Chicken Bolognese
This Chicken Bolognese is the perfect lighter take on the classic. Ground chicken simmers low and slow with onion, carrot, celery, garlic, tomato paste, white wine, and crushed tomatoes, then gets a splash of cream for a silky finish.
Toss it with pappardelle, top with mozzarella and Parmesan, and broil until golden. It is cozy, hearty, and tastes like it simmered all day.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Bolognese
- Lighter but rich: ground chicken with a creamy finish.
- Deep flavor: soffritto, tomato paste, and wine.
- Freezer friendly: make a double batch.
- Cheesy finish: broiled mozzarella and Parmesan.
Chicken Bolognese Ingredients
Soffritto
Onion, carrot, and celery, the flavor base.
Garlic and Tomato Paste
Cooked to deepen the flavor.
Ground Chicken
Lean and tender.
White Wine and Crushed Tomatoes
Wine deglazes the pan; tomatoes make the sauce.
Heavy Cream or Whole Milk
A silky, classic finish.
Pasta and Cheese
Pappardelle with mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh herbs.
Swap It: Use chicken broth instead of wine, and gluten-free pasta for gluten-free.
How to Make Chicken Bolognese
Step 1: Sauté the Soffritto
Sauté the onion, carrot, and celery in olive oil 8 to 10 minutes. Add garlic for 1 minute.
Step 2: Toast the Tomato Paste
Stir in the tomato paste and cook 2 to 3 minutes.
Step 3: Brown the Chicken
Add the chicken, season, and cook until no longer pink.
Step 4: Deglaze and Simmer
Deglaze with wine and reduce. Add the crushed tomatoes and herbs and simmer uncovered 30 to 45 minutes.
Step 5: Finish
Stir in the cream, toss with pasta, top with cheese, and broil 2 to 4 minutes.
Carly’s Expert Tips
- Chop the veggies finely. They melt into the sauce.
- Cook the tomato paste. It adds deep, caramelized flavor.
- Simmer longer. Up to an hour for the best flavor.
- Grate fresh Parmesan. It melts beautifully.
Make It Your Own
- Turkey: Use ground turkey.
- Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes.
- Mushrooms: Add finely chopped mushrooms.
- Dairy-free: Skip the cream.
Make-Ahead and Meal Prep: Bolognese tastes even better the next day. Make the sauce ahead and refrigerate or freeze.
What to Serve With Chicken Bolognese
Serve with garlic bread, a Caesar salad, or roasted green beans.
Storing and Reheating
Fridge: Store the sauce for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Warm on the stove with a splash of water.
What People Ask About Chicken Bolognese
Can I use ground turkey?
Yes. It works the same way.
Can I skip the wine?
Yes. Use chicken broth.
What pasta is best?
Pappardelle, tagliatelle, or rigatoni.
Why add cream?
It softens the acidity and makes it silky.
Chicken Bolognese
Ingredients
Method
- Sauté the onion, carrot, and celery in olive oil for 8–10 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and stir for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2–3 minutes to deepen the flavor.
- Add the ground chicken, season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using), and cook until the chicken is no longer pink.
- Deglaze the pan with white wine or chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits, and let it simmer until reduced.
- Add the crushed tomatoes and dried thyme or Italian seasoning. Simmer uncovered for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the heavy cream or whole milk. Taste and adjust the salt if needed.
- Toss the sauce with your cooked pasta of choice, ensuring it is well coated.
- Top with mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh herbs. Broil in an oven-safe dish for 2–4 minutes to melt the cheese and achieve a golden finish.
Nutrition
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, let the sauce simmer longer, up to an hour, if you have the time.
- If you prefer a spicier sauce, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
- Reserve some pasta water to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Pappardelle works beautifully, but feel free to use any pasta you love or have on hand.
Bolognese is my favorite go to when I go out for italian. I was afraid to try to make it myself but with this recipe – no problem! Delish. 😋