Savory and Classic Chicken Bolognese Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 carrot, finely chopped
  • 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 lb spaghetti
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, and celery, and cook until the vegetables are soft, about 8 minutes.
  2. Add the garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
  3. Add the ground chicken to the skillet and cook until no longer pink, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon, about 5 minutes.
  4. Pour in the wine and bring to a simmer. Cook until the wine is reduced by half, about 10 minutes.
  5. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and bay leaf. Reduce the heat to low and let simmer, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes.
  6. While the sauce is simmering, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  7. Stir the heavy cream into the bolognese sauce and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove the bay leaf.
  8. Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss until well coated. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the spaghetti is heated through.
  9. Divide the pasta among serving plates. Top each serving with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a few fresh basil leaves.
  10. Serve the Chicken Bolognese hot, and enjoy!

Tools for making

  • Skillet - A large skillet is needed to cook the bolognese sauce.
  • Spoon - A spoon will be used to break up the ground chicken and stir the sauce.
  • Pot - A pot is required to cook the spaghetti.
  • Colander - A colander is needed to drain the cooked spaghetti.
  • Grater - A grater is necessary to grate the Parmesan cheese.
  • Measuring cups - Measuring cups are used to accurately measure the ingredients.
  • Knife - A knife is needed to finely chop the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic.
  • Cutting board - A cutting board is used as a surface to chop the vegetables.
  • Serving plates - Serving plates are required to serve the Chicken Bolognese.

Recipe variations

  • Substitute ground turkey or ground beef for the ground chicken.
  • Add diced mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor and texture.
  • Include diced bell peppers or zucchini to add more veggies to the dish.
  • Replace the spaghetti with other pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni.
  • Try using whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier or dietary alternative.
  • Add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the sauce for a tangy twist.
  • Sprinkle some chopped fresh herbs like parsley, oregano, or thyme on top for added freshness.
  • For a spicier version, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add some chopped jalapeños.
  • Experiment with different types of cheese like mozzarella, fontina, or pecorino romano.
  • If you prefer a dairy-free option, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream.

Recipe overview

Chicken Bolognese is a hearty and flavorful dish that's perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in. This recipe takes the classic Italian Bolognese sauce and gives it a twist by using ground chicken instead of the traditional beef or pork. The result is a lighter, yet equally satisfying dish that's bursting with fresh flavors. In this easy-to-follow recipe, you'll learn how to make a rich and creamy Bolognese sauce from scratch, starting with sautéed onion, carrot, and celery, and building up layers of flavor with garlic, ground chicken, and a splash of white wine. The sauce is simmered slowly to allow the flavors to meld together, and a touch of heavy cream gives it a luxurious finish. The sauce is then tossed with cooked spaghetti and topped with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves. The end result is a comforting and delicious meal that's sure to impress. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this Chicken Bolognese recipe is a must-try!

Common questions

  1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken? Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for the ground chicken in this recipe.
  2. Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditionally used in Bolognese recipes, you can use any pasta you prefer or have on hand.
  3. Can I make this recipe in advance? Yes, you can make the Bolognese sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and toss it with freshly cooked pasta.
  4. Can I freeze the leftover Bolognese sauce? Yes, you can freeze the leftover sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
  5. Can I omit the wine in the recipe? If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with chicken or vegetable broth.
  6. Can I adjust the spice level? Certainly! If you prefer a spicier Bolognese, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes. Alternatively, if you prefer a milder flavor, you can omit the red pepper flakes altogether.
  7. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned? Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes if desired. Simply blanch and peel 4-5 medium-sized tomatoes, remove the seeds, and chop them before adding them to the sauce.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large skillet - Use a large skillet to cook the bolognese sauce and mix it with the spaghetti.
  • Spoon - Use a spoon to break up the ground chicken while it cooks and to stir the sauce.
  • Pot - Use a pot to cook the spaghetti according to package instructions.
  • Colander - Use a colander to drain the cooked spaghetti after it's done.
  • Grater - Use a grater to freshly grate Parmesan cheese for topping.
  • Serving plates - Use serving plates to portion and present the Chicken Bolognese.
  • Fresh basil leaves - Use fresh basil leaves as a garnish for the finished dish.

Origin stories

An interesting tidbit about Bolognese sauce is that it hails from Bologna, Italy, and is traditionally made with a variety of meats, including beef, pork, and sometimes even lamb. However, chicken is not a traditional meat used in the sauce. This chicken Bolognese recipe, while maintaining the heartiness and richness of the original, provides an alternative for those who prefer poultry or are looking for a lighter option. The use of chicken also echoes the adaptability of Italian cuisine, which often encourages the use of local and available ingredients to create dishes that suit individual tastes. So while this might not be your Nonna's Bolognese, it's a delicious twist on the classic.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.