Introduction
Remember those days when dinner felt like a marathon? Rushing home, staring into the fridge, and wondering what magic wand would create a delicious and healthy meal in under 30 minutes? Well, I’ve got just the thing to banish those dinner-time blues! This 15-Minute Chicken Sausage Pasta Meal Prep Bowl recipe is a total game-changer. It’s so quick, so satisfying, and honestly, so ridiculously easy, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it all along. Perfect for those busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or anytime you need a comforting hug in a bowl!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Speedy: Seriously, we’re talking 15 minutes from start to finish. That’s faster than your favorite takeout!
- Effortlessly Easy: No fancy techniques or complicated steps here. If you can boil pasta, you can make this!
- Perfect for Gifting (or Sharing!): Make a batch to freeze or share with a neighbor who’s having a rough week. A homemade meal is the sweetest gift.
- Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike adore this. It’s hearty, flavorful, and packed with goodness.
Ingredients
Let’s gather our simple treasures for this delightful dish. You can find everything at your local grocery store!
- 1 box Banza pasta (or your preferred pasta): I love Banza because it’s made from chickpeas and adds a little extra protein and fiber. But honestly, any pasta shape you love will be amazing here!
- 2 cups pasta sauce: Grab your favorite jarred sauce. Marinara, arrabiata, or even a creamy tomato sauce work beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Just a little bit to get things started and add a touch of richness.
- 1 large bag frozen mixed vegetables: This is my secret weapon for speed and nutrition! Peas, carrots, corn, green beans – whatever your heart desires.
- 4 fully-cooked chicken sausage links, sliced: These are pre-cooked, which makes them a lifesaver for quick meals. Plus, chicken sausage is a leaner, delicious choice.
How to Make It
Alright, chef, let’s get cooking! It’s going to be a breeze.
- Get Your Pasta Going: First things first, get a pot of water boiling for your pasta. Cook it according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. Remember, we want it to have a little bite!
- Sizzle Up the Sausage & Veggies: While your pasta is bubbling away, grab a large skillet. Heat your olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s warm, toss in your sliced chicken sausage and the whole bag of frozen mixed vegetables. Give them a good stir and let them cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until everything is nice and heated through. You’ll see those veggies start to get tender and the sausage will get a lovely little sear.
- Sauce It Up: Pour your pasta sauce right into the skillet with the sausage and veggies. Stir it all together and let it heat up until it starts to gently simmer. Mmm, the aroma is already amazing, right?
- Bring It All Together: By now, your pasta should be ready! Drain it well and then add it directly to the skillet with your savory sausage, vegetable, and sauce mixture.
- Toss and Serve! Give everything a good toss to make sure every strand of pasta and every veggie is coated in that delicious sauce. And voilà! Your 15-minute masterpiece is ready to be served. Spoon it into bowls and enjoy every comforting bite.
Substitutions & Additions
This recipe is wonderfully flexible, so feel free to make it your own!
- Pasta Power: If Banza isn’t your jam, feel free to use whole wheat pasta, gluten-free pasta, or even regular ol’ spaghetti or penne.
- Veggie Variety: Don’t have mixed veggies? No problem! Frozen broccoli florets, spinach (add it in the last minute of simmering), or even chopped fresh bell peppers or onions (sauté these before adding the sausage) work wonderfully.
- Sausage Swaps: Turkey sausage or even plant-based sausage crumbles can be used in place of chicken sausage.
- Spice It Up: Want a little heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you add the sauce.
- Cheesy Goodness: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese on top takes this to another level!
Tips for Success
A few little tricks to make this recipe even more foolproof!
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook it just until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly in the sauce. Mushy pasta is never fun!
- Prep Ahead: If you’re really pressed for time, you can slice your sausage and measure out your sauce the night before.
- Meal Prep Magic: For true meal prep success, divide the finished pasta into individual airtight containers. It will last in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Freezing Friendly: This recipe freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Store It
Leftovers are a good thing, especially when they’re this easy to store!
Once cooled, store any leftover chicken sausage pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave for a minute or two until warmed through, or gently reheat on the stovetop. You might want to add a tiny splash of water or broth if it seems a little dry.
FAQs
Got a burning question? I’ve got you covered!
Q: Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
A: Absolutely! If using fresh vegetables like broccoli florets or chopped bell peppers, add them to the skillet with the sausage and sauté until tender-crisp before adding the sauce. If using quick-cooking greens like spinach, add them in the last minute of simmering.
Q: How long does this recipe truly take?
A: If you’re multitasking (boiling pasta while sautéing sausage and veggies), it’s genuinely around 15 minutes. It’s designed for speed!
Q: Is this recipe healthy?
A: Yes! It’s a good source of protein from the chicken sausage, fiber from the Banza pasta and vegetables, and it’s a balanced meal that’s quick to prepare, making it a healthier alternative to many fast-food options.
15-Minute Chicken Sausage Pasta Meal Prep Bowls
Equipment
- Pot For boiling pasta
- Large skillet
- Airtight containers For meal prep and storage
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 box Banza pasta (or your preferred pasta)
- 2 cups pasta sauce Grab your favorite jarred sauce. Marinara, arrabiata, or even a creamy tomato sauce work beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large bag frozen mixed vegetables Peas, carrots, corn, green beans – whatever your heart desires.
- 4 links fully-cooked chicken sausage links sliced
Instructions
- Get your pasta going: First things first, get a pot of water boiling for your pasta. Cook it according to the package directions until it's perfectly al dente. Remember, we want it to have a little bite!
- Sizzle up the sausage & veggies: While your pasta is bubbling away, grab a large skillet. Heat your olive oil over medium heat. Once it's warm, toss in your sliced chicken sausage and the whole bag of frozen mixed vegetables. Give them a good stir and let them cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until everything is nice and heated through. You'll see those veggies start to get tender and the sausage will get a lovely little sear.
- Sauce it up: Pour your pasta sauce right into the skillet with the sausage and veggies. Stir it all together and let it heat up until it starts to gently simmer. Mmm, the aroma is already amazing, right?
- Bring it all together: By now, your pasta should be ready! Drain it well and then add it directly to the skillet with your savory sausage, vegetable, and sauce mixture.
- Toss and serve!: Give everything a good toss to make sure every strand of pasta and every veggie is coated in that delicious sauce. And voilà! Your 15-minute masterpiece is ready to be served. Spoon it into bowls and enjoy every comforting bite.