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–+ servings
Pasta thermos lunch box 1

Pasta Thermos Lunch Box

A warm, satisfying pasta meal that stays at the perfect temperature for hours - ideal for school lunches or workday meals. This customizable pasta lunch combines comfort, nutrition, and convenience in one delicious package.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Thermos Preheating Time 5 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 1 thermos
Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

  • Thermos
  • Pot
  • Skillet

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups short pasta penne, rotini, or farfalle work best
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup pasta sauce marinara, pesto, or alfredo
  • 1/2 cup protein of choice cooked ground turkey, diced chicken, or white beans
  • 1 cup vegetables diced bell peppers, peas, spinach, or broccoli florets
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for dairy-free option
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-ins

  • 1 tablespoon butter for creaminess
  • red pepper flakes for heat

Instructions
 

  • Fill your thermos with boiling water and seal it tightly. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to preheat while you prepare the pasta.
  • Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta for 1 minute less than the package instructions recommend.
  • While the pasta cooks, heat your protein and vegetables in a skillet until the protein is fully cooked and vegetables are just tender (about 3-4 minutes).
  • Drain the pasta thoroughly and return it to the pot. Add the olive oil and toss to coat each piece.
  • Fold in your sauce, protein, vegetables, and seasonings, stirring gently to combine without breaking the pasta.
  • Empty the hot water from your preheated thermos and immediately fill it with the hot pasta mixture. If using, add the butter on top to melt into the pasta.
  • Sprinkle with cheese, seal the thermos tightly, and give it a gentle shake to distribute ingredients evenly.

Notes

For maximum heat retention, use a high-quality stainless steel thermos with vacuum insulation. The pasta will stay warm for 4-6 hours when properly prepared. Fill your thermos at least 80% full for optimal heat retention.
Short pasta shapes work best as they're easier to eat from a thermos. Long pasta like spaghetti can become unwieldy.
Pack complementary sides like extra cheese, garlic bread sticks, a side salad, or fresh fruit to create a complete meal.

Nutrition

Calories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 22gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 480mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 5gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 45mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3.5mg
Keyword Thermos Lunch, Hot Lunch, Pasta Lunch, School Lunch, Work Lunch
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