Pork Bolognese Pasta is a hearty dish that combines tender pork with a rich, tomato-based sauce. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner and smells amazing while cooking!
I love how easy it is to whip up, and the sauce is so tasty that I often make extra to enjoy on other days. Plus, who can resist pasta? It’s a crowd-pleaser!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend using tagliatelle or fettuccine for their flat surface, which holds the sauce well. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, try brown rice or lentil pasta—they work well and have a great texture!
Pork: Ground pork adds richness, but you can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative. If using turkey, consider adding a bit of olive oil for extra moisture.
Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes are great for a smooth sauce. If you prefer fresh tomatoes, use about 4-5 medium-sized ripe ones, cored and chopped. Canned tomatoes are an excellent option when fresh ones aren’t available.
White Wine: The wine adds depth to the sauce, but if you want to avoid alcohol, use chicken or vegetable broth instead. The flavor will still be delicious!
Milk/Cream: Whole milk makes the sauce creamy, but you can go for half-and-half or even unsweetened almond milk for a lower-calorie choice. If you want a richer sauce, heavy cream is a wonderful option!
How Can You Achieve Perfectly Flavored Sauces?
The secret to a great Bolognese sauce is all in the cooking process. Allowing the ingredients to meld together builds depth of flavor. Here’s how to do it:
- Cook vegetables like onion, carrot, and celery low and slow until they’re soft. This brings out all their natural sweetness.
- When adding the pork, make sure it’s well-browned for maximum flavor. Don’t rush this step!
- Let the sauce simmer for at least 20-30 minutes. The longer it simmers, the better it tastes! Stir occasionally to avoid sticking.
- Finish with milk or cream to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and enhance creaminess.
These tips will help you create a rich and delicious Pork Bolognese Pasta that everyone will love! Enjoy cooking!
Pork Bolognese Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (340g) tagliatelle or fettuccine pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 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 can (14 oz / 400g) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil or a few fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Pork Bolognese Pasta dish takes about 15 minutes to prep and 40-50 minutes to cook, making a total time of around 1 hour. It’s perfect for a weekend dinner or anytime you need a comforting meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. After cooking, drain the pasta but remember to save a little pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce later!
2. Prepare the Base:
Next, take a large skillet or saucepan and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté these until they become soft, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This is the flavor base for your sauce!
3. Add Garlic and Meat:
After the veggies are soft, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant. Then, increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground pork. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks until it’s nicely browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.
4. Incorporate Wine (Optional):
If you’re using white wine, pour it in now and let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes, or until most of the liquid evaporates. This helps to deepen the flavors!
5. Simmer the Sauce:
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, and dried basil. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking melds all the flavors beautifully!
6. Make It Creamy:
After simmering, pour in the milk or cream and stir well to combine. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to enrich the sauce and soften the acidity of the tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Combine and Serve:
Toss the cooked pasta with the pork bolognese sauce until well coated. Serve in bowls and garnish generously with chopped fresh parsley and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your flavorful Pork Bolognese Pasta!
Can I Use Ground Beef Instead of Pork?
Absolutely! Ground beef can be used as a substitute for ground pork in this recipe. It will give the dish a slightly different flavor, but it’s just as delicious!
What Can I Use Instead of White Wine?
If you prefer not to use white wine, you can replace it with chicken or vegetable broth for a similar depth of flavor. Just add a bit more if you like a saucier dish!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover Pork Bolognese Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the Bolognese sauce a day in advance! Simply reheat it on the stove when you’re ready to serve, and cook fresh pasta to accompany it for the best flavor and texture.