Are you tired of stressful weeknight cooking and bland meal prep options? Get ready to revolutionize your dining experience with this mouthwatering Chicken Pasta Meal Prep that combines incredible flavor, nutrition, and convenience in just 30 minutes! Perfect for busy professionals, fitness enthusiasts, and anyone craving a delicious, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of choice
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 cups spinach
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of pasta, 1 lb of diced chicken breast, 2 cups of spinach, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 2 tbsp of olive oil, 1 tsp of garlic powder, salt and pepper, and Parmesan cheese for topping.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add a pinch of salt and the pasta of your choice. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tbsp of olive oil to the skillet and allow it to heat up for about 1 minute.
- Once the oil is hot, add the diced chicken breast to the skillet. Season the chicken with 1 tsp of garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
- After the chicken is cooked, add the halved cherry tomatoes and spinach to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted and the tomatoes are slightly softened.
- Once the pasta is done cooking, drain it in a colander and then add it to the skillet with the chicken and vegetables. Toss everything together until the pasta is well combined with the chicken, spinach, and tomatoes.
- Remove the skillet from heat. Taste the pasta mixture and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- To serve, divide the chicken pasta mixture into meal prep containers. Top each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Allow the meal prep containers to cool before sealing them with lids. Store the containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave when ready to enjoy.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: Use pasta shapes that hold sauce well, like penne, rotini, or fusilli for optimal texture.
- Ensure Chicken is Properly Cooked: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature for food safety.
- Meal Prep Storage Hack: Use glass containers with tight-fitting lids to maintain freshness and prevent leaks.
- Add Extra Flavor: Consider adding dried herbs like basil or oregano to enhance the overall taste profile.
- Customize Your Prep: Feel free to swap spinach with other vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers for variety.
- Prevent Soggy Pasta: If reheating, add a small splash of water when microwaving to restore moisture and prevent dryness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 90mg
