Chicken Sausage and Rosemary Spaghetti: A Taste of Summer in Every Bite
There’s an undeniable magic that fresh summer produce brings to the table, and ripe, juicy tomatoes are undoubtedly at the forefront of this culinary enchantment. When combined with savory, light chicken sausage and the wonderfully aromatic touch of fresh rosemary, they transform a simple pasta dish into something truly extraordinary. This Chicken Sausage and Rosemary Spaghetti recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of seasonal flavors, a dish that consistently brings joy and comfort to our kitchen. If you’re searching for a healthy, vibrant, and incredibly flavorful pasta, look no further – this recipe is an absolute game-changer.
This simple yet sophisticated spaghetti dish has become a cherished seasonal favorite in our home, adaptable to whatever gorgeous tomatoes are bursting with ripeness and available to you. As you can see from the image above, whether you have vibrant yellow cherry tomatoes or rustic, “ugly ripe” heirloom varieties, they all contribute to the rich tapestry of flavors in this pasta. The dish is masterfully balanced with a subtle hint of acidity from dry white wine, the pungent warmth of fresh garlic, and the luxurious, fruity notes of high-quality extra virgin olive oil. We genuinely recommend using the best olive oil you have on hand for this recipe; its contribution to the overall taste profile is significant. But truly, what elevates this dish from simply delicious to utterly perfect is the fresh rosemary. OH-MY-GOODNESS, the rosemary imbues every strand of spaghetti and every piece of sausage with an earthy, piney aroma that is simply divine. It’s a flavor combination that will leave you wanting more, every single time.
So, the next time you find yourself wandering through the local farmer’s market, captivated by the sight and smell of those beautiful summer tomatoes, let this Chicken Sausage and Rosemary Spaghetti recipe spring to mind. It’s an invitation to create a generous, heartwarming bowl of love right in your own kitchen, a dish that promises both ease and exceptional flavor.
Why This Chicken Sausage and Rosemary Spaghetti is Your New Go-To
In a world of complex recipes, sometimes the most satisfying meals are those that lean into simplicity and quality ingredients. This Chicken Sausage and Rosemary Spaghetti perfectly embodies that philosophy. It’s a dish designed for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for a casual weekend dinner with friends. Let’s delve into what makes this recipe a true standout.
The Star of Summer: Fresh Tomatoes
The foundation of this pasta lies in fresh, ripe tomatoes. Unlike canned tomatoes, which offer a different kind of robust flavor, fresh summer tomatoes bring a bright, sweet, and slightly tangy essence that is unparalleled. They break down beautifully into a light, natural sauce, infusing the spaghetti with their sun-kissed goodness. We encourage using whatever variety you can get your hands on – plum, beefsteak, cherry, or even a mix – as long as they are genuinely ripe and flavorful. Seeding and roughly chopping them ensures the sauce remains light and doesn’t become watery.
Lean & Flavorful: Chicken Italian Sausage
Traditional Italian sausage can be quite rich, but opting for chicken Italian sweet sausage offers a lighter alternative without sacrificing flavor. Chicken sausage is typically leaner, making this a healthier spaghetti option that doesn’t feel heavy. The inherent spices in the sausage, whether sweet or a mild spicy, meld wonderfully with the other ingredients, adding a layer of savory depth that complements the sweetness of the tomatoes and the earthiness of the rosemary. Pre-cooked varieties make for an even quicker preparation, ideal for those hectic evenings.
The Aromatic Magic of Fresh Rosemary
If you’ve never paired rosemary with chicken and tomato pasta, prepare to be amazed. Fresh rosemary, with its distinct pine-like, slightly peppery, and citrusy notes, transforms this dish. It’s not just an herb; it’s a flavor architect that brings warmth, sophistication, and an incredibly inviting aroma. We recommend using fresh rosemary over dried, as its oils are more potent and its flavor more vibrant when freshly chopped. Adding it towards the end allows its essence to infuse the entire dish without becoming bitter.
A Symphony of Supporting Flavors
Beyond the main stars, a few key supporting actors complete this culinary masterpiece. A touch of garlic provides a foundational aromatic base, while the dry white wine offers a crucial acidic counterpoint, deglazing the pan and adding a layer of complexity as it reduces. And let’s not forget the extra virgin olive oil – a generous drizzle at the end not only adds richness but also enhances the overall mouthfeel and carries the delicate flavors of the herbs and tomatoes.
Tips for Achieving Pasta Perfection
While the recipe itself is straightforward, a few tips can help you elevate your Chicken Sausage and Rosemary Spaghetti to restaurant-quality status:
- Al Dente is Key: For the spaghetti, cooking it “al dente” (to the tooth) is crucial. This means it should be firm to the bite, not mushy. It will continue to cook slightly when tossed with the hot sauce.
- Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: While not explicitly stated in the brief instructions, always reserve about a cup of your starchy pasta water. If your sauce feels too thick or needs a little more emulsification, a splash of this liquid can work wonders to bind everything together beautifully.
- Browning the Sausage: Ensure your sauté pan is hot enough to get a good sear on the chicken sausage slices. This creates delicious caramelized bits that add flavor and texture to the dish.
- Deglazing Matters: The step of deglazing the pan with white wine is important. As the wine simmers, it lifts all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan, incorporating them into your sauce base.
- Add Herbs Last: Adding the fresh rosemary and tomatoes towards the end and just warming them through preserves their fresh flavor and vibrant texture. Overcooking fresh tomatoes can make them bland, and overcooking rosemary can make it bitter.
Recipe: Chicken Sausage and Rosemary Spaghetti

Chicken Sausage and Rosemary Spaghetti
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Ingredients
- ½ T extra virgin olive oil
- 1 12 oz pkg cooked chicken Italian sweet sausage (such as Adelis brand), sliced in 1/2-inch slices
- 1 small onion diced
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 T fresh rosemary leaves chopped
- 3 medium tomatoes seeded and roughly chopped
- ½ c dry white wine
- kosher salt
- fresh cracked pepper
- ½ lb 8 oz spaghetti
- extra olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
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In a pot of heavily salted water, cook the spaghetti to al dente according to package directions.
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Meanwhile in a large saute pan, brown the sausage in the 1/2 T olive oil over high heat. Add the onion, garlic, and a pinch of salt, and saute until the onion is translucent. Deglaze the pan with the wine, and cook until liquid is reduced by half. Remove from the heat. Add the tomatoes and rosemary and toss to warm the tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss with cooked spaghetti. Serve with a little olive oil drizzled over. Yield: 4 servings.
Creative Variations and Serving Suggestions
One of the best aspects of this Chicken Sausage and Rosemary Spaghetti is its versatility. While it’s perfect as is, you can easily customize it to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.
Add More Veggies!
Boost the nutritional content and add more texture by incorporating extra vegetables. Spinach or baby arugula can be wilted in at the very end for a fresh, green kick. Sautéed bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange) or thinly sliced zucchini can be added alongside the onion to cook until tender-crisp. Even some finely chopped kale could be a delightful addition, just be sure to let it soften slightly.
Cheese Please!
A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or Pecorino Romano before serving adds a salty, umami depth that is simply irresistible. For a creamier finish, a dollop of ricotta cheese stirred in just before serving can add a wonderful richness.
Spice It Up
If you enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added with the garlic and onion to infuse the dish with a subtle warmth. For those who like it spicier, use hot Italian chicken sausage instead of sweet.
Herb Alternatives (Use with Caution!)
While rosemary is truly the star here, if you’re out, fresh thyme could offer a different, but still aromatic, profile. However, we strongly recommend sticking to fresh rosemary for the intended flavor experience.
Gluten-Free & Low-Carb Options
For those avoiding gluten, simply swap out traditional spaghetti for your favorite gluten-free pasta. For a lower-carb option, consider serving the chicken sausage and tomato-rosemary sauce over zucchini noodles (zoodles) or spaghetti squash instead of pasta.
What to Serve Alongside
This dish is quite complete on its own, but a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette would be a refreshing accompaniment. A crusty loaf of artisanal bread is also excellent for soaking up every last bit of that flavorful sauce. For a beverage pairing, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied Pinot Noir would complement the flavors beautifully.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers of this Chicken Sausage and Rosemary Spaghetti are just as delicious, if not more so, the next day as the flavors have had more time to meld. Store any remaining pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. You can also microwave it, but stovetop reheating usually yields better results, preserving the texture of the pasta and the freshness of the sauce.
Embrace the Flavorful Simplicity
This Chicken Sausage and Rosemary Spaghetti is a testament to how simple ingredients, when fresh and thoughtfully combined, can create an extraordinary meal. It’s a healthy, flavorful, and satisfying dish that truly sings with the essence of summer, yet is comforting enough to enjoy any time of year. Its straightforward preparation makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights, while its vibrant flavors make it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. We hope you’ll give this recipe a try and discover the sheer delight of this wonderful pasta. It’s truly a big ole bowl of love, waiting to be shared and savored. Enjoy!