Pho, pronounced ‘fuh’, is a hearty and comforting soup full of goodness and also has an array of health benefits. It originated in the early 20th century in Vietnam and has become a popular meal in America. The two most commonly known types are beef and chicken and served with hot broth and noodles.
Ease of Making: Easy
Traditionally, pho is cooked with lots of beef bones, extra veggies, and cooks for a long period of time in order to create the rich broth and cozy blend of flavors that we all love.
For most of us cooking at home, we may not always have the time to make it all from scratch. So here is a version using the Instant Pot as a shortcut for your short rib noodle soup.
The great thing about making pho at home is that you can really make it your own with your choice of noodles, choice of proteins, and pile it on with lots of fresh garnishes such as basil, green onions, freshly sliced white onions, bean sprouts, and lime.
Meal Prep Tips for Instant Pot Short Rib Noodle Soup
Traditionally, pho is served with super-thinly sliced meat that is placed in the boiling hot broth right before you eat the meal. If you decide to go with this route, it will be easier to thinly slice the protein if you freeze the protein for about 45 minutes in the freezer and then slice it. However, for this recipe, we will be cooking the meat and bones in the Instant Pot with the broth. The bones and flavors from the meat will add to that rich flavor broth that we enjoy from traditional pho.
Pho is traditionally made with thin rice noodles, but if you’re looking for a pantry friendly ingredient, then you can use spaghetti just like in this recipe.
Now the important part of getting the “pho” broth flavor is making sure you use the spices normally used in pho. Star anise, cloves, cinnamon sticks, cardamom, and coriander seeds. Now if you don’t normally use all these ingredients in all your daily cooking and don’t want to waste money on ingredients for a one time use, then be sure to at least have cloves and cardamom in the recipe.
Lastly, the garnish toppings are what make the soup and make it feel and taste fresh against all the richness from the broth, meat, and noodles.
Place all the ingredients in the instant pot (but not the pasta). (Note: Crush the lemongrass with a mallett prior to placing in the pot. )
Close the lid and place the valve in the sealing position. Cook on high pressure setting for 35 minutes
Meanwhile, boil pasta according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside
When th beef has finished cooking, let it do a natural release for about 10 minutes before carefully switching the valve to a quick release. Carefully remove the lid.
Serve the soup on top of the noodles. Garnish with more fresh basil and other fresh veggies such as bell peppers.
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Ramen is easily one of our favorite dishes at PrepYoSelf, especially heading into fall. As the weather cools there’s nothing better than a warm bowl of homemade ramen noodle soup.
Even better, our Easy Shrimp Ramen is loaded with healthy ingredients with powerful benefits like the antioxidants in mushrooms and vitamins in bok choy. Antioxidants can help protect you from free radicals that may cause heart disease and cancer. Cruciferous vegetables like Bok Choy, have also been known to decrease your risk of heart disease.
Our easy-to-make ramen recipe combines the ease of pre-made broth and the flavors of traditional ramen. This recipe is easy to whip together for any cold day of the week or to make ahead as a grab and go option.
Ease of Making: Easy
How to Cook This Homemade Shrimp Ramen Recipe
When it comes to ramen, the broth is everything. You really want to focus on making the shrimp ramen broth pack the biggest flavor punch possible. You can do this by combining fresh, flavorful ingredients and letting them simmer together. For this recipe, we use a pre-made chicken or vegetable broth for the sake of time but if you want to make your own ramen broth these are the steps you would take:
How to Make Ramen Broth
Generally, there are three types of ramen broth. One made from the broth of chicken carcasses, one from pork bones (called Tonkotsu), and the last a combination from chicken and dashi stock.
Steps:
Pick your stock base
Add in your aromatic root vegetables like ginger, garlic, and green onion
Simmer the stock base, root vegetables and cold water for around 3 hours
Add your dashi and other ingredients like miso, shoyu or shio
What To Add To Shrimp Ramen
Making your own homemade shrimp ramen recipe bowl is truly a customizable experience and can satisfy even the pickiest eaters. While we love ours with green onion, mushrooms and bok choy, you could also add these to spruce up your shrimp ramen:
A soft boiled egg
Meats – think lean slices of pork, beef or chicken that will cook quickly but still remain tender.
Vegetables – practically any vegetable can work in ramen. Try it out with broccoli, carrots, or snap peas.
Spices or Hot Sauce – If you want to make your ramen spicy, try adding some sriracha or red pepper to the mix for an added kick.
Meal Prep Tips for Shrimp Ramen
Storing your ramen – store your prepped broth and noodles separately so the noodles don’t get soggy in the fridge.
