15-Minute Chicken Sausage Pasta Meal Prep Bowls Recipe
Introduction
The 15-Minute Chicken Sausage Pasta Meal Prep Bowls are a quick, nutritious, and flavorful option perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping. Combining protein-rich chicken sausage, fiber-packed chickpea pasta, and a colorful mix of vegetables, this dish strikes a great balance between health and convenience.
Ingredients
- 1 box Banza pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
- 2 cups pasta sauce (spicy recommended, or your favorite kind)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large bag frozen mixed vegetables
- 4 fully-cooked chicken sausage links, sliced
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the frozen mixed vegetables and sliced chicken sausage. Cook for 6–8 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the sausage is warmed through.
- Step 3: Evenly divide the cooked pasta into 4–5 meal prep containers.
- Step 4: Top each container with the vegetable and sausage mixture.
- Step 5: Spoon ½ cup of pasta sauce over each portion.
- Step 6: Let the bowls cool, then seal and refrigerate. To serve, reheat in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or until hot.
Tips & Variations
- Swap frozen vegetables for fresh options like spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli for a different texture and flavor.
- Add extra protein such as beans, lentils, or grilled chicken breast to boost nutrition.
- Try different pasta sauces like tomato basil, pesto, or Alfredo to customize the flavor profile.
- Replace Banza pasta with other types like whole wheat pasta, rice noodles, or spiralized zucchini according to your preference.
- Add chili flakes or hot sauce to the pasta sauce if you like a spicier kick.
Storage
Store the prepared meal prep bowls in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. This dish also freezes well; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh vegetables work just as well and can add a different texture and taste. Just adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure they are tender.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap the chicken sausage for a plant-based sausage or extra beans and use your favorite vegetarian pasta sauce to make this dish vegan or vegetarian friendly.
Print15-Minute Chicken Sausage Pasta Meal Prep Bowls Recipe
A quick and healthy 15-minute meal prep recipe featuring gluten-free chickpea pasta, lean chicken sausage, and a medley of frozen mixed vegetables tossed in your favorite pasta sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or batch cooking, these bowls deliver a balanced, protein-rich, and fiber-packed meal that reheats beautifully and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 5 servings 1x
- Category: Meal Prep
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 box Banza pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
Vegetables and Protein
- 1 large bag frozen mixed vegetables
- 4 fully-cooked chicken sausage links, sliced
Sauce and Oil
- 2 cups pasta sauce (spicy recommended, or your favorite kind)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the Banza pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté vegetables and sausage: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the frozen mixed vegetables and sliced cooked chicken sausage. Cook them together for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the sausage is heated through.
- Assemble meal prep bowls: Evenly divide the cooked pasta into 4 to 5 meal prep containers to portion your meals for the week.
- Add vegetable and sausage mixture: Top each container with an equal portion of the vegetable and sausage mixture, distributing the ingredients evenly.
- Top with pasta sauce: Spoon about ½ cup of your chosen pasta sauce over each portion to add flavor and moisture to the dish.
- Cool and store: Allow the bowls to cool at room temperature before sealing with lids and refrigerating. These bowls can be stored safely in the fridge for meal prep convenience.
- Reheat to serve: When ready to eat, reheat a bowl in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes or until hot, then enjoy a wholesome, customizable meal.
Notes
- Use gluten-free pasta like Banza made from chickpeas for a high-protein, gluten-free option.
- Feel free to substitute frozen mixed vegetables with fresh vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli.
- To increase protein content, add beans, lentils, or grilled chicken breast.
- Experiment with different pasta sauces such as tomato basil, pesto, or Alfredo for flavor variety.
- You can switch out the pasta for whole wheat, rice noodles, or spiralized vegetables like zucchini.
- Add chili flakes or hot sauce to the pasta sauce for a spicy kick if preferred.
- The recipe yields 4 to 5 servings, ideal for batch cooking and weekly meal prep.
- Reheat leftovers in the microwave for best convenience and flavor.
Keywords: chicken sausage pasta, meal prep bowls, quick pasta recipe, gluten-free pasta meal, healthy meal prep, chicken sausage meal, high protein pasta bowl
