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The Ultimate Easy Bolognese Recipe: A Delicious, Flavor-Packed Shortcut

5 from 3 votes
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.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: dinner, Main Course

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 more to taste
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper more to taste
  • 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup chicken bone broth
  • 1 24 oz jar marinara sauce (use your favorite, mine is Rao's)
  • 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

Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.

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