How I Learned To Meal Prep With Just 29 Italian Recipes

The kitchen used to feel busy and rushed every night. Time slipped away, and dinner always came late. That changed after learning to meal prep with just 29 Italian recipes. Each one was simple, made ahead, and full of flavor. Life got easier, the fridge stayed ready, and meals felt smooth again.

Close-up of a pasta dish with corn, bacon, and herbs, seasoned with a creamy yellow sauce.
Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Spicy Lasagna Soup

Close-up of a plate of pasta topped with a red tomato-based sauce, grated cheese, and garnished with chopped parsley.
Spicy Lasagna Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Learning how to plan meals has been life-changing, and soup became an easy favorite. Spicy Lasagna Soup gives those classic Italian pasta vibes while being quick to prep. It’s cozy and doesn’t feel too heavy, making it perfect for weekdays. Just knowing how flexible it was made meal prepping much easier for me.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Lasagna Soup

Mushroom Pasta

Close-up of fusilli pasta with mushrooms, garnished with rosemary and black pepper.
Mushroom Pasta. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

I used to think only plain dishes worked for meal prep, but Mushroom Pasta proved me wrong. The prep takes hardly any time, yet it feels so full of depth, making it a reliable weekday option. It’s one of those recipes that made planning meals seem less intimidating. Italian cooking showed me how quality meals don’t have to take over your schedule.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Pasta

Pizza Pinwheels

A plate of golden-brown pinwheel pastries filled with tomato sauce and garnished with fresh herbs. A small bowl of sauce is in the background.
Pizza Pinwheels. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When meal prepping got tough, simple, fun recipes made it manageable. Pizza Pinwheels were quick to throw together and packed up really well. They were a family hit, easy to store, and saved tons of time during the week. Keeping meals tasty while meal prepping became a breeze with recipes like this.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pinwheels

Marry Me Chicken Soup

A creamy pasta dish with spinach, shredded chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and shell pasta, garnished with herbs.
Marry Me Chicken Soup. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

I never thought meal prepping could include Restaurant-style ideas until I learned about Marry Me Chicken Soup. It’s rich, comforting, and doesn’t take long to assemble ahead of time. Having meals that felt special even during a busy week gave meal prep a new meaning. Italian cooking really does help keep things simple yet flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Soup

Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara

A dish of ravioli with bacon and parsley that can be found at Olive Garden.
Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

I didn’t realize how creative I could be with meal prepping until making Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara. It’s surprisingly easy to prep ahead and it feels like you’re eating out without the hassle. Learning this dish helped make planning meals way more exciting than expected. Throwing Italian dishes into the mix made meal prep far more enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara

Italian Sliders

Close-up of sesame seed-topped sliders filled with sliced meat and melted cheese.
Italian Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Making small handheld meals was such a fun discovery during meal prep. Italian Sliders were quick to assemble, packed with flavor, and super easy to grab during busy days. Learning this style of meal taught me organizing meals doesn’t have to be boring. They made the Italian vibe portable and easy.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sliders

Chicken Alfredo

A plate of bowtie pasta with creamy sauce topped with cooked chicken pieces and garnished with parsley, with a black fork on the side.
Chicken Alfredo. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Finding ways to meal prep without losing flavor made cooking fun again. Chicken Alfredo became my go-to as it’s super simple yet feels special to eat any day of the week. Learning to portion meals ahead of time with this dish saved so much time during busy evenings. Who knew meal prep could include such comforting food and be stress-free?
Get the Recipe: Chicken Alfredo

Spaghetti Marinara

Spaghetti marinara in a bowl with fresh basil on top..
Spaghetti Marinara. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Making simple dishes that didn’t require overthinking became my meal prep secret. Spaghetti Marinara fits right in, offering a quick meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. When I learned how easy it was to make hearty meals like this, meal prep became much more doable. Even basic dishes can feel perfect when planned well.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Marinara

Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap

Close-up of sliced chicken wraps with lettuce, cheese, and a creamy sauce, next to an open jar of mustard on a wooden surface.
Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Quick handheld meals became essential for meal prep, and discovering Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap changed the game. Easy to grab and go while still feeling perfect is something I didn’t expect from Italian-inspired recipes. Learning this wrap showed mixing simple ingredients can still feel interesting.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap

