Pork Bolognese Pasta is a yummy dish with hearty meat sauce and tender noodles. It’s comfort food at its best, perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in!
Making this dish brings back great memories for me. I love how the smell fills the kitchen—it’s hard not to sneak a taste before serving! 🍝
This recipe is a breeze since it uses simple ingredients like ground pork and tomatoes. Just cook, stir, and enjoy a warm bowl of happiness. Who could resist that?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend using pappardelle for its wide, ribbon shape that holds sauce really well. If you can’t find it, tagliatelle or fettuccine are great substitutes. They’ll still carry the rich flavors beautifully.
Ground Pork: Ground pork provides a lovely flavor, but if you want to lighten it up, try ground turkey or chicken. They’ll work well, too, while still keeping that meaty texture!
White Wine: I love using dry white wine to add depth to the sauce. You can swap it for low-sodium chicken broth if you prefer to skip the wine. It’ll still taste great!
Milk/Cream: For a creamy sauce, whole milk is ideal, but half-and-half or even coconut milk can be alternatives if you’re looking for a richer taste without dairy.
Cheese: Parmesan cheese is the classic choice for serving, but feel free to use Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor. Grate it fresh for the best taste!
How Can I Make Sure My Bolognese Sauce Turns Out Perfectly?
The secret to a good Bolognese is patience! Allow the sauce to simmer so the flavors meld beautifully. Here are some tips:
- Start with a good base—soften onions, carrots, and celery until they’re meltingly tender. This builds flavor!
- Don’t rush the browning of the pork. Cook it until it’s nice and golden for richer flavor.
- Let the sauce simmer on low heat. This allows all the flavors to develop fully; patience is key here!
- Add the milk at the end for creaminess. It adds a lovely richness to the sauce.
Enjoy cooking and know that flavorful meals come with time and care!
Pork Bolognese Pasta
Ingredients:
- 400g (14 oz) pappardelle or wide ribbon pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium carrot, finely diced
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- 500g (1 lb) ground pork
- 100ml (1/2 cup) dry white wine
- 400g (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 100ml (1/3 cup) whole milk or cream
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, to serve
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Pork Bolognese Pasta recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and approximately 40 minutes of cooking time. You’ll spend just a bit of time simmering the sauce to bring all the flavors together.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pappardelle pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you make the sauce.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, diced carrot, and diced celery. Cook these veggies for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re soft and translucent. This will create a tasty base for your sauce!
3. Add Garlic:
Once the vegetables are soft, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until the garlic becomes fragrant. Stir continuously to avoid burning it!
4. Cook the Ground Pork:
Next, add the ground pork to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Stir it until it’s browned and no longer pink. This step is important for building flavor in your sauce.
5. Pour in the Wine:
Add the dry white wine to the skillet and let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes, allowing most of the wine to evaporate. This will enrich the sauce with a lovely depth of flavor.
6. Make the Sauce:
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, and basil. Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix everything well and bring it to a gentle simmer.
7. Let It Simmer:
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This is where the flavors meld together beautifully!
8. Add Creaminess:
After simmering, stir in the whole milk or cream to make the sauce rich and velvety. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes to incorporate everything nicely.
9. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Take your cooked pappardelle and toss it gently with the Bolognese sauce until every piece of pasta is well coated in that delicious sauce.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the Pasta Bolognese hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy every hearty bite of your comforting meal!
Enjoy your hearty and comforting Pork Bolognese Pasta!
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While pappardelle is recommended for its ability to soak up the sauce, you can use any pasta you prefer, such as fettuccine, tagliatelle, or even penne. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you’re using.
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the Bolognese sauce a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it on the stove before tossing it with freshly cooked pasta. This can help the flavors develop even more!
What Can I Substitute for White Wine?
If you’re not using wine, you can substitute it with low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth. You can also add a splash of vinegar for acidity, which mimics the tang of wine quite well.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover Pork Bolognese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much.