Freeze your broth – feel like making a ton of broth ahead? Ramen broth freezes wonderfully. We like using muffin tins to freeze individual portions we can easily grab and heat up in the microwave.
Mix up your toppings – There’s nothing worse in meal prep than the same dish over and over, try new veggies, toppings, and sauce mix each time you make this to switch it up.
Easy Shrimp Ramen
Our easy-to-make ramen recipe combines the ease of pre-made broth and the flavors of traditional ramen. This recipe is easy to whip together for any cold day of the week or to make ahead as a grab and go option.
First, boil the chicken broth in the saucepot and add the soy sauce. Add the ramen noodles and boil for about 2 minutes until it is tender. Remove the ramen from the chicken broth and set it aside in bowls so that it does not continue to cook.
Then, add olive oil to a skillet/wok on medium high heat. Saute the green onions and white onions until they soften and turn translucent. Next, add the sliced mushrooms and saute until they soften.
Then, add the chopped bok choy and saute until they soften. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
At the end, add the shrimp and pour in the broth and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the shrimp fully cooks.
Then, pour the soup mixture on top of the ramen noodles. Sprinkle with sesame oil to your liking.
Video
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Our Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken recipe is the perfect mix of a sticky and sweet sauce coupled with deliciously crispy and healthy fried chicken. We use chicken thighs in this air fryer recipe but you could easily adjust to chicken breast or wings if you’d like. Our chicken teriyaki marinade is made up of classic Asian flavors like soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and honey. All of which combine to provide the perfect teriyaki taste for your dish.
Ease of Making: Medium
We’ve paired our teriyaki chicken with one of our favorite sauteed bok choy recipes, that is loaded with minerals and vitamins. Most notably Bok Choy is high in Vitamin C, K and A. This antioxidant rich vegetable may also reduce your risk of heart disease, fights inflammation and has anti-cancer properties.
Another great side dish for teriyaki chicken is our cauliflower fried rice, which is low in carbs but high in flavor. This recipe combines similar flavors and ingredients of the marinade and would go well with any piece of teriyaki chicken you make in the air fryer.
How to Cook Teriyaki Chicken Using an Air Fryer
Teriyaki chicken is easy to conquer in the air fryer. All you have to do is place your marinated chicken in the air fryer and press the chicken setting on your fryer to cook.
How to Prepare Bok Choy
Many of you may be wondering, “what is bok choy?” If you’re not familiar with this cruciferous vegetable, it is in the same vegetable family as some more common veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts and kale. This group of vegetables is most known for their cancer fighting qualities, low caloric value and high densities of vitamins K, C, E and fiber.
How to Cut Bok Choy
Bok choy may look like a strange cousin to your average head of romaine lettuce but prepping this vegetable isn’t much different.
First, you’ll want to rinse your bok choy
Remove the thick white stems by cutting them off with a knife
Gather your bok choy leaves and cut into 1-inch strips
Meal Prep Tips for Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Thighs
Marinate your meat for extra flavor and tenderness. By making your teriyaki marinated chicken ahead, you can have your meat soak up all the sauce for an extended amount of time for extra flavor.
Save some sauce. If you make your meat marinade ahead, save some on the side to brush your chicken with after it has cooked for a sweet and sticky glaze.
Remove the fat from chicken thighs. If you’re looking for a recipe a little lower in fat, try removing the skin from your thigh.
Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken With Sauteed Bok Choy
Our Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken is the perfect mix of a sticky and sweet sauce coupled with deliciously crispy and healthy fried chicken. We use chicken thighs in this air fryer recipe but you could easily adjust to chicken breast or wings if you’d like. Our chicken teriyaki marinade is made up of classic asian flavors like soy sauce, ginger, garlic and honey. All of which combine to provide the perfect teriyaki taste for your dish.
Gather your equipment: cutting board, knife, air fryer/oven, skillet/wok
if using oven: pre-heat to 400F
Marinate the chicken with all the seasonings for at least 30 minutes
Cooking Method:
Place the chicken in the air fryer and cook on the chicken setting. (Note: if using the oven, cook for 35-45 minutes until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165F)
While the chicken is cooking, add olive oil to a skillet/wok on medium high heat.
Add the green onions and saute until they soften. Then add the bok choy and season with garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Keep stirring until the bok choy softens. At the end, drizzle with sesame oil and mix well.
Serve the chicken with the bok choy. Eat and enjoy!
