When life gets busy, this 15-Minute Chicken Sausage Pasta is my go-to meal prep hero. It’s hearty enough to keep you full, simple enough for any weekday, and packed with protein and veggies. With just one pot and a handful of ingredients, you’ll have four flavor-packed bowls ready for the week—no stress, no fuss.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Sausage Pasta
This recipe hits that sweet spot between convenience and comfort. You’ll love how easy it is to prep, pack, and reheat.
- Cooks in just 15 minutes—perfect for busy weeks
- High in protein and loaded with vegetables
- Uses pantry staples and frozen veggies for simplicity
- Works with any pasta or sauce you like
- Makes 4 balanced, ready-to-go portions
- Great for freezer-friendly meal prep
I came up with this one during my truck-driving days—when fast food was tempting, but I wanted something real. A few pantry staples, a skillet, and some chicken sausage, and I had a filling, homestyle meal that traveled just fine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple with easy-to-find ingredients and lots of flexibility.
Main Ingredients
- 1 box Banza pasta (or any pasta you love) – high-protein and gluten-free friendly
- 2 cups pasta sauce – marinara, arrabbiata, or creamy tomato
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – for sautéing
- 1 large bag frozen mixed vegetables – peas, carrots, corn, green beans
- 4 links fully cooked chicken sausage, sliced – hearty protein base
Optional Add-Ons or Substitutes
- Use whole wheat pasta for added fiber
- Try spinach or kale instead of frozen veggies
- Add red pepper flakes for a little heat
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese for extra flavor
- Swap sauce for pesto or Alfredo if you like creamy dishes
- Add a squeeze of lemon for brightness
Step-by-Step Instructions
Jake’s take: This meal is proof that quick cooking doesn’t mean boring food. Keep the heat up and the flavor rolling.
- Cook the Pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. (Reserve a little pasta water if you like a saucier texture.)
- Cook the Veggies – In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the frozen veggies and cook for 3–5 minutes until tender. (No need to thaw first; they’ll cook perfectly from frozen.)
- Add the Chicken Sausage – Stir in the sliced sausage and cook until heated through and slightly browned. (This gives it that savory edge.)
- Add Sauce and Pasta – Pour in the pasta sauce and toss in the cooked pasta. Stir to coat everything evenly. Add a splash of pasta water if needed.
- Serve or Store – Divide into 4 meal prep containers or serve hot.
Quick Reminders:
- Don’t overcook pasta; it should stay firm when reheated.
- Use a bold sauce if you want maximum flavor.
- Taste before serving—adjust salt or herbs if needed.
- Garnish with fresh basil or cheese right before eating.
Expert Tips for Success
Keep your prep smooth and flavorful with these simple tricks.
- Brown sausage slices slightly for that caramelized flavor.
- Mix in a little butter at the end for silkier sauce.
- Use high-quality jarred sauces—it makes a difference.
- Cool before sealing containers to avoid condensation.
- Portion into microwave-safe bowls for grab-and-go lunches.
If you love simple, hearty pasta bowls, check out my Cajun Chicken Bowtie Pasta or Creamy Garlic Chicken Penne. They’re quick, creamy, and equally meal-prep friendly.
Serving Suggestions
This meal works for everything from quick lunches to cozy dinners.
- Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables
- Pair with garlic toast for extra crunch
- Add chili flakes for spice lovers
- Drizzle olive oil and sprinkle basil for freshness
- Serve alongside Greek Lemon Chicken Soup for a balanced meal
- Perfect for weekday lunches, road trips, or after-gym meals
You’ll love how easy it is to reheat and how fresh it still tastes days later.
Storing and Reheating
Perfectly designed for make-ahead convenience—this pasta keeps its texture and flavor all week.
How to Store It
- Cool completely before sealing
- Store in 4 airtight containers for up to 4 days
- Freeze for up to 2 months for longer storage
- Drizzle olive oil before storing to prevent sticking
- Label containers with date and contents
How to Reheat It
- Microwave 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through
- Add a splash of water or sauce to keep it moist
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for better texture
- Avoid overcooking—it’s already perfectly tender
- Sprinkle Parmesan or herbs after reheating for fresh flavor
Even on day four, this meal tastes just as hearty as the first.
Nutrition Information
- Serves: 4
- Calories: 410
- Total Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Vitamin A: 35% DV
- Iron: 15% DV
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different sausage types?
Yes! Turkey sausage or plant-based sausage both work well and add unique flavor.
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Absolutely—just sauté them a few minutes longer until tender.
What’s the best pasta to use?
Any short pasta like penne, rotini, or rigatoni holds the sauce beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This 15-Minute Chicken Sausage Pasta is the kind of meal that proves quick cooking can still taste homemade. It’s hearty, flavorful, and designed for real life—simple ingredients, no shortcuts on taste. Cook once, eat well all week.
- Keep it simple and flavorful
- Use what you have on hand—no rules
- Cook with heart, even on the busiest days
15-Minute Chicken Sausage Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add frozen vegetables and sauté for 3–5 minutes until tender.
- Add sliced chicken sausage to the skillet and cook until heated through and lightly browned.
- Pour in pasta sauce and add cooked pasta. Toss everything to coat. Add a splash of pasta water if needed.
- Divide into 4 containers for meal prep or serve hot.
Nutrition
Notes
- Use any pasta or sauce you have on hand.
- Frozen veggies keep prep quick.
