11 Healthy Pasta Dishes for School Lunches

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Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells are a comforting pasta dish perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners. These large pasta shells are generously filled with a creamy mixture of spinach and ricotta cheese, topped with marinara sauce and baked until bubbly. This delicious dish is not only hearty but also a great way to sneak in some greens!

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the jumbo pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, cooked spinach, grated Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, egg, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
5. Stuff each pasta shell with the ricotta-spinach mixture and place them in a baking dish.
6. Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed shells, covering them completely.
7. Sprinkle any remaining mozzarella cheese on top and cover with foil.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
9. Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells!

Whole Wheat Pasta Primavera

Whole Wheat Pasta Primavera is a vibrant and nutritious dish that combines seasonal vegetables with whole wheat pasta, making it both wholesome and delicious. This colorful medley of sautéed veggies tossed with pasta is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light lunch, packed with nutrients and flavor.

Cooking Steps:

1. Cook the whole wheat pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
3. Add sliced bell pepper, zucchini, carrot, and broccoli to the skillet, cooking until vegetables are tender.
4. Stir in cherry tomatoes, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning; cook for an additional 2 minutes.
5. Toss cooked pasta with the sautéed vegetables and mix well.
6. Serve warm, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your nutritious Whole Wheat Pasta Primavera!

Chickpea Pasta With Pesto and Spinach

Chickpea Pasta with Pesto and Spinach is a hearty and nutritious dish that merges the benefits of chickpea pasta with the vibrant flavors of homemade pesto and fresh spinach. This gluten-free option is packed with protein and fiber, making it a filling meal perfect for busy weeknights or as a wholesome lunch.

Cooking Steps:

1. Cook chickpea pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
3. Add fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted.
4. Stir in cherry tomatoes, salt, and pepper; cook for an additional 2 minutes.
5. Toss the cooked pasta with the sautéed spinach and tomatoes, then mix in the basil pesto.
6. Serve warm, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious Chickpea Pasta with Pesto and Spinach!

Baked Zucchini Noodles With Marinara

Baked Zucchini Noodles with Marinara is a flavorful and healthy twist on traditional pasta dishes. Made using spiralized zucchini instead of regular pasta, this dish is lower in carbohydrates but full of fiber and nutrients. Paired with a rich marinara sauce and topped with melted cheese, it’s perfect for a satisfying dinner or a rejuvenating lunch option as you head back to school.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish with olive oil.
2. In a skillet, sauté minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant, then stir in the spiralized zucchini and cook for about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the zucchini and mix well.
4. Transfer the zucchini mixture to the baking dish and top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
6. Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your Baked Zucchini Noodles with Marinara!

Turkey and Broccoli Alfredo

Turkey and Broccoli Alfredo is a delicious and hearty meal that brings together lean turkey, nutritious broccoli, and a creamy Alfredo sauce, making it a perfect dish for busy weeknights or to fuel up before heading back to school. This pasta dish is satisfying yet light, providing a great balance of protein and vegetables.

Cooking Steps:

1. Cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions; add the broccoli florets in the last 3 minutes of cooking, then drain.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat; add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Add ground turkey to the skillet, cooking until browned and fully cooked through. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer, then mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth.
5. Toss the cooked fettuccine and broccoli into the skillet, mixing until well combined with the Alfredo sauce.
6. Serve warm and enjoy your Turkey and Broccoli Alfredo!

One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta

One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta is a quick and easy dish that combines the fresh flavors of tomatoes and basil with the comforting elements of pasta, all cooked in one pot. This recipe is perfect for busy evenings, making cleanup a breeze while still delivering a delicious and satisfying meal that everyone will love, especially as the school year gets underway.

Cooking Steps:

1. In a large pot, combine the penne pasta, cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, olive oil, vegetable broth, salt, and pepper.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the liquid has reduced to a sauce, about 10 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped basil.
4. Serve warm, garnishing with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta!

Quinoa Pasta Salad With Veggies

Quinoa Pasta Salad With Veggies is a nutritious and colorful dish perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner, making it ideal for busy school nights. The combination of protein-rich quinoa pasta and fresh, crunchy vegetables creates a satisfying meal that is both healthy and delicious. This salad can be made ahead of time and enjoyed cold, making it a convenient option for meal prep.

Cooking Steps:

1. Cook quinoa pasta according to package instructions; drain and let it cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa pasta with diced bell peppers, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and parsley.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
4. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to combine.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Quinoa Pasta Salad With Veggies!

Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus

Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus is a light and flavorful dish that comes together quickly, making it a perfect option for busy school nights. The combination of succulent shrimp, tender asparagus, and a bright lemon-garlic sauce creates a satisfying meal that pairs beautifully with rice or pasta. This dish is not only delicious but also packed with protein and nutrients, making it a great addition to your back-to-school dinner lineup.

Cooking Steps:

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
2. Add asparagus to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
3. Push asparagus to the side, add shrimp, and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 2-3 minutes until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
4. Stir in lemon juice and lemon zest, tossing everything to combine. Remove from heat.
5. Serve immediately as is, or over your choice of rice or pasta for a complete meal. Enjoy your Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus!

Veggie-Loaded Mac and Cheese

Veggie-Loaded Mac and Cheese is a comforting and indulgent dish that takes the classic mac and cheese to the next level by incorporating a variety of colorful and nutritious vegetables. This recipe is perfect for busy school nights, offering a delicious way to sneak in some extra nutrients while still delighting the kids with the creamy, cheesy goodness they love.

Cooking Steps:

1. Cook the macaroni pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat and stir in flour, cooking for 1-2 minutes to make a roux.
3. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens; add garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Stir in the shredded cheese until melted and creamy, then add in cooked pasta and vegetables (broccoli, carrots, and spinach).
5. Mix everything well and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Serve immediately and enjoy your Veggie-Loaded Mac and Cheese!

Chicken Fajita Pasta

Chicken Fajita Pasta is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the bold tastes of classic fajitas with the comfort of pasta. This one-pot meal is perfect for busy school nights, offering a delicious blend of seasoned chicken, colorful bell peppers, and a creamy sauce that ties everything together. It’s sure to please the whole family!

Cooking Steps:

1. Cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté sliced chicken until cooked through; add garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir in bell peppers and onion; cook until vegetables are tender.
4. Add chicken broth and cream cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth; mix in the cooked pasta.
5. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your Chicken Fajita Pasta!

Creamy Avocado and Pea Pasta

Creamy Avocado and Pea Pasta is a fresh and nutritious dish that’s perfect for busy school nights when you want a healthy yet satisfying meal. The creamy avocado sauce, combined with sweet peas and pasta, creates a delightful combination that is both simple to make and delicious. This dish can be served warm or cold, making it versatile for any occasion!

Cooking Steps:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions; add frozen peas in the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
2. In a food processor, combine ripe avocados, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh basil; blend until smooth.
3. Toss the cooked pasta and peas with the avocado sauce until well coated.
4. Serve warm or chilled, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your Creamy Avocado and Pea Pasta!