Italian Pasta with Salami

A vibrant pasta salad with fusilli, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, black olives, and diced salami in a clear bowl.
Italian Pasta with Salami. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Pasta turned meal prep into something I could rely on, especially with recipes like Italian Pasta with Salami. It’s one of those dishes where the prep is minimal, but the flavor packs a punch, making it perfect for the week. Learning this taught me that Italian recipes don’t have to be fancy to be useful. Sometimes keeping it simple really helps when life is busy.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta with Salami

Million Dollar Spaghetti

Close-up of a serving of cheesy baked spaghetti with meat sauce, topped with fresh parsley, being lifted from a dish.
Million Dollar Spaghetti. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Back when I struggled with meal prep, meals like Million Dollar Spaghetti completely switched things up for me. It became a faster way to prep pasta that still feels hearty enough for dinner throughout the week. Pasta dishes like these made Italian cooking practical without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Spaghetti

Caesar Salad

A Caesar salad with romaine lettuce, croutons, grated cheese, and dressing.
Caesar Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

There’s something about keeping it fresh when meal prepping gets repetitive. Caesar Salad turned into a lifesaver, offering a quick Italian-inspired dish that doesn’t feel heavy. Learning to prep meals like this taught me how versatile Italian recipes could be. Easy on time but packed full of flavor helped me stay on track.
Get the Recipe: Caesar Salad

Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta

A plate of spaghetti topped with grilled chicken strips and garnished with chopped parsley, bell peppers, and shredded cheese.
Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Finding recipes that feel restaurant-worthy yet practical was a meal prep lifesaver. That’s exactly how I’d describe Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta, which makes weeknights feel less busy. Prepping ahead became such a breeze with ideas like this one. It’s amazing how Italian dishes can make planning so hassle-free.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Pasta

Marry Me Tortellini

A bowl of creamy tortellini pasta with spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, and a basil garnish.
Marry Me Tortellini. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Tortellini turned out to be my best meal prep trick for quick Italian dinners. Marry Me Tortellini, though simple, feels like such an upgrade to weeknight meals. It’s proof that easy, prep-savvy foods can feel enjoyable even when you’re pressed for time. Italian recipes truly made food planning way less overwhelming for me.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Tortellini

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

A Caesar salad with grilled chicken, penne pasta, cherry tomatoes, croutons, and shredded cheese, topped with Caesar dressing on a bed of lettuce.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When learning to meal prep with Italian recipes, this dish quickly became a favorite. Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad blends the richness of Caesar dressing with tender chicken and pasta. It’s perfect for preparing ahead and enjoying throughout the week. This meal is both hearty and refreshing, making it a fantastic choice for lunches.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Pasta Carbonara

A close-up image of spaghetti carbonara topped with grated cheese and freshly ground black pepper.
Pasta Carbonara. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Starting a journey with Italian recipes led to discovering many classics. Pasta Carbonara is a simple yet rich dish that can be easily prepared. Perfect for meal prepping, it combines pasta with a creamy sauce that’s comforting and delicious. Having this ready in the fridge makes for a quick and tasty dinner.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Carbonara

Homemade Lasagna

Close-up of a delicious slice of lasagna, showcasing layers of pasta, ground meat, tomato sauce, ricotta cheese, and garnished with chopped basil.
Homemade Lasagna. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Exploring Italian recipes for meal prep revealed this timeless favorite. Homemade Lasagna is a fantastic dish to prepare in advance for busy weeks. Layered with delicious ingredients, it keeps well and tastes even better after reheating. It’s a wonderful option for preparing larger portions to save time later.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Lasagna

Mushroom Pizza

Close-up of a pizza topped with arugula, mushrooms, cheese, and herbs on a parchment paper.
Mushroom Pizza. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Prepping meals ahead got way more enjoyable once I tried out fun dishes like Mushroom Pizza. It’s a quick and versatile option that stores perfectly without feeling like leftovers. Recipes like this showed me how flexible meal planning can really be. Italian recipes kept things exciting and easy to juggle all week.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Pizza

Tuscan Pasta

A close-up of a plate of Creamy Tuscan Pasta topped with a rich white sauce, grated cheese, and garnished with chopped parsley.
Tuscan Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Learning about meal prep with Italian recipes included some vibrant dishes like this. Tuscan Pasta features a hearty mix that remains fresh and flavorful. It’s a wonderful meal to make ahead, as the flavors meld beautifully over time. Ideal for weeknight dinners with minimal effort required when it’s time to eat.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Pasta

