Best Chicken Bolognese
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
8 servings
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Calories
361 kcal
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Course
Lunch
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Cuisine
Italian, International
Best Chicken Bolognese
Description
The sauce begins by sautéing diced onion, carrot, and cremini mushrooms in olive oil until softened. Ground chicken is added along with garlic, salt, pepper, and crushed red chili flakes to build flavor. Tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, fresh basil, bay leaf, and butter are stirred in and the mixture simmers for 15 to 25 minutes (longer if possible) to develop depth. The bay leaf is removed before serving.
Cooked pasta is tossed with the sauce, optionally using reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency. The gentle simmer tenderizes the chicken and melds the flavors, while the combination of vegetables adds texture and a subtle sweetness. The red chili flakes introduce a balanced mild heat.
This dish adapts well to different pasta types, including chickpea, lentil, quinoa, or brown rice pasta, personalizing protein and texture. The result is a versatile, hearty sauce suitable for weeknight meals. Serving suggestions include using zucchini noodles for a keto option and omitting butter to keep it dairy-free.
Leftovers keep well refrigerated for several days, and the sauce can be frozen without pasta for longer storage. Ground turkey can substitute chicken, and diced tomatoes can be swapped for crushed if preferred.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
- 1 cup carrot finely diced, 1 large carrot
- 1 cup cremini mushrooms finely diced, or baby bella mushrooms
- 3 - 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon salt more to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoon red chili flakes more or less to taste, crushed
- 28 oz can tomato diced or crushed
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 1 ¼ cup chicken broth low-sodium
- 3 tablespoon basil finely chopped, fresh
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 - 2 tablespoon butter
- 16 oz pasta I like fettuccine), brown rice, quinoa, lentil, chickpea, gluten-free if neede, of choice
Instructions
- In a large dutch oven or pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add in finely diced onions, carrots, and mushrooms. Cook for 4 - 5 minutes until the onions are translucent.
- Add in ground chicken, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and red chili flakes, using a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks. Cook for about 3 - 4 minutes until the chicken is mostly cooked (it is ok if it is still pink).
- Add in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, basil, bay leaf, and butter. Reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer for 15 - 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasonings and salt as necessary. If time permits, simmering for 30 - 35 minutes is best for maximum flavor.
- Remove the bay leaf before adding the pasta!
- Meanwhile, prepare pasta according to the package and drain. Save ½ cup of pasta water and set it aside. When the sauce is ready, pour your cooked pasta into the pan, and stir until well combined. You may need to add the saved pasta sauce if more liquid is needed.
- Serve with some fresh basil, and parmesan cheese, and enjoy!
Notes
- For a keto-friendly version, serve the sauce with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of traditional pasta.
- Feel free to use your favorite pasta type; chickpea pasta is preferred here for extra protein, but quinoa, lentil, or regular pasta all work.
- To make it dairy-free, omit the butter or replace it with a dairy-free alternative.
- Ground turkey can be used in place of ground chicken with similar results.
- Cremini mushrooms may be substituted with baby bella or white mushrooms.
- Diced tomatoes can be swapped for crushed tomatoes according to preference.
- Chicken broth may be replaced 1:1 with low-sodium vegetable broth if needed.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers refrigerated for up to 6 days.
- Freeze cooked sauce without pasta in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months; thaw and warm on the stovetop before use.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 361 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 361kcal | 18% |
| Carbohydrates | 53g | 18% |
| Protein | 20g | 40% |
| Fat | 8g | 12% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 51mg | 17% |
| Sodium | 427mg | 18% |
| Potassium | 850mg | 18% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 2977IU | 60% |
| Vitamin C | 14mg | 16% |
| Calcium | 68mg | 7% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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