When I think about dinner that doesn’t stress me out, these chicken sausage pasta meal prep bowls are right at the top of the list. We’re talking tender pasta, smoky slices of chicken sausage, and vegetables that actually taste good when reheated. That’s not just me bragging—it’s the kind of recipe that proves meal prep can be both easy and crave-worthy. I’ve played around with so many pasta and sausage recipes over the years, but this sausage pasta recipe is one I keep coming back to. There’s comfort in the way the noodles soak up that garlicky, slightly spicy oil, and the chicken sausage gives you all the flavor without making things heavy. For anyone who loves italian chicken sausage recipes or sausage and chicken recipes in general, this is a solid go-to for weeknights. And here’s the best part. These bowls are quick to whip up, pack beautifully for lunch, and hit that sweet spot between cozy and practical. Whether you’re hunting for sausage recipes for dinner or smoked sausage pasta recipes that you can enjoy on repeat, this little number checks every box. It’s my personal kitchen shortcut when life feels too busy but I still want something that tastes like I tried.
Table of Contents
- 1) Key Takeaways
- 2) Easy Chicken Sausage Pasta Meal Prep Bowls Recipe
- 3) Ingredients for Chicken Sausage Pasta Meal Prep Bowls
- 4) How to Make Chicken Sausage Pasta Meal Prep Bowls
- 5) Tips for Making Chicken Sausage Pasta Meal Prep Bowls
- 6) Making Chicken Sausage Pasta Meal Prep Bowls Ahead of Time
- 7) Storing Leftover Chicken Sausage Pasta Meal Prep Bowls
- 8) Try these Main Course recipes next!
- 9) Chicken Sausage Pasta Meal Prep Bowls
- 10) Nutrition
1) Key Takeaways
- Fast and filling, ready in about twenty minutes.
- Loaded with pasta, chicken sausage, and vegetables.
- Perfect for meal prep or quick dinners during the week.
- Customizable with spices, cheese, or extra veggies.
2) Easy Chicken Sausage Pasta Meal Prep Bowls Recipe
When I think of dinner ideas that never let me down, chicken sausage recipes always come to mind. This one especially makes life easier. I can throw it together in a single skillet and suddenly I feel like I’ve managed to conquer the evening without stressing over the clock.
What I love is how it balances comfort and convenience. The pasta soaks up the garlic and oil, while the chicken sausage adds that smoky, savory bite. Honestly, it feels like something I’d happily order at a small Italian café, yet I’m pulling it off in my own kitchen after work. It proves that pasta and sausage recipes don’t have to be complicated to taste great.
If you’ve been searching for a sausage pasta recipe that doesn’t leave you drained or overwhelmed, this one is a keeper. Whether you love italian chicken sausage recipes or simply want new sausage and chicken recipes to rotate into your week, you’ll be glad you tried this one.
3) Ingredients for Chicken Sausage Pasta Meal Prep Bowls
Penne Pasta: A sturdy pasta that holds the sauce well and reheats beautifully. You could swap with rotini or rigatoni if that’s what you have on hand.
Olive Oil: It gives body and richness to the skillet while carrying the garlic and herbs through every bite.
Chicken Sausage: I like to slice it into rounds so each forkful gets that smoky, flavorful piece. Smoked sausage pasta recipes remind me of cookouts, so I lean into that memory here.
Red Bell Pepper: Bright, sweet, and colorful, it softens in the skillet but keeps enough bite to balance the pasta.
Zucchini: Mild and tender, it absorbs the flavors from the sausage and spices without stealing the spotlight.
Garlic: Freshly minced is best, and two cloves are just enough to give the dish its backbone.
Italian Seasoning: A simple blend that ties everything together with an herb kick.
Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle over the top adds that final nutty sharpness that makes pasta shine.
Fresh Parsley: Optional, but it brightens the plate and adds a clean finish if you like garnish.
4) How to Make Chicken Sausage Pasta Meal Prep Bowls
Step 1. Boil salted water and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain it but keep it warm nearby.
Step 2. Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add the chicken sausage slices and let them brown on both sides. This builds flavor quickly.
Step 3. Toss in the bell pepper and zucchini. Cook them until tender but not mushy. They should keep a little snap.
Step 4. Stir in the garlic and Italian seasoning. Let the skillet fill with that strong, inviting aroma for about a minute.
Step 5. Add the pasta into the skillet. Toss everything well so the oil, sausage, and vegetables coat the noodles evenly.
Step 6. Season with salt and pepper. Finish with Parmesan cheese sprinkled over the top.
Step 7. Serve hot, or divide into containers for meal prep during the week. Add parsley if you like a fresh pop.
5) Tips for Making Chicken Sausage Pasta Meal Prep Bowls
Use good quality sausage. Since it carries so much of the flavor, a tasty chicken sausage will elevate the whole dish. Some sausage recipes for dinner can fall flat if the sausage tastes bland, but this dish won’t suffer that fate if you pick well.
Don’t skip salting the pasta water. It seasons the noodles from the inside out, and that seasoning stays even when you toss them into the skillet.
If you want more kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce can bring the right amount of heat. Keep it simple, and the dish will still deliver a satisfying punch of flavor.
6) Making Chicken Sausage Pasta Meal Prep Bowls Ahead of Time
This recipe earns its place in my fridge because it keeps so well. I’ll cook it Sunday night, divide into bowls, and grab them through the week. It makes me feel like I actually have my life together, even if my laundry pile suggests otherwise.
If you want to store it, I suggest keeping the cheese separate. Add it when you’re ready to reheat so it melts fresh instead of clumping. Italian chicken sausage recipes often do well for make-ahead meals because the sausage stays firm and flavorful.
Reheating is easy. A quick spin in the microwave brings it back, though I sometimes toss mine into a skillet with a drizzle of oil to refresh the texture.
7) Storing Leftover Chicken Sausage Pasta Meal Prep Bowls
Leftovers last three to four days in the fridge if sealed well. I like to use glass containers so I can see what I’ve got without opening each one. It’s a small trick, but it helps me actually eat what I cook.
If you plan on freezing, portion it into airtight containers and freeze for up to two months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat with a splash of water or broth. Sausage and chicken recipes freeze reliably, and this one holds up better than most pasta dishes I’ve tried.
The only thing I don’t recommend is freezing with the cheese already mixed in. It tends to turn grainy. Keep it separate until serving time.
8) Try these Main Course recipes next!
9) Chicken Sausage Pasta Meal Prep Bowls
Chicken Sausage Recipes Pasta Meal Prep Bowls
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound chicken sausage, sliced into rounds
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken sausage slices and cook until browned.
- Toss in the bell pepper and zucchini, cooking until just tender.
- Stir in the garlic and Italian seasoning, letting everything mingle for a minute.
- Add the cooked pasta into the skillet, tossing well to coat with the sausage and veggies.
- Season with salt and black pepper, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Serve warm or portion into containers for meal prep. Top with parsley if you like.
10) Nutrition
Serving Size: 1 bowl, Calories: 420, Sugar: 5 g, Sodium: 780 mg, Fat: 18 g, Saturated Fat: 4 g, Carbohydrates: 45 g, Fiber: 3 g, Protein: 22 g, Cholesterol: 55 mg
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