This Pork Bolognese Pasta is a warm and hearty dish that fills the stomach and lifts the spirits! Made with rich, tender pork and a tomato sauce that’s bursting with flavor, it’s a true comfort food.
There’s something special about the way the sauce hugs each pasta piece. I love to sprinkle some cheese on top and enjoy it with a salad. Perfect for a cozy dinner night! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend using tagliatelle or fettuccine, as these flat noodles hold onto the rich sauce beautifully. If you need a gluten-free option, try rice noodles or gluten-free pasta instead!
Ground Pork: Pork adds a lovely flavor to Bolognese. If you prefer, you can use ground beef, turkey, or even a mix for a different taste. If you’re looking for a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken works well too!
Crushed Tomatoes: These provide a rich base, but if you can’t find them, tomato passata or even diced tomatoes can work just as nicely. You can also add tomato paste for a deeper flavor.
White Wine: This ingredient adds depth to the sauce. If you’d rather not use wine, you can replace it with more broth or a splash of vinegar for acidity.
Milk or Heavy Cream: Cream makes the sauce silky, but you can swap in whole milk or even a non-dairy milk for a lighter option. Cashew milk is a good alternative here!
How Do I Ensure My Pork Bolognese Sauce Is Flavorful?
The secret to a flavorful Pork Bolognese is to take your time with the sauce. Start by sautéing your veggies until they are soft, then add your ground pork and allow it to brown. This step adds layers of flavor!
- Deglazing the pan with wine (or broth) helps lift those tasty bits stuck to the bottom—don’t skip it!
- Let the sauce simmer on low heat. This allows the flavors to meld perfectly together—aim for 15-20 minutes.
- Finally, taste your sauce! Adjust salt, pepper, and nutmeg to your liking for that perfect touch.
With these tips, your Pork Bolognese will be a hit at the dinner table!
Pork Bolognese Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (340 g) tagliatelle or fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb (450 g) ground pork
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 carrot, finely diced
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes (or tomato passata)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Time Needed:
This delightful Pork Bolognese Pasta takes about 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook, for a total of about 40 minutes. It’s quick enough for any weeknight dinner but special enough for a weekend feast!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tagliatelle or fettuccine pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once it’s done, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrot, and celery. Cook while stirring often, until the vegetables are softened, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add Garlic:
Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute until you can smell that delicious garlic aroma.
4. Brown the Pork:
Next, add the ground pork to the skillet. Use a spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Keep stirring until it’s browned and cooked through, which will take about 6-8 minutes.
5. Deglaze with Wine:
If you’re using white wine, pour it into the pan now. Scrape up the tasty browned bits on the bottom of the pan while letting the wine simmer until it’s mostly evaporated—about 3-4 minutes. If you’re skipping the wine, just move on to the next step!
6. Add Tomatoes and Simmer:
Stir in the crushed tomatoes and ground nutmeg. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes. This is where all the flavors come together!
7. Make it Creamy:
Now, stir in the milk or cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it cook on low heat for another 5 minutes.
8. Combine Pasta with Sauce:
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and gently toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with that savory Bolognese sauce.
9. Serve:
Your hearty Pork Bolognese Pasta is ready to enjoy! Serve it hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Dig in and savor every bite! 🍝
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Pork?
Absolutely! Ground turkey can be a healthier alternative to ground pork, and it will still work great in this recipe. Just keep in mind that turkey may have a milder flavor, so you might want to add a bit more seasoning to enhance the dish.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the Bolognese sauce a day in advance! Simply let it cool, store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat gently on the stovetop when you’re ready to serve. Just cook the pasta fresh before serving for the best texture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
What Can I Serve with Pork Bolognese Pasta?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You can also serve some crusty garlic bread on the side to soak up the delicious sauce!