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Mango salmon is one of our favorite summertime dishes. Combining omega-3 rich salmon filets and our mango glaze, your taste buds will no doubt be wanting more. This recipe also calls for asparagus and couscous, giving you a perfectly balanced meal with healthy carbs, fats, and protein. The mango flavor pairs perfectly with salmon as the sweetness of the sauce balances the heartiness of the fish.
Asparagus is one of the best vegetables to pair with salmon because you can toss them both in the oven for the same cooking time and come out with a nicely timed meal, all on one sheet pan. Other vegetables that go well with salmon in the oven are green beans, squash, and peppers.
Easy of Making: Easy
Benefits of Salmon
Salmon boasts a wealth of nutritional benefits including B12, Vitamins A and D and Omega-3 fatty acids. While Vitamins A and D have been proven to help boost immunity and B12 keeps your body making DNA and nerves happy, the true hero of salmon is the Omega-3s. Omega-3s help keep the cardiovascular system in check, reducing artery inflammation, lowering cholesterol levels and maintaining a healthy blood pressure.
Salmon is also a fantastic option for your daily protein intake, providing high protein counts and low saturated fats. Protein is essential to the body to prevent muscle loss, and protect your bones, among various other benefits.
Meal Prep Tips for Mango Glazed Salmon with Red Pepper Couscous
Choosing the right salmon filet:
Whether you’re shopping at your local fish market, or grocery store there are several tips for picking out the perfect filet of salmon to make for this recipe:
Feel: Touch the salmon with your finger and check to make sure the flesh bounces back and does not leave a sign of your fingerprint.
Smell: Pick up your package and check for any smells that appear to be off. While salmon can have a fishy smell, ensure that your chosen package doesn’t smell spoiled or rotten.
See: Salmon should have a bright orange-red hue. Any salmon that starts to lose its color is likely past its prime. Another thing to look for is moisture, avoid any filets that appear to be dried out.
How Long to Bake Mango Glazed Salmon
The exact timing for your salmon will depend on the thickness of your filet. We recommend starting with 10 minutes in the oven and then checking every minute thereafter. Salmon can overbake and dry out quickly so it’s important to keep an eye on it. The perfect salmon will flake to the touch of a fork or finger and be an opaque pink on the outside and slightly translucent in the center.
Tip: When salting your salmon before baking, only do so right before adding to the oven. Doing too far in advance can draw out the moisture in the dish and leave you with a dry fish.
Mango Glazed Salmon with Red Pepper Couscous
This mango-glazed salmon recipe is quick and easy and full of flavor. It's the perfect busy weeknight meal.
Place salmon and asparagus on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Marinate salmon with hoisin sauce and mango sauce. Drizzle olive oil on the asparagus and mix well
Place salmon and asparagus in the oven for 10-12 minutes
Meanwhile, start cooking the couscous. Add oil to a heated sauce pan on medium high heat
Add green onions and green pepper to the sauce pan and saute until they soften.
Then, add water and bring it to a boil. Add the couscous and stir well. Once the water is boiling, turn off the heat and let the couscous absorb all the water (about 7 to 10 minutes)
Once the couscous is cooked, fluff it with a fork.
Remove the salmon and asparagus from the oven and serve with the couscous. Eat and enjoy!
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Our Grilled Zesty Cilantro Chicken with Rice and Beans is a modern twist on a classic Mexican favorite, cilantro lime chicken. Using two sauces from one of our favorite Whole 30 condiment companies, Saucy Lips, this easy to make chicken recipe is packed full of nutrients and flavors and comes together in under 30 minutes. Cilantro is commonly combined with chicken for seasoning and in marinades in southwestern, Mexican and Caribbean dishes.
Ease of Making: Medium
Cilantro, also known as coriander, has many health benefits and is great for high blood sugar and type 2 diabetic diets. Although, the seeds, oils and extracts from coriander are so effective at lowering blood sugar that those with diabetes or on diabetes medication should practice caution when using this powerful plant.
Our main protein in this easy cilantro recipe, chicken, is also loaded with nutritional benefits and is more cost effective than most other proteins. Chicken is a lean meat that provides a high amount of protein to help keep bones strong and build muscles. It is also a powerhouse provider of B6, which can help reduce the amount of homocysteine, one of the key components linked to heart attacks. If you’re looking for a heart healthy protein, this is it.
Meal Prep Tips for Grilled Zesty Cilantro Chicken with Rice and Beans
It is healthy to eat rice and beans together because they combine both carbs and proteins while being low in fat. In fact, many people around the world eat this as a tool for survival. While you cannot live off rice and beans for the long term, these dishes do provide a fantastic protein source and 9 amino acids.
