Give your pasta a new life with these 17 lunch-ready upgrades. Each option is designed to keep your midday meal exciting, fresh, and far from ordinary. They’re practical, delicious, and guaranteed to make your coworkers rethink their sad sandwiches. Who knew leftovers could steal the spotlight and become the star of the lunch table?
Pasta e Fagioli Soup
In need of some genuine comfort in a bowl? Look no further than the hearty Pasta e Fagioli Soup – it’s like a hug for your stomach. Not only does it pack a punch with its rich texture, but it’ll keep well for your lunches throughout the week. Trust me, pull this out at work, and your coworkers will be over your shoulder, eyeing your lunch with envy.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup
Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce
Make your midday meal pop with a fresh and light option like Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce. It’s straightforward yet loaded with the kind of goodness that’ll have you looking forward to your lunch hour. It’s an ideal pick for those who appreciate a meal that balances simplicity with fresh taste – it’s seriously no-fuss and all flavor. When that lunch bell rings, you’ll be ready to dig in and enjoy every last noodle.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce
Chicken Gnocchi Soup
For those cooler days or when you’re in the mood for something a little creamy, Chicken Gnocchi Soup does the trick. It’s a solid choice for meal-preppers who want a touch of comfort without slacking on the nutrition. Plus, it holds up well in the fridge, which means you get to enjoy it all week long. When lunchtime rolls around, this soup guarantees a satisfying break in your day.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Bid goodbye to sad desk lunches with the rich and creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. This dish is filled with layers and textures that bring life back to lunchtime. It’s a modern twist on a classic that’s sure to spark some lunchtime conversation. And best of all, it tastes just as good, if not better, reheated – winning!
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese
Everyone loves a good ol’ Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese; it’s a classic for a reason. It’s the ultimate comfort food turned lunchtime superstar that’ll have others peering over their sandwiches with jealousy. Whether you need a pick-me-up halfway through your day or just love cheese, it’s got you covered. Just wait until you see those hot cheese strings stretching with every lift of the fork – it’s legit the best.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Mac and Cheese
Cajun Pasta with Shrimp
Spice up your lunch routine with a dish that’s loaded with a kick – Cajun Pasta with Shrimp is where it’s at. This bold dish brightens up any lunch hour and is definite proof that leftovers can be the highlight of your day. It’s got just the right amount of spice to keep things interesting, without going overboard. Plus, reheating this gem will fill the break room with some seriously mouthwatering aromas.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Pasta with Shrimp
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
Gone are the days of bland lunches with Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup. This isn’t your average soup; it’s a remix on the classic that is absolutely perfect for a desk lunch. Serve it up during your next work week, and watch how quickly it becomes a lunchtime staple. This one is surely a warm embrace in a bowl that’ll perk you right up for the afternoon hustle.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
Pastitsio
Bring a bit of Mediterranean flair to your midday meal with the unbeatable Pastitsio. It’s a layered masterpiece that combines pasta, sauce, and cheese in a way that’s hard to resist. And yes, it’s perfectly acceptable (and recommended) to indulge in this during your lunch break. It might just become your newest midday ritual – don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Get the Recipe: Pastitsio
Italian Pot Roast Pasta
For those days when you crave something hearty, nothing hits the spot quite like Italian Pot Roast Pasta. It combines succulence and pasta in a way that’ll make your lunch hour feel extra special. And truth be told, it’s just downright delicious when you reheat it – the flavors just mingle perfectly overnight. So go on, make your coworkers jealous with your superior lunch game.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pot Roast Pasta
Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole
If you’re after something that’s tried and tested, Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole never disappoints. It’s that go-to dish when you need something reliable yet comforting at the same time. Plus, it’s one of those lunches that tastes even better the next day – talk about a bonus. Ready to bust it out at lunch? You’ll be the envy of the office, no doubt.
Get the Recipe: Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole
Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins
Why not shake things up with Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins for lunch? It’s the kind of meal that tastes like it’s straight from a homestyle diner – but better, because it’s homemade. And frankly, it’s got a way of turning a break at work into the cozy rest you deserve. Plus, it’s pretty convenient for a meal on the go or at the desk.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplins
Steak & Pasta Salad
When you’re looking for something on the lighter side but still need that protein hit, reach for this Steak & Pasta Salad. It’s hearty, it’s refreshing, and it’s got all the goods to fuel the rest of your workday. Ideal for those days when you want to keep lunch quick yet substantial. Trust me, your lunch box is begging for this kind of attention.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad
Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo
Boring lunches are canceled when you’ve got Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo lined up. This dish is rich, creamy, and will transport you to your favorite Italian restaurant during your lunch hour. It’s also a smart move for those days when you need a little bit of luxury amidst the spreadsheets and emails. Show up with this on your next lunch break, and you’ll be the talk of the office.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Shrimp Alfredo
Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken
If you’re in the mood for something that’s wholesome and filled with greens, Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken is your answer. It’s like a health kick and a comfort food all in one. Not only does it pack in some nourishment, but it’s also a lovely change from the standard lunch fare. Plus, every spoonful is just more goodness – it’s a win-win.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Soup with Kale & Chicken
Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells
When pasta and cheese come together, the result is the incredibly satisfying Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells. It’s the type of meal that’ll have you counting down until lunchtime. These shells are no joke – they pack a punch with flavor and will keep you full until dinnertime. Get ready to be crowned lunchroom royalty with this one.
Get the Recipe: Giant Cheese Stuffed Shells
Greek Spaghetti
Channel some Greek vibes during your midday break with the fantastic Greek Spaghetti. It’s all about simplicity combined with a bit of flair – perfect for a lunch that’s a bit out of the ordinary. This dish is not just filling; it’s also got that homely touch that reminds you of a good meal with family. And hey, it’s absolutely okay to brag about your bomb lunch choice.
Get the Recipe: Greek Spaghetti
Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce
Lighten up your lunch mood with Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce, which strikes a lovely balance between tangy and rich. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want when you’re looking for something a tad sophisticated yet comforting. Plus, it’s pretty darn good at making your colleagues wish they had your lunch-planning skills. One bite, and it’s easy to see – or rather, taste – why it’s a smart lunch pick.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce