Pork Bolognese Pasta is a hearty dish with rich flavors that warms the heart and fills the belly. Ground pork simmers with tomatoes and herbs, creating a tasty sauce over pasta.
Honestly, this dish turns weeknight dinners into a feast! I love twirling my fork around those noodles, making it feel like I’m in a cozy Italian restaurant at home. 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I like using tagliatelle for its broad surface area, making it great for holding sauce. If you can’t find it, fettuccine is a fantastic alternative. You can even use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if needed!
Ground Pork: This adds richness to the sauce. For a leaner option, try ground turkey. If you’re avoiding red meat entirely, chicken or plant-based ground meat works too.
Milk: Whole milk creates a creamy texture. You can swap it with almond milk or a plant-based milk if you want to make it dairy-free. Just choose an unsweetened version!
Wine: While it adds depth, you can skip it if you don’t drink alcohol. A splash of vinegar or stock can achieve a similar acidity without the alcohol.
How Do I Make the Best Pork Bolognese Sauce?
The key to a good Bolognese sauce is the slow simmering process. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Here’s how to nail it:
- Start by softening the veggies like onion, carrot, and celery in olive oil; this creates a flavor base.
- When you brown the pork, ensure it’s cooked thoroughly for that deep, rich color.
- Add the milk before the tomatoes to enrich the sauce and balance acidity. Make sure it simmers gently until it thickens correctly.
- Don’t rush the simmering step! Take at least 30 minutes after adding tomatoes. Stir occasionally, and adjust the seasoning as necessary.
Remember, it’s all about patience and layering those flavors for the best Pork Bolognese!
How to Make Pork Bolognese Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz (340g) tagliatelle or fettuccine pasta
For the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, finely diced
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- 1 lb (450g) ground pork
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 (14 oz/400 g) can crushed tomatoes or tomato passata
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty Pork Bolognese Pasta takes about 20 minutes of prep time and approximately 1 hour for cooking and simmering. The total time needed is around 1 hour and 20 minutes, including the sauce simmering time to develop rich flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, cook the tagliatelle or fettuccine according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta, but make sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Set the pasta aside while you make the sauce.
2. Prepare the Sauce Base:
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Cook them while stirring occasionally until they are softened, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Don’t rush this step; it helps build a flavorful base!
3. Add Garlic and Pork:
Once the vegetables are soft, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Next, increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground pork. Cook while breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and no longer pink, which should take about 6-8 minutes.
4. Add Wine (Optional):
If you’re using white wine, pour it in now and let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes, allowing it to mostly evaporate. This will add depth to your sauce.
5. Stir in Milk:
Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the whole milk. Let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the milk has mostly evaporated. This step makes the sauce creamy!
6. Combine Tomatoes and Seasonings:
Next, add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and dried oregano to the mixture. Stir well to combine everything, seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
7. Simmer the Sauce:
Allow the sauce to simmer gently uncovered on low heat for at least 30 minutes. Stir it occasionally and keep an eye on the consistency. If it gets too thick, you can add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
8. Final Touches:
After simmering, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. Toss the cooked pasta with the pork Bolognese sauce until it’s evenly coated.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish out the pasta into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy this comforting Pork Bolognese Pasta with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal! Buon Appetito!
Can I Use Another Type of Meat Instead of Pork?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be great substitutes for pork if you’re looking for a leaner option. You could also try using beef or lamb for a different flavor profile.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Pork Bolognese?
Leftover Pork Bolognese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make it vegetarian by substituting the ground pork with a plant-based ground meat alternative, and using vegetable broth instead of white wine for added flavor!
What Should I Serve with Pork Bolognese Pasta?
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad and crusty bread for soaking up the sauce. You could also serve it with garlic bread or a side of steamed vegetables if you prefer!