Chicken Bolognese is a hearty, flavorful pasta dish that brings authentic Italian taste to your weeknight dinners. This recipe, a lighter take on classic Spaghetti Bolognese, swaps out red meat for ground chicken while still delivering rich, herby flavors.
It’s perfect for those looking to cut down on red meat without sacrificing taste. The best part? It’s ready in just 40 minutes and is ideal for meal prep, making it a convenient option for busy days.
To prepare this dish ahead of time, make the sauce up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge in an airtight container. Cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to serve. After cooking the pasta, toss it with the sauce and top with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for a delicious meal.
Leftovers can be kept in the fridge for 2-3 days and reheated in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if needed.
For freezing, it’s best to freeze just the sauce. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove over medium-low heat or in the microwave. This way, you can have a quick, tasty meal ready anytime!
Chicken Bolognese Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 Yellow onion diced
- 2 Large carrots diced
- 1 pound Ground chicken
- 2 tsp minced Garlic
- ½ cup Red or white wine red adds a richer flavor, but both work
- 5 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 15- ounce can Tomato sauce
- ¾ cup plain Milk of choice almond or regular milk works
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp dried Basil
- 1 tsp dried Parsley
- 1 ¼ tsp Salt
- ½ tsp Black pepper
- ½ tsp Red pepper flakes
- 2 Bay leaves
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add onion and carrots; sauté for 5-10 minutes until soft.
- Add garlic and ground chicken. Cook until chicken is browned, stirring frequently.
- Pour in the wine and let it simmer until most of the liquid has evaporated.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Add tomato sauce, milk, Italian seasoning, basil, parsley, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and bay leaves. Bring to a low boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Discard bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve over your favorite pasta, topped with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh basil, parsley, or thyme, add them towards the end of cooking for a burst of fresh flavor. Fresh herbs can elevate the dish and add a bright note.
- Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer to reduce. For a thinner sauce, add a splash more milk or chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Flavor Boost: To deepen the flavor, sauté the garlic and onions until they are golden brown before adding the chicken. Also, deglaze the pot with the wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom, to incorporate all those rich flavors into the sauce.
Nutrition Facts:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 855 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 102g |
| Protein | 45g |
| Fat | 24g |
| Cholesterol | 122mg |
| Sodium | 1416mg |
| Calcium | 328mg |
What Can I Use Instead of Ground Chicken?
If you don’t have ground chicken, you can substitute with ground turkey, beef, or pork. Just cook it the same way, and adjust the seasoning as needed to match the flavor profile you like. If you’re using beef, you might want to drain excess fat before adding other ingredients.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make Chicken Bolognese ahead of time! Just prepare the sauce and let it cool before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
