauce: Add marinara sauce to the skillet and bring to a simmer. Return meatballs to the sauce and coat evenly. Simmer for a few minutes until heated through.
  17. Penne with Meatballs – Combine Pasta and Meatballs: Add cooked penne to skillet and toss with meatballs and sauce.
  18. Penne with Meatballs – Serve and Freeze: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and Parmesan. Serve immediately or cool and freeze.
  19. Chicken Alfredo – Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook fettuccine until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  20. Chicken Alfredo – Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through and golden. Remove and slice into strips.
  21. Chicken Alfredo – Make the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and stir in Parmesan until smooth and creamy.
  22. Chicken Alfredo – Combine: Add cooked pasta and chicken slices to the sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
  23. Chicken Alfredo – Serve and Freeze: Garnish with parsley and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately or let cool before freezing in freezer-safe bags.

Notes

  • To make gluten-free versions, substitute the pasta with your favorite gluten-free variety.
  • For dairy-free options, replace heavy cream with plant-based milk and butter with vegan butter.
  • Vegetarian adaptations include substituting meatballs or chicken with Impossible Meat or mushrooms.
  • Cool all dishes completely before freezing to ensure best quality and safety.
  • These meals can typically be frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat frozen meals by thawing overnight in the fridge and warming on the stove or microwave.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta freezer meals, easy pasta recipes, make ahead pasta, freezer friendly meals, pesto pasta, spaghetti tomato sauce, penne meatballs, chicken alfredo

Find it online: https://foodbylina.com/four-easy-pasta-freezer-meals-recipe/