The Ultimate Easy Bolognese Recipe: A Delicious, Flavor-Packed Shortcut
Craving the comforting, hearty flavors of a classic Bolognese but short on time? This easy recipe is here to save the day! With a few smart shortcuts and fresh, wholesome ingredients, you can create a rich, satisfying sauce in under an hour. The secret? Start with a high-quality jarred marinara, then layer in fresh aromatics, ground chicken, and a splash of chicken bone broth for extra depth. Whether you’re preparing a cozy weeknight dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this versatile Bolognese will be a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This easy Bolognese offers everything you love about the traditional Italian classic: a luscious, savory sauce that clings perfectly to your favorite pasta. What makes this version stand out is its balance of simplicity and depth of flavor. The combination of fresh vegetables, creamy butter, a hint of nutmeg, and a parmesan rind (if you have one) creates a sauce that tastes like it simmered for hours, but it’s ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2/3 cup carrot, roughly chopped
- 2/3 cup celery, roughly chopped
- 1 white onion, quartered
- 6 garlic cloves
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 cup chicken bone broth
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce (use your favorite)
- 1 bay leaf
- Parmesan rind (optional, but highly recommended)
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese, for topping
- 12 oz pasta of your choice (I love linguine or penne for this recipe)
Instructions
Step 1: Mince the Vegetables
Add the carrot, celery, onion, and garlic to a food processor. Pulse until the vegetables are finely minced but not pureed. This ensures the aromatics blend seamlessly into the sauce for a smooth texture.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until melted and bubbling. Add the minced vegetables and cook for 7–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and fragrant.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Chicken
Push the vegetables to the side of the skillet and add the ground chicken to the center. Cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it’s fully browned. Season with sea salt, black pepper, and nutmeg.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Pour in the chicken bone broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits for extra flavor. Let the broth simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced. Stir in the jarred marinara, bay leaf, and parmesan rind, if using.
Step 5: Simmer for Maximum Flavor
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This gives the flavors time to meld beautifully. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of bone broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 6: Cook the Pasta
While the sauce simmers, cook your pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 7: Combine and Serve
Remove the bay leaf and parmesan rind from the sauce. Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to coat the noodles evenly. Serve with freshly grated parmesan cheese on top.
Tips for Success
- Use Quality Marinara Sauce: The marinara you choose sets the tone for the sauce, so pick a brand you love for its rich, balanced flavor.
- Parmesan Rind for Extra Flavor: If you have a parmesan rind, toss it in while the sauce simmers—it adds incredible depth.
- Food Processor Hack: Using the food processor to mince the vegetables saves time and ensures a smooth, uniform texture.
- Make It Creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta at the end for an indulgent twist.
Perfect for Meal Prep
This Bolognese sauce freezes like a dream. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave for a quick, homemade meal anytime.
Conclusion
This easy Bolognese recipe is proof that a quick dinner doesn’t have to compromise on flavor. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients, you’ll have a hearty, comforting sauce that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. Serve it over pasta, use it in a lasagna, or spoon it over zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. However you enjoy it, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
The Ultimate Easy Bolognese Recipe: A Delicious, Flavor-Packed Shortcut
Ingredients
Method
- Add the carrot, celery, onion, and garlic to a food processor. Pulse until the vegetables are finely minced but not pureed. This ensures the aromatics blend seamlessly into the sauce for a smooth texture.
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat until melted and bubbling. Add the minced vegetables and cook for 7–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and fragrant.
- Push the vegetables to the side of the skillet and add the ground chicken to the center. Cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it’s fully browned. Season with sea salt, black pepper, and nutmeg.
- Pour in the chicken bone broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits for extra flavor. Let the broth simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced. Stir in the jarred marinara, bay leaf, and parmesan rind, if using.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This gives the flavors time to meld beautifully. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of bone broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- While the sauce simmers, cook your pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Remove the bay leaf and parmesan rind from the sauce. Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to coat the noodles evenly. Serve with freshly grated parmesan cheese on top.