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Best Chicken Bolognese

This hearty, rich chicken bolognese recipe is healthy, packed with lean protein, and perfect for an easy 30-minute weeknight dinner. It's made with lean ground chicken, carrots, diced tomatoes, and fresh basil. The best healthy pasta sauce!

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 361 kcal
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Italian , International

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
  • 1 cup carrot (1 large carrot) finely diced
  • 1 cup baby bella or cremini mushrooms finely diced
  • 3 - 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt more to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes more or less to taste
  • 28 oz can diced or crushed tomatoes
  • ¼ cup tomato paste
  • 1 ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 3 tablespoon fresh basil finely chopped
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 - 2 tablespoon butter
  • 16 oz Pasta of Choice (I like fettuccine), brown rice, quinoa, lentil, chickpea, gluten-free if neede

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. 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.
  2. 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).
  3. 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.
  4. Remove the bay leaf before adding the pasta!
  5. 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.
  6. Serve with some fresh basil, and parmesan cheese, and enjoy!

Notes

  • Make it Keto: Serve this chicken bolognese with zuchinni noodles or spaghetti squash for a low-carb, keto-friendly dinner. Try pairing it with this air fryer spaghetti squash.
  • Pair with Your Preferred Pasta: Serve this delectable chicken bolognese with your favorite pasta. While I prefer chickpea pasta for its added protein, feel free to choose any type you fancy—whether it’s quinoa, lentil, or regular pasta.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Opt for a dairy-free version of this healthy chicken bolognese by omitting the butter or substituting it with dairy-free vegan butter.
  • Ground Chicken: Feel free to use ground turkey instead.
  • Baby Bella Mushrooms: Use cremini or white mushrooms.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Use crushed tomatoes.
  • Chicken Broth: Substitute 1:1 with low-sodium vegetable broth.
  • Storing: For best results, store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 6 days.
  • Freezing: Add cooked chicken bolognese without pasta to freezer-safe bags or containers. Store for up to 3 months. Defrost on the stovetop on medium-low until warm.
  • Nutrition facts are calculated WITH PASTA. 150 calls per serving without pasta.

Nutrition Information

Calories 361kcal (18%) Carbohydrates 53g (18%) Protein 20g (40%) Fat 8g (12%) Saturated Fat 2g (10%) Polyunsaturated Fat 2g Monounsaturated Fat 4g Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 51mg (17%) Sodium 427mg (18%) Potassium 850mg (24%) Fiber 4g (16%) Sugar 6g (12%) Vitamin A 2977IU (60%) Vitamin C 14mg (16%) Calcium 68mg (7%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 361

% 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.