As the crisp air of fall settles in and golden leaves start to flutter past your windows, there’s nothing quite like settling into the season with a warm, satisfying bowl of pasta. This 15-Minute Chicken Sausage Pasta Meal Prep has quickly become a favorite in our kitchen not just for its flavor, but for how fast and forgiving it is. Whether you’re juggling busy workdays, packing school lunches, or just want something comforting without the effort, this recipe fits right in.
It started for me on a chilly weeknight. I had chicken sausage, a half-box of pasta, and a little leftover spinach. With a dash of garlic and a splash of cream, dinner came together in no time. Since then, I’ve prepped it every Sunday for grab-and-go lunches and it’s still the first thing to disappear from the fridge.
This blog post will walk you through how to make the dish, step-by-step, plus handy variations, storage tips, and meal prep tricks you’ll love. Whether you’re new to cooking or just looking for something fast and foolproof, this one’s for you.
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15-Minute Chicken Sausage Pasta Meal Prep
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 3-4 servings
Description
This 15-Minute Chicken Sausage Pasta Meal Prep is cozy, quick, and perfect for busy weeks. With savory sausage, tender pasta, and a creamy garlic sauce, it’s a comforting lunch or dinner you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients
- 8 oz short pasta (penne, rotini, or fusilli)
- 2 chicken sausages, sliced (pre-cooked)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup baby spinach
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup cream or half-and-half
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced chicken sausage and sauté for 2–3 minutes until lightly browned.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add cherry tomatoes and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Add spinach and stir until wilted, about 1 minute.
- Pour in cream and simmer for 1–2 minutes. Stir in Parmesan.
- Add cooked pasta and toss to coat evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly before portioning into meal prep containers.
Notes
To make it dairy-free, swap in coconut milk or oat cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. For a gluten-free version, use lentil, chickpea, or brown rice pasta. Add roasted veggies or extra greens to boost flavor and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Meal Prep
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients for a Fast and Flavorful Meal Prep
What You’ll Need
The beauty of this 15-Minute Chicken Sausage Pasta Meal Prep is its simplicity. Most of these ingredients are pantry staples or fridge regulars, and if you meal prep often, you probably have them on hand already.
Here’s your go-to list:
- 8 oz short pasta (penne, rotini, or fusilli)
- 2 chicken sausages (sliced, pre-cooked)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup baby spinach
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup cream or half-and-half
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Tip: If you’re avoiding dairy, use a splash of coconut milk or oat cream instead. Want gluten-free? Swap in brown rice or lentil pasta.
Some of the best cozy pasta combos are all about quick layering of flavor, and that’s exactly what we’ll be doing here nothing fancy, just honest ingredients that come together fast.
For similar cozy, meal-prep-friendly recipes, check out this delicious Honey Buffalo Chicken and Mac and Cheese or our crowd-pleasing Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad.
Quick Steps to Make It in 15 Minutes
Easy Method for Busy Days
Ready to make dinner (or lunch prep) in one pan and under 15 minutes? Here’s how:
- Boil your pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and sauté for 2–3 minutes until slightly browned.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then toss in cherry tomatoes and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Add the spinach and stir until wilted about 1 minute.
- Pour in cream and simmer for 1–2 minutes, then stir in Parmesan.
- Toss the pasta into the pan and stir until fully coated. Season with salt and pepper.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before portioning into containers.
Boom. Done.
It’s hearty, satisfying, and packs up beautifully for lunch all week long. If you’re a fan of creamy pasta dishes with a little kick, this one checks all the boxes.
You’ll love rotating this with other quick-prep favorites like Taco Lunch Meal Prep or the warm comfort of our Mexican Street Corn Chicken Pasta Salad.
Smart Tips to Make Your 15-Minute Chicken Sausage Pasta Meal Prep Even Easier
Time-Saving Tricks for Busy Home Cooks
When time is tight, every minute matters. These tips will help you shave off extra prep time without sacrificing flavor or quality.
Pre-sliced sausage saves effort. Opt for pre-cooked chicken sausage and slice it in advance. If it’s stored in the fridge, it heats up in seconds and adds savory depth to your pasta.
Use one pot for everything. Cook your pasta first, then use the same pot to sauté your ingredients. Fewer dishes, faster cleanup.
Reserve a splash of pasta water. Before draining your pasta, save about ¼ cup of the starchy water. Stirring it into the sauce helps everything cling beautifully, even if you’re meal-prepping this for later.
Make-ahead garlic oil. Batch-cook garlic in olive oil and store it in the fridge. A spoonful adds instant depth to meals like this and others like this Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Linguine.
Pack it warm, but not steaming. Let your pasta cool slightly before sealing containers. This keeps it from getting soggy or overcooked.
Even a “quick” meal can feel gourmet with the right shortcuts and once you’ve tried this one, you’ll want to keep it in your weekly rotation alongside dishes like Honey Chicken with Mac and Cheese.
Avoid Common Pitfalls
Here are a few beginner-friendly reminders to make sure your 15-Minute Chicken Sausage Pasta Meal Prep turns out every time:
- Don’t overcook the pasta. Slightly firm pasta holds up better in the fridge throughout the week.
- Taste before seasoning. Parmesan and sausage can both be salty, so always check before adding more.
- Avoid too much liquid. If your cream is thin, let it simmer a minute longer to thicken before adding pasta.
Making it once means mastering it for good and from there, you can build on it.
Creative Variations for Your 15-Minute Chicken Sausage Pasta Meal Prep
Gluten-Free? Dairy-Free? No Problem
This dish is easy to adapt without losing the comforting, savory goodness we all love in a quick pasta bowl.
For a gluten-free version, swap in your favorite GF pasta chickpea, lentil, or brown rice varieties all work beautifully. Just be sure to cook slightly under time, as they can soften more quickly in meal prep.
For a dairy-free option, use canned coconut milk or oat cream in place of cream. Skip the Parmesan and instead stir in a tablespoon of nutritional yeast or a sprinkle of vegan cheese for that savory edge.
Don’t like tomatoes? Replace them with roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or even peas. The idea is to build color and brightness into each bite.
Pair your version with a crisp seasonal salad like this Zucchini with Pasta and Tomatoes or our refreshing Chicken and Peaches Recipe for a full meal experience.
Add Your Own Twist
Meal prep doesn’t have to mean repetition. Once you’ve got the base down, make it your own with these add-in ideas:
- Streusel topping? Not here but a crispy breadcrumb finish with garlic and herbs brings an irresistible texture when reheated.
- Veggie boost: Add a handful of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, kale, or shredded carrots for color and nutrients.
- Spice it up: Stir in a spoonful of pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, or a drizzle of chili oil.
- Protein swap: Use turkey sausage, tofu, or even leftover rotisserie chicken. Just keep the 15-minute cook time in mind.
This flexibility makes it one of the easiest ways to keep meal prep exciting while still sticking to a plan. It’s a fall favorite not just for its ease but because it welcomes whatever you’ve got on hand.
Storing Your 15-Minute Chicken Sausage Pasta Meal Prep for Freshness
How to Store It Right
If you’re meal prepping for the week, you want each bite to taste just as good on Thursday as it did on Monday. Here’s how to make it happen:
- Refrigerate in airtight containers within 30 minutes of cooking. This keeps everything safe and flavorful.
- Store up to 4 days in the fridge. After that, the cream sauce may start to separate.
- If you’re packing for lunch, use BPA-free containers with separate compartments if adding sides (like salad or fruit).
When reheating, add a splash of water or broth before microwaving to help the sauce stay creamy not clumpy. Stir halfway through heating and enjoy.
This pasta also holds up well in meal prep rotation with this tangy Mexican Street Corn Chicken Pasta Salad or the super-fast Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta.
Can You Freeze It?
Yes—but only with a few adjustments.
If you plan to freeze, avoid adding cream or Parmesan until after thawing. Cook the pasta slightly under and store portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months.
When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop with cream and cheese stirred in fresh. It makes a satisfying dinner without starting from scratch.
For more freezer-friendly meals, explore our Taco Lunch Meal Prep and other quick recipes in the pasta category.
FAQs
1. Can I use raw chicken sausage instead of pre-cooked?
Yes, just slice and cook it thoroughly in the skillet (about 6–7 minutes) before adding garlic and other ingredients.
2. Is this recipe spicy?
Not unless you add red pepper flakes. You can adjust the heat to your liking or skip it altogether.
3. What kind of pasta works best?
Short shapes like penne, rotini, or farfalle are ideal. They hold the sauce well and reheat nicely.
4. Can I double this recipe for a family dinner?
Absolutely! Just use a large pan and stir well so the sauce distributes evenly.
Conclusion
There’s something so satisfying about opening your fridge and seeing a week’s worth of colorful, cozy meals ready to go and this 15-Minute Chicken Sausage Pasta Meal Prep is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again. It’s flexible, flavorful, and fast enough to pull off even on your busiest nights.
Whether you’re new to cooking or just craving a warm bowl of pasta as the weather cools down, this one checks all the boxes. No stress. Just real food, fast.