How to make black beans and rice:
Heat oil and saute green onions until translucent
Add rice and season, stir until rice is fully coated
Add beans and water
Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer for 20 minutes until rice is cooked
How many cups are in a can of beans:
Our recipe calls for one cup of beans, your average 15oz can of beans hold 1.75 cups of beans drained. So if you’re looking for extra ways to use your beans, try them in a soup, quesadilla, or on a salad.
Grilled Zesty Cilantro with Rice and Beans
A quick and easy Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken recipe. The chicken is perfectly grilled on the outside and bursting with juices and flavor from the marinade on the inside.
Marinate the chicken with the sauces and seasonings for at least 30 minutes prior to cooking
Cooking Method:
Heat a grill pan to high heat for about 2 to 3 minutes. Then add the chicken to the pan. Lower the heat to medium high heat. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes on the first side to develop dark grill marks
Then, flip the chicken using tongs to cook the other side for 5 to 6 minutes. Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F
Then, remove the chicken and let it rest before cutting it into bite size pieces
While the chicken is grilling, start cooking the rice by adding oil to a sauce pan on medium high heat. Add the green onions and saute until they soften and turn translucent
Next, add the rice and season with garlic powder and salt. Mix the rice well until it is fully coated with the oil and lightly toasts. Then add the beans
Pour the water and bring it to a boil. Once it comes a boil, cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to low heat. Simmer the rice for about 20 minutes until the rice is tender
Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and mix in fresh cilantro
Serve rice with the chicken and enjoy!
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Pan-fried eggplant with meat sauce is a delicious and healthy option if you’re craving the heartiness of an Italian meat but looking to reduce the carbs you would normally find with pasta as the main ingredient. The fried eggplant slices come to a golden crisp and are topped with our homemade sauce and of course, some cheese.
Ease of Making: Medium
This eggplant milanese is brought together by dredging your eggplant in a combination of egg wash and seasoned breadcrumbs. You don’t need any flour to fry eggplant in this recipe. If you’re concerned about your eggplant absorbing oil when cooking, you can salt the eggplant or soak it in milk ahead of time to break down the plant and break down the porous structure of the plant.
Eggplant has many fantastic benefits like increasing brain function, preventing anemia, helping with digestion and improving heart health. It’s high fiber content can lead the way to reducing the cholesterol in your system by binding it to the bile in your digestive system and removing it naturally.
Preparing Your Eggplant for Cooking
Before you begin your cooking process, you’ll want to remove the stem, leaves and the top and bottom of the plant. You can leave the skin on or remove it, that’s totally up to you. For this recipe it is important to salt the eggplant. Salt helps bring out the extra moisture that can provide a mushy and soggy result when cooked. Slice your eggplant into circles and salt both sides, letting it sit on a kitchen towel or paper towel for at least twenty minutes.
Historically, eggplant was actually salted before cooking to reduce some of the bitter flavor that came with the plant. However, the eggplants we have now have mostly bred out the bitterness.
What are the Different Types of Eggplant
There are countless varieties of eggplant that can vary widely in shape, size and even color. Most common at American grocery stores, is you guessed it, the American eggplant. This eggplant is also known as the globe eggplant and has a tougher, meatier texture than other eggplants.
Some other varieties of eggplant:
Graffiti Eggplant – Slightly sweeter than the traditional eggplant, the graffiti eggplant is most recognizable by its purple and white striped skin. Which is why it is also known as striped eggplants. This variation is great for eating pureeing, eating whole or substituting in for traditional eggplant if you need.
Japanese Eggplant – Both the Japanese and Chinese eggplants vary from traditional varieties in their long, oblong shape. The Japanese variation of eggplant is deep in it’s purple color and has a creamy flesh that works great in stir frys.
Fairy Tale Eggplant – Similar in color to the graffiti eggplant, the purple and white striped fairy tale eggplant is small and can fit in the palm of your hand. Due to the tender nature of this variety, it is wonderful for grilling.
White Eggplant – There isn’t a lot of difference between the classic American eggplant or “Globe Eggplant” other than the color that the plant is wrapped in. Both the white and American eggplant have a smooth creamy skin and meaty flesh. These are great for both bread and protein substitutes.
Indian Eggplant – The Indian Eggplant is a dark, reddish-purple in color and more spherical than other varieties you may come across. The texture in the Indian eggplant is different from other varieties as it is more tender, making it perfect for roasting, soups, stews and more.
Little Green Eggplant – A fantastic eggplant for baking, the little green eggplant, is a bright green variety of this “fruit” and is most known for being mild and sweet in flavor.