Caprese Pesto Tarts

Fresh cherry tomatoes and herbs served in crispy puff pastry cups on a wooden surface.
Caprese Pesto Tarts. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Mastering meal prep meant finding dishes that are both tasty and easy to make. Caprese Pesto Tarts offer a combination of fresh ingredients and pesto flavor. They can be prepped in advance and served as a quick snack or appetizer. These tarts bring a touch of Italian cuisine to your everyday meals.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Pesto Tarts

Chicken Alfredo Lasagna

Close-up of a slice of creamy lasagna with browned cheese on top and visible layers of pasta, spinach, and sauce.
Chicken Alfredo Lasagna. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Trying different Italian recipes for meal prepping led to tasty creations like this one. Chicken Alfredo Lasagna combines creamy Alfredo sauce with lasagna layers for a comforting dish. It’s ideal for making ahead and enjoying over a few days. This recipe stands out as a warm and filling option for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Alfredo Lasagna

Antipasto Salad

A bowl of salad with mixed greens, prosciutto, cherry tomatoes, olives, artichokes, and roasted red peppers.
Antipasto Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Embracing the art of meal prep with Italian flavors made salads a staple. Antipasto Salad is a medley of Italian delights perfect for preparing in advance. It’s easy to store and makes for a quick lunch or side dish. This salad is vibrant and fits well into a busy schedule.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad

Gnocchi

A bowl of gnocchi topped with grated cheese, fresh basil, and black pepper.
Gnocchi. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Getting creative with Italian meal prep introduced some unique staples. Gnocchi is a tasty, pillowy pasta that pairs wonderfully with various sauces. Making them in advance provides a quick and easy meal option. This pasta alternative added a fun twist to meal plans.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi

Garlic Bread

Slices of garlic bread topped with chopped parsley and sea salt sit enticingly on a wooden board, accompanied by a small bowl of salt and fresh cloves of garlic.
Garlic Bread. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

While diving into meal prep, combining dishes with sides was key. Garlic Bread pairs perfectly with many Italian meals and can be easily prepared in batches. Stored properly, it stays delicious and is ready to accompany any dish. This added a flavorful touch to many pasta nights.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Bread

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

A plate of creamy penne pasta garnished with chopped parsley and grated cheese, featuring pieces of sun-dried tomatoes. A black fork is resting on the plate.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Experimenting with meal prep brought about some unique and delicious dishes. Marry Me Chicken Pasta is renowned for its rich and tender flavors. Preparing this in advance ensured a memorable meal was always on hand. This pasta dish became a regular in the meal prep rotation.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

Three cooked chicken breasts in a creamy sauce, topped with herbs and sun-dried tomatoes, presented in a round dish.
Crockpot Marry Me Chicken. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Meal prepping also involved using handy appliances for ease. Crockpot Marry Me Chicken uses slow cooking to produce tender, flavorful chicken. It’s wonderful for preparing meals with minimal effort and plenty of leftovers. This dish became a staple in the meal prep routine due to its ease and taste.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

A plate of creamy spaghetti with shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves.
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Integrating seafood into meal prep included discovering this dish. Marry Me Shrimp Pasta combines tender shrimp with a luscious sauce for a special meal. It’s perfect for making in large batches for future dinners. This recipe brought variety and elegance to Italian meal prepping.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Shrimp Pasta

Pistachio Ice Cream

A glass bowl holds two scoops of pistachio ice cream topped with crushed pistachios, with a waffle cone placed upside down in the bowl.
Pistachio Ice Cream. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Exploring Italian recipes also meant finding sweet treats. Pistachio Ice Cream became a go-to for a refreshing and creamy dessert. Making it ahead allowed for a ready to eat, perfect finish to any meal prep. This frozen dessert adds a lovely, nutty touch to the menu.
Get the Recipe: Pistachio Ice Cream

Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta

Close-up of a pasta dish with corn, bacon, and herbs, seasoned with a creamy yellow sauce.
Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Discovering heartier dishes was part of the meal prep journey. Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta offers a blend of flavors that’s both rich and delicious. It keeps well in the fridge, making for an easy grab-and-go lunch or dinner. Preparing this ahead ensured a comforting meal was always available.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken and Corn Pasta

About the Author
A woman with long brown hair is smiling and standing with her arms crossed. She is wearing a sleeveless, black and white diamond-patterned dress.

Hey there! I’m Mandy

Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.

She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.

She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.

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