On a bustling weekday or a cozy weekend, there’s nothing quite like the inviting aroma of pasta wafting through your kitchen. Enter 15-Minute Chicken Sausage Pasta Meal Prep Bowls—an effortlessly delicious dish that perfectly balances savory chicken sausage and colorful vegetables. Whether you’re meal prepping for a busy week ahead or looking for a quick, hearty dinner, these meal prep bowls promise nourishment and satisfaction in every bite.
Why You’ll Adore This 15-Minute Chicken Sausage Pasta Meal Prep Bowls
The appeal of this dish lies in its simplicity and flavor. You can whip up a whole week’s worth of meals in just 15 minutes! This means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the dishes. Here are a few reasons to fall in love with this recipe:
- Quick and easy; perfect for meal prepping.
- Packed with lean protein and vibrant vegetables.
- Deliciously versatile for any palate.
- A comforting meal that doesn’t skimp on taste.
- Ideal for busy schedules without sacrificing quality.
Gather These Ingredients for 15-Minute Chicken Sausage Pasta Meal Prep Bowls
For this flavorful meal prep recipe, you’ll want to ensure that you have all the necessary ingredients ready to go. Each component plays a vital role, and if you prefer variations, feel free to swap as needed! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 box chickpea pasta (or your preferred pasta)
- 2 cups pasta sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 bag frozen mixed vegetables
- 4 fully cooked chicken sausages, sliced
These ingredients come together to create a nutritious and satisfying dish that’s both quick and easy to prepare.
Bringing It All Together: How to Make 15-Minute Chicken Sausage Pasta Meal Prep Bowls
Creating your 15-Minute Chicken Sausage Pasta Meal Prep Bowls is a breeze! Follow these simple steps, and soon your kitchen will be filled with delightful aromas:
- Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add your chickpea pasta and cook according to package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Once done, drain the pasta, letting the warm steam escape.
- Sauté the Veggies: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once heated, toss in the frozen mixed vegetables. Stir them gently and let them sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they’re softened and lovely.
- Warm the Sausage: Add the sliced chicken sausages to the skillet with the veggies, gently stirring them together. Cook until the sausages are heated through, soaking up the flavors of the sautéed veggies.
- Combine the Bowls: Divide the cooked pasta into your meal prep containers, and generously top each portion with the sausage and vegetable mix.
- Add the Sauce: Spoon the pasta sauce over each bowl, ensuring every bite will be burst with flavor.
- Cool and Store: Let everything cool for a few minutes, then seal up your containers. Store in the refrigerator until you’re ready to relish each meal.
Prep ~ 5 minutes, Cook ~ 10 minutes, Total ~ 15 minutes, Servings ~ 4, Kcal ~ 350 (estimate).
Prepare in Advance: Make-Ahead Options
One of the best features of this 15-Minute Chicken Sausage Pasta Meal Prep Bowls is their make-ahead potential. You can prepare the pasta and vegetable sauté a day or two in advance, ensuring that your meals are even quicker to assemble when you’re ready to eat.
To do so, simply cook the pasta and sauté the veggies according to the earlier steps, but store them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to combine. When you’re set to serve, warm both the pasta and the vegetable-sausage mix in a pan or microwave, add the sauce, and enjoy!
How to Store Leftovers: Storage and Reheating
These meal prep bowls can be stored in the fridge for up to five days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing the portions, which can be kept for up to three months. Just make sure that the containers are airtight to maintain freshness.
When it’s time to reheat, gently warm the bowls in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes or on the stovetop over low heat. You’ll know they’re ready when the pasta is heated through and the flavors are once again lively and vibrant!
Pairing Suggestions: What to Serve with 15-Minute Chicken Sausage Pasta Meal Prep Bowls
These delightful meal prep bowls can be complemented with a range of sides. Here are a few ideas to elevate your dining experience:
- A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette.
- Garlic bread for a hearty touch.
- Sautéed greens like spinach or kale.
- A fresh fruit salad for a sweet finish.
- Grated Parmesan cheese for a savory sprinkle.
Make It Your Own: Variations and Swaps
The beauty of 15-Minute Chicken Sausage Pasta Meal Prep Bowls lies in their versatility! Feel free to make it your own with these ideas:
- Swap the Protein: Use ground turkey or ground chicken instead of chicken sausage for a different texture and taste.
- Change the Sauce: Switch to a pesto or Alfredo sauce to introduce new flavors.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Enhance the dish with fresh basil or parsley for an aromatic touch.
- Explore Different Veggies: Use whatever vegetables you have on hand, like bell peppers, broccoli, or zucchini.
- Spice it Up: Add crushed red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning for a kick of flavor.
- Switch the Pasta: Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for your dietary preferences.
Tips for Success: Expert Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure your 15-Minute Chicken Sausage Pasta Meal Prep Bowls turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Always cook the pasta until it’s al dente to prevent overcooking when reheating.
- Use good quality chicken sausage for optimal flavor.
- Make sure to space out the vegetables in the skillet for an even sauté.
- Let the mixture cool slightly before sealing in containers to avoid condensation.
- Taste and adjust seasonings, especially before adding the sauce.
Your Questions, Answered: FAQs about 15-Minute Chicken Sausage Pasta Meal Prep Bowls
- How long do these meal prep bowls last?
- You can store them in the fridge for up to five days, or freeze the portions for about three months.
- Can I use uncooked chicken sausage?
- If your chicken sausage is raw, ensure to cook it thoroughly before adding to the skillet with vegetables.
- What pasta can I use if I don’t have chickpea pasta?
- Feel free to substitute with any pasta of your choice, such as whole wheat or gluten-free options.
- Can I add cheese to this dish?
- Absolutely! A sprinkle of Parmesan or mozzarella can add a nice creamy touch.
- Can I prepare this dish without any meal prep containers?
- Yes! You can simply store the mixed pasta and sausage in a large container and portion them out as you eat.
Final Thoughts
15-Minute Chicken Sausage Pasta Meal Prep Bowls are not just a quick meal; they are a heartfelt creation that brings comfort and ease to your cooking routine. With endless possibilities for customization and a delightful mix of flavors and textures, they are sure to become a staple in your meal prep repertoire. Dive into this inviting dish soon, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
15-Minute Chicken Sausage Pasta Meal Prep Bowls
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A quick and delicious meal prep recipe featuring chicken sausage, colorful vegetables, and chickpea pasta.
Ingredients
- 1 box chickpea pasta (or your preferred pasta)
- 2 cups pasta sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 bag frozen mixed vegetables
- 4 fully cooked chicken sausages, sliced
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil water in a large pot, add chickpea pasta, and cook until al dente. Drain and let steam escape.
- Sauté the Veggies: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add frozen mixed vegetables and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
- Warm the Sausage: Add sliced chicken sausages to the skillet and cook until heated through.
- Combine the Bowls: Divide cooked pasta into meal prep containers, topping with the sausage and vegetable mix.
- Add the Sauce: Spoon pasta sauce over each bowl.
- Cool and Store: Let cool, seal containers, and refrigerate until ready to eat.
Notes
These meal prep bowls can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to five days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Meal Prep
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: meal prep, chicken sausage, pasta, quick meals, healthy dinner