Thai Eggplant – Thai eggplant is round, small in size, and traditionally hard to find. These miniature eggplants are typically a greenish-white color with a light pink flesh. Most notably, Thai eggplant is more bitter than other varieties, to remove some of the bitterness you can try removing the seeds. If you’re able to score some at your local market, try throwing a few in our recipe for Thai Red Beef Curry.
There are countless other varieties and heirloom versions of each that are available to eggplant lovers across the world. Try experimenting with the various types when you’re making something new and see which you like best!
Eggplant FAQ
What is the best time of year for eggplant?
Eggplant is available year-round but it’s peak season runs from July to October.
How to store eggplant?
Eggplants can’t withstand temperatures below 45 degrees Fahrenheit so storing in the refrigerator can sometimes be counterproductive. If you choose to do so, store it in the vegetable drawer or the warmest part of your fridge. Eggplants can also be kept out of the fridge, which may actually help increase their lifespan. Store in an area that is cool and away from direct sunlight.
How to choose an eggplant?
Due to the fact that there are many varieties of eggplants and each is slightly different, a general rule of thumb is to look for a firm, shiny skin. Avoid eggplants that have started to wrinkle or have soft, brown spots on their skin. Eggplants should feel heavy and not hollow.
Is eggplant a fruit or vegetable?
Most people are under the assumption that eggplants are vegetables, but in fact they are fruits!
Do I need to peel eggplant before cooking?
Nope! The skin on eggplant is entirely edible and removing it is more of a preference of the person eating it.
Meal prep tips for Pan-Fried Eggplant
Salt your eggplant – this will help reduce moisture and prevent a soggy outcome.
When reheating your pan-fried eggplant, toss it in the oven or an air fryer if you have one to crisp it back up.
Soak in milk – soak your eggplant for up to an hour before cooking to help reduce oil absorption when frying.
Microwave before cooking – this is another tactic for reducing oil absorption when frying, as pre-cooking helps break down the spongy texture.
Shrimp soba noodle salad is one of our favorite Japanese recipes and is incredibly easy-to-make, so it’s perfect for beginners. The soba noodle is in an underrated noodle that falls second to ramen in popularity and use. However, this buckwheat based noodle is as versatile as it is healthy, move over ramen there’s a new noodle in town.
Ease of Making: Easy
Soba noodles are one of the healthiest types of noodles as they are gluten-free, low fat and high in both protein and fiber. One cup of cooked soba noodles contains 6 grams of protein which is essential to building muscle, and producing hemoglobin to keep your immune system healthy.
The shrimp in this recipe coupled with the soba, provides even more protein. Shrimp is a powerhouse food if you’re on a diet because it’s high in protein but low in carbs, calories and fats. Shrimp contains a wide variety of nutrients including antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids which have shown to improve heart health.
How to Cook Soba Noodles
If you’re wondering how to make soba noodles, there are several steps you can take to ensure you get it right. Soba noodles are extremely versatile and can be served both hot or cold depending on which soba noodle recipe you’re following. The noodles in the recipe will be warm after cooking but will cool as you rinse them and add in the ingredients for the sauce. You can eat this warm or chilled as a prepped item for the week.
Step 1: Pick a big enough pot so your noodles have room to move around.
Step 2: Don’t salt your pasta water.
Step 3: Cook for a short amount of time. Soba noodles only need a maximum of 7 minutes (depending on how much you are cooking) in the water before they should be removed. The majority of soba noodles will cook in 3-5 minutes depending on their thickness. You’re aiming for an al dente noodle. Try testing out the noodles at the five minute mark to see how they are coming along.
Step 4: Rinse! Soba noodles can stick together and form a gummy clump of noodle mess if you don’t immediately rinse the starch from the pasta after cooking. Leave your soba noodles in a colander and rinse under cold water for at least a minute while you whirl them around your pot. Your water should run clear before stopping your rinse.
Step 5: Drain, serve your soba noodle salad and enjoy!
Soba Noodle FAQ
What are soba noodles?
Soba noodles are noodles made from buckwheat and whole wheat flours. Soba, is the Japanese word for buckwheat, a food many consider a superfood due to its ability to improve heart health, promote weight loss, and help manage diabetes. This type of a noodle has a mild nutty, earthy taste.
Where to buy soba noodles?
Dried soba noodles can be found in most grocery stores in the international foods aisle. Look for a noodle that is similar in appearance to spaghetti but slightly flatter and brown in color.
If you live in an area with a specialty asian food market, keep an eye out for fresh soba noodles which are fantastic as well.
Do soba noodles have egg in them?
As a general rule, soba noodles are considered vegan and do not have egg. However, there are brands that may include egg so always be sure to check the label.
