This Pork Bolognese Pasta is a hearty and comforting dish that brings rich flavors to your table. Tender pork braised with tomatoes and herbs makes a delicious sauce!
Cooking this meal is a fun way to impress family and friends. Pair it with a sprinkle of cheese on top, and you’ll be everyone’s favorite chef! Who wouldn’t love that?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I love using pappardelle for its wide, flat shape that holds the sauce beautifully. You can easily switch to fettuccine or tagliatelle if you prefer those, or even gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
Ground Pork: Ground pork provides a lovely flavor, but you can substitute with ground beef or turkey if you’d like. Just keep in mind that different meats may change the overall taste and texture of the dish.
Canned Crushed Tomatoes: This is essential for a rich sauce. If you don’t have it on hand, whole peeled tomatoes will work; just crush them yourself. Fresh tomatoes can also be a great substitute during the summer months.
White Wine: The wine adds depth, but if you’re avoiding alcohol, simply use more broth or a splash of apple cider vinegar for acidity.
How Do I Make My Bolognese Sauce Rich and Flavorful?
Getting that rich flavor in your bolognese sauce means letting it simmer properly. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start by caramelizing the vegetables until they’re softened and slightly golden. This brings out their natural sweetness.
- Brown the pork well; don’t rush this step. Browning brings depth and flavor.
- Don’t skip the simmering stage; letting the sauce cook slowly helps blend all those flavors together.
- Stir it occasionally, and adjust seasoning as needed. A little extra salt at the end can really enhance the dish.
Enjoying the process of making bolognese makes the final dish even better. Patience pays off!
Delicious Pork Bolognese Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 400g (14 oz) pappardelle or tagliatelle pasta
For the Bolognese Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, finely diced
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- 500g (1 lb) ground pork
- 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1/2 cup beef or chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Pork Bolognese Pasta recipe will take about 45 minutes total. You’ll spend about 10-15 minutes on prep and then around 30 minutes cooking. Perfect for a comforting dinner without too much fuss!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pappardelle or tagliatelle pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (meaning just slightly firm but cooked). Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery. Sauté these until they are softened, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This will create a nice base for your sauce!
3. Brown the Pork:
Next, add the ground pork to the pan. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks. Continue cooking until the pork is browned and fully cooked through, around 8-10 minutes.
4. Add Tomato Paste:
Once the pork is browned, stir in the tomato paste. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes to develop its flavor—this will really boost the richness of your sauce!
5. Deglaze with Wine:
If you’re using white wine, pour it in now! Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes until most of it has evaporated. The wine adds a nice depth but feel free to skip this step if you prefer.
6. Mix in the Tomatoes and Seasonings:
Now it’s time to add the canned crushed tomatoes, broth, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
7. Let it Simmer:
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered for about 20-30 minutes. Stir occasionally, and don’t forget to taste as you go! This will help everything thicken and develop those beautiful flavors.
8. Combine with Pasta:
Once the sauce is nice and thick, add the cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss it well so that the pasta is coated in all that deliciousness.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Pork Bolognese Pasta hot and sprinkle generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for that final touch!
Enjoy your rich and satisfying Pork Bolognese Pasta! It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or sharing with friends!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Pork?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean substitute for pork. Just keep in mind that the flavor may be slightly different, but it will still be delicious!
What Should I Do If My Sauce Is Too Thin?
If your sauce is too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer to reduce and thicken. Alternatively, you can mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the sauce to thicken it up quickly!
How Do I Store Leftover Bolognese?
Store any leftover Bolognese sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, just warm it gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it looks too thick.
Can I Freeze This Sauce?
Yes, you can freeze the Bolognese sauce! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove.