Prepare to feast on the flavors of the Best Chicken Bolognese you’ve ever tried. This savory dish combines tender ground chicken with a medley of finely diced vegetables, simmered in a rich, tomato-based sauce that’s perfect over your favorite pasta. Whether you’re a culinary novice or an experienced home chef, this recipe promises to deliver joy and comfort in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- Versatile and Adaptable: You can tweak it to suit various dietary preferences, from keto to dairy-free.
- Comfort in a Bowl: Combines hearty ingredients to deliver a warm and comforting meal.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a family meal or a dinner party, it’s bound to impress everyone.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for this amazing dish is straightforward, yet each component adds a distinct layer of flavor or texture. From the earthy undertones of mushrooms to the mild sweetness of carrots, everything works in harmony to create the Best Chicken Bolognese.
- Ground Chicken: Opt for lean meat to keep the bolognese light and healthy.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Adds a rich and nutty flavor base for sautéing the vegetables.
- Carrot: Provides a subtle sweetness and texture contrast to the sauce.
- Baby Bella Mushrooms: Enhance the umami flavor profile of the dish.
- Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato base, enriching the sauce’s depth.
Variations
Don’t hesitate to put your own spin on the Best Chicken Bolognese. Whether you’re following a specific diet or just want to mix things up, it’s easy to tailor this dish to fit your needs.
- Keto-Friendly: Swap out the pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
- Vegan Twist: Replace chicken with lentils and use vegetable broth to make it vegan.
- Add More Vegetables: Consider adding bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrients and flavor.
- Cheesy Delight: Stir in some parmesan or your favorite cheese for a richer sauce.
How to Make Best Chicken Bolognese
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large Dutch oven or pot, heat your olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss in the onions, carrots, and mushrooms, cooking until the onions turn translucent. This process softens your veggies and builds a flavorful base for the sauce.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Add the ground chicken, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and crushed red chili flakes. Use a wooden spoon to break up the chicken as it cooks. Allow it to brown slightly, infusing the mix with a delicious aroma as the garlic and spices begin to meld.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
Introduce the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, fresh basil, bay leaf, and butter. Lower the heat to medium-low, letting it simmer for at least 15 minutes, though 30 minutes will yield the deepest flavors. Stirring occasionally will ensure nothing sticks.
Pro Tips for Making Best Chicken Bolognese
- Perfect Simmering: Allow the sauce to gently simmer for as long as possible to enhance the flavors.
- Vegetable Prep: Dice vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and a smooth texture in the sauce.
- Save the Pasta Water: Keep some pasta water handy to adjust the sauce’s consistency if needed.
- Refreshing with Basil: Add a touch more fresh basil at the end for a burst of fresh herbal flavor.
How to Serve Best Chicken Bolognese
Garnishes
Top your bolognese with freshly grated parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves to enhance both its flavor and visual appeal. These garnishes add a delightful finish to the dish.
Side Dishes
Pair this rich dish with a light, crisp salad dressed in a simple vinaigrette or a side of garlic bread to soak up that delicious sauce. It’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Creative Ways to Present
For a creative twist, serve the bolognese in a hollowed-out roasted bell pepper or squash for an Instagram-worthy presentation that’s as delightful as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your bolognese cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored properly in the refrigerator, it will last up to six days—perfect for meal prep!
Freezing
Freeze the chicken bolognese sauce in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or on medium-low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally.
Reheating
Gently reheat your bolognese over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much during refrigeration. Stir often to ensure even reheating.
FAQs
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Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! The flavors actually improve when the sauce is made a day ahead. Just reheat on the stove when you’re ready to serve.
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What if I don’t have fresh basil?
If you’re out of fresh basil, dried basil works in a pinch, although it has a more concentrated flavor. Use about one-third of the fresh amount.
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Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Indeed! Ground turkey is a fantastic substitute that maintains the dish’s healthiness and flavor profile.
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What types of pasta are best for bolognese?
Fettuccine or linguine work wonderfully, as they hold the sauce well. However, feel free to use any pasta you love.
Final Thoughts
With just a few simple steps and ingredients, the Best Chicken Bolognese can be a beloved staple in your meal rotation. It’s the kind of recipe that invites you to sit back, relax, and truly enjoy the art of cooking and the pleasure of dining. So go ahead and give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Print
Best Chicken Bolognese Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Pasta, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Best Chicken Bolognese combines tender ground chicken with aromatic vegetables and a rich tomato sauce, served over your favorite pasta for a hearty, flavorful meal that’s quick to prepare and perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Protein & Vegetables
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 cup carrot (1 large carrot), finely diced
- 1 cup baby bella or cremini mushrooms, finely diced
- 3 – 4 cloves garlic, minced
Pantry & Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt, more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes, more or less to taste
- 28 oz can diced or crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 – 2 tablespoon butter
Pasta
- 16 oz pasta of choice (fettuccine, brown rice, quinoa, lentil, chickpea, gluten-free)
Instructions
- Heat Oil & Cook Vegetables: In a large dutch oven or pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add finely diced onions, carrots, and mushrooms. Cook for 4 – 5 minutes until the onions are translucent.
- Add Ground Chicken & Seasoning: Add ground chicken, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and red chili flakes to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks. Cook for about 3 – 4 minutes until the chicken is mostly cooked, still pink is okay.
- Add Tomatoes & Liquid: Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, chopped basil, bay leaf, and butter. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 – 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. For maximum flavor, simmer for 30 – 35 minutes.
- Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, prepare pasta according to package instructions. Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
- Combine & Serve: Remove the bay leaf from the sauce. Add cooked pasta to the sauce and stir to combine. Use reserved pasta water to adjust consistency, if needed. Serve topped with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- For a keto option, serve with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
- Use your preferred pasta, such as chickpea, quinoa, lentil, or gluten-free varieties.
- Omit or substitute butter with dairy-free alternative for dairy-free version.
- Ground turkey can be used instead of chicken.
- Cremini or white mushrooms can replace baby bella mushrooms.
- Crushed tomatoes can be swapped for diced tomatoes.
- Replace chicken broth with low-sodium vegetable broth for vegetarian option.
- Leftovers can be stored in airtight containers for up to 6 days, and frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (including pasta)
- Calories: 361 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 427 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 53 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 51 mg