Should you rinse soba noodles?
Without a doubt, you want to rinse your soba noodles. This removes excess starch and prevents a big sticky mess.
Are soba noodles bad for you?
Soba noodles are a healthier option than most other pasta options. However, there are some brands that use more refined wheat flour than buckwheat and those would be considered less nutritious.
How do you cook soba noodles so they don’t stick?
Choose a pot that is large enough to give them plenty of room to move around and rinse them immediately after cooking with cold water.
Can you use soba noodles for spaghetti?
Sure, you could! Soba noodles are similar to spaghetti in shape and function but will have a nuttier taste than a traditional pasta.
Meal prep tips for Shrimp Soba Noodle Salad
Our chilled soba noodle recipe is the perfect grab-and-go option for a quick, healthy meal. Here are some tips to make it even better.
If you like your shrimp warm but the salad cool, store them separately in the fridge. You can then reheat the shrimp and toss them in your already chilled salad.
Rinse your noodles. We’ve repeated this multiple times because it’s important.
Don’t overcook them. Soba noodles should be served al dente or they can become mushy. Taste your noodles as they cook in an effort to prevent this from happening.
Sub low-sodium soy sauce. If you’re watching your sodium intake, this is a flawless substitution to make this recipe even healthier.
Add in other vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots. These all make for a great crunch alongside the slippery noodles and shrimp.
If there is anything more satisfying than a big serving of pasta goodness, it’s not having to clean the entire kitchen afterwards. Our healthy one-pot spaghetti & chicken recipe ticks both of those boxes. It is not only scrumptious but can be made in just one pot!
Ease of Making: Medium
One pot pasta meals are a go-to when it comes to meal prepping because you’re reducing the amount of stovetop and oven space needed to complete it. However, this recipe will take about an hour to complete, as the chicken needs to be cooked ahead of the spaghetti in the pot in order to prevent contamination. But trust us, it’s worth the wait.
If you’re looking for a quick one pot meal, try one of these:
There are a few steps you’ll want to take ahead of time to make sure this one-pot wonder turns out as delicious as it sounds.
Get your base boiling. Add the chicken stock and spaghetti sauce to your pot and heat it over a medium-high heat until boiling.
Meanwhile, remove your chicken breasts from the package and cut off any fat bits that may have been left in the butchering process. This will help reduce the oiliness of your pasta and sauce.
Add your chicken to the boiling broth and sauce mixture and reduce the heat to a low-medium. Cover the pot with a lid. The chicken should cook for at 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees fahrenheit, the safe cooking temperature for all chicken.
Toss in the remaining ingredients and cook for an additional 15 minutes. It’s important you make sure all of the pasta is covered so that it can cook properly.
Once your pasta is cooked, turn off the heat. Leave everything but the chicken in the pot. Remove chicken and shred with a fork. At this point it will be super tender and this should be easy.
Return the chicken to the pot and mix it around with the rest of the ingredients inside of the pot.
Time to serve your creamy chicken spaghetti! Top with parmesan cheese and cherry tomatoes for an extra pop.
Chicken spaghetti is an easy go-to meal, especially in the winter, providing a hearty warm meal for days to come.
FAQ for One-Pot Chicken Spaghetti
Can you freeze leftover chicken spaghetti?
Absolutely! We like to prep the dish the same as above and then store in a casserole dish in the freezer. This way you can pop it in the oven to reheat.
What is a good side for chicken spaghetti?
While the chicken spaghetti dish is hearty enough on its own, you may like to have a simple garden salad on the side.
How long is chicken spaghetti good for?
Properly stored, chicken spaghetti can last 3-5 days in the fridge or up to 3 months in the freezer.
One-Pot Chicken Spaghetti
Juicy chicken, nutritious vegetables and a rich broth all cooked in one pot, make this dish an absolute wonder for weeknight meals or prep ahead entrees
Add chicken broth and spaghetti sauce to a large pot and bring it to a boil on medium high heat.
Next, add the chicken breasts. Once the pot comes a boil, reduce the heat to low to medium heat and bring it to a simmer. Then cover the pot. Cook the chicken for 30 minutes (until it reaches an internal temperature of 165F).
Then, add the pasta, mushrooms, and spinach. Add more water if the sauce is too dry. Mix well so that the pasta is submerged in the sauce. Cook for another 15 minutes until the pasta is fully cooked.
Lastly, remove the chicken from the sauce and shred it with a knife and fork into bite size pieces.
Assemble the spaghetti with the pasta and chicken. Top it off with fresh cherry tomatoes and parmesan cheese to your preferred amount. Eat and enjoy!
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There are many recipes you can use to prepare salmon, but one that never disappoints is an Asian baked salmon recipe. Our version of this is a baked sesame ginger salmon. The marinated salmon soaks up the flavors of the ginger sesame dressing and it is then baked to perfection in the oven alongside seasoned kale and butternut squash. This quick-and-easy salmon recipe also only uses one pan, which may be an even better benefit than the high sources of fiber and healthy fats you’ll find throughout this dish. We’ll take our Omega-3s with a clean kitchen any day.
Ease of Making: Easy
All jokes aside, there truly are countless nutritional benefits to this meal. Salmon is packed with omega-3s, protein, B vitamins, potassium and more. It has also been known to reduce your risk of cancer, heart disease, joint problems and other medical issues or conditions.
Then we have our kale and butternut squash, each nutrient dense on their own. Kale is known as one of the healthiest and nutritious foods on the planet, due to its low calorie content and high volume of vitamins and antioxidants. Kale has been linked to protection against diabetes, cancer, and heart disease and benefits digestion, skin, hair, eyes and more.
Butternut squash didn’t want kale and salmon to have all the fun when it comes to benefiting your health, this winter vegetable is a great source of fiber, vitamins (A,C, B, E), calcium, magnesium and zinc
How to Cook Salmon
Salmon can be cooked in a multitude of ways; oven, stovetop, air fryer, broiled, etc. Each recipe may call for a different variation of cooking method. However, no matter the cooking method here’s a guide for getting your ideal doneness on the inside of the fish.
Salmon Temperature Guide
Cook
Internal Temperature
Rare
120℉
Medium Rare
125℉
Medium
130℉
Medium Well
135℉
Well Done
140℉
Please note that the USDA recommends that salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145F to ensure food safety (measured with a cooking thermometer in the thickest part of the filet). Consuming salmon that does not reach the internal temperature of 145F can increase the risk of being exposed to foodborne illness.
Broiling is one of the healthiest ways to cook salmon, unlike some other fish, salmon’s natural oils prevent the fish from drying out when cooked this way. This cooking method also doesn’t require the addition of any fats like oil.
Do you rinse salmon before cooking?
Depending on the freshness of your fish you may want to rinse it and pat dry. Fresh or hardly aged salmon is fine without a rinse.
Do you season salmon before cooking?
Yes, but you want to season immediately before baking as salt can start to break down the proteins and draw out the moisture in salmon if it sits too long.
Butternut Squash and Kale FAQ
How long to cook?
Cooking Time for Butternut Squash at 400F
Cut
Time
Butternut squash halved
50-60 minutes
Butternut squash cubed
35-45 minutes
Butternut squash diced
15-20 minutes
Can you eat butternut squash without cooking it?
Yes, butternut squash can be consumed raw. Many people find that they like putting it in salads or smoothies. However, butternut squash contains a lot of beta-carotene which is easier to absorb once heated.
Do I need to peel butternut squash before roasting?
Depending on the recipe you may not need to peel the butternut squash before roasting. This recipe calls for dicing the squash in small portions so that it can cook at the same pace as the salmon and kale, so it will need to be peeled.
How long does cooked butternut squash last?
Cooked squash can last 3-4 days in the refrigerator and up to 3-4 months in the freezer for best quality.
How long does fresh butternut squash last?
A whole butternut squash with the skin still on should be kept outside of the refrigerator and can last an entire month in the right conditions.
What is kale good for?
Besides this recipe, kale makes a perfect addition to salads, smoothies, omelets, breakfast scrambles and more.
How many calories are in kale?
There are 8 calories in one cup of chopped raw kale, and 33 calories in one cup of cooked kale.
How much protein in kale?
There are 0.7 grams of protein in one cup of chopped raw kale, and 2.5 grams in one cup of cooked kale.
How to tell if kale is bad?
As kale ages you will notice the leaves start to wilt and turn brown. If the decomposition goes further, your kale will turn into a liquid brown mush and likely start to leak out it’s bag.
Meal prep tips for Baked Sesame Ginger Salmon
Switch up your sides – if there are just too many nutrient-dense ingredients in this recipe for you, try switching up the sides. Rice and broccoli would make perfect pairs with this salmon.
Broil it – If you like your salmon to have a nice crisp outer layer, try broiling it for the last five minutes of the baking process.
Baked Sesame Ginger Salmon with Kale & Butternut Squash
An easy, heart-healthy recipe featuring omega 3 rich salmon, alongside butternut squash and kale
if needed: dice butternut squash into small pieces
line sheet pan with parchment paper
Cooking Method:
Place salmon on a sheet pan. Marinate it with 1 tbsp of the sesame ginger salad dressing
In a mixing bowl, add the baby kale and squash. Add 2 tbsp of sesame ginger salad dressing, 1 tbsp of olive oil, garlic powder, and salt. Mix well until everything is fully coated.
Place the baby kale mix on the same sheet pan and spread it out evenly.
Bake everything in the oven for 10-15 minutes until the salmon has fully cooked.
Remove from the oven. Eat and enjoy!
If you love this recipe, check out these other recipes we know you’ll love too:
Roasted chicken and green bean casserole are two classic American dishes in and of themselves but together the two provide a nutrient-packed meal with a fantastic balance of protein, carbs, and fats. Many people often look to French’s or Campbell’s green bean casserole recipes but we prefer our, made from scratch cream base coupled with fresh oven-roasted chicken to bring delight to our weekly meal prep menu.
Green beans are a fantastic addition to your diet, providing large amounts of Vitamin C, A, and K, in addition to other valuable minerals. Green beans are also great for a heart healthy diet considering they have zero cholesterol, low sodium (6.6mg per 1 cup) and soluble fiber.
Ease of Making: Medium
How to Cook Green Bean Casserole From Scratch
It’s easy to make our recipe for green bean casserole ahead, all you need to do is follow a few simple steps:
Cook the onions, mushrooms and garlic until softened
Make your roux, with butter and milk and add to onion and mushroom mixture
Stir in the rest of your ingredients, except green beans and cook until the concoction has thickened
Add in your green beans and stir well
Finally, add to a baking dish and top with cheese to bake
Meal Prep Tips for Roasted Chicken with Green Bean Casserole
How long does roasted chicken last in the fridge?
Roasted chicken can last up to 4 days in the fridge. It can also lend itself to many other easy recipes as well like: buffalo chicken salad, regular chicken salad or add it to the top of your lunchtime greens for a quick protein.
How long to roast a chicken?
Roast times depend on the cut of chicken you are using, in this recipe we are using chicken quarters. We suggest roasting at 425° for 35 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165F.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup in a green bean casserole?
In our green bean casserole recipe we make our cream base from scratch instead of a can but you could certainly use either. If you’re wondering, what to substitute for cream of mushroom soup in a green bean casserole, look no further. You’ve got several options for substitutions and can still be known for the best green bean casserole in town.
1 can of cream of celery soup
1 can of cream of chicken soup
1 cup of sour cream
4 ounces of light cream cheese, 1 12-oz pack of mushrooms sliced, 2tbls butter, and 1 cup of milk
1 cup of milk and 4 oz of cream cheese
Play around with your favorite substitutions until you get your flavor right. You can even add chicken broth to get a chicken forward flavor if that’s what you’re looking for.
How to steam green beans for homemade green bean casserole:
Our recipe calls for fresh, not steamed green beans for our green bean casserole. This allows for the green beans to bake in the oven in the mix of the other ingredients, absorbing flavors without becoming soggy.
How do you thicken green bean casserole?
If you notice your green bean casserole is a bit on the runny side, you can add in a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with a little bit of water), one tablespoon at a time until your mix reaches your desired consistency.
How to freeze green bean casserole: (Does it freeze well)
Our easy green bean casserole is perfect for freezing. Should you decide to make an extra, or freeze what you have on hand, you’ll find that green bean casserole freezes well. When you’re ready to reheat your frozen casserole, simply pop it up in the oven for 40 minutes at 350°. Cook times may vary depending on the size and type of your dish.
What to do with leftover green bean casserole
Not everyone or every family can put down an entire casserole dish of green beans in one sitting, so it’s understandable that you may be wondering what you can do with your leftovers. Here are a few ideas:
Season chicken with oregano, thyme, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil. Place it in a baking dish lined with parchment paper
Place the chicken in the oven and bake at 425 for 30-35 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 165F
Green Bean Casserole
Meanwhile, add oil to a saute pan on medium-high heat. Saute the onions, mushrooms, and garlic until they soften (about 3 to 5 minutes)
Then, add butter and flour to make a roux (paste). Stir until it is completely mixed (about 2 to 3 minutes)
Next, add heavy cream. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Stir it all together
Simmer until it thickens into half the amount.
Place the green beans in a baking dish that has been greased. Pour the heavy cream mixture over the green beans. Top it off with the shredded cheddar cheese
Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes.
Carefully remove from the oven once all items have cooked. Eat and enjoy!
If you love this recipe, check out these other recipes we know you’ll love too:
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Instant Pot Short Rib Noodle Soup
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