This tasty Pork Bolognese Pasta is a warm hug in a bowl! With ground pork simmered in a rich tomato sauce, it mixes perfectly with your favorite pasta.
Don’t be surprised if you go back for seconds; it’s just that good! I love topping it with cheese for an extra cheesy treat. Who can resist that? 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Pork: This is the star protein in the dish. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works well too. For a richer taste, ground beef can be used instead.
Pasta: While tagliatelle or fettuccine are ideal due to their shape, you can substitute with any pasta you have at home, like spaghetti or penne. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly!
White Wine: This adds a nice depth of flavor, but if you’d rather skip it, use chicken broth or simply add a splash of extra milk or some lemon juice for acidity.
Whole Milk: If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can use low-fat milk or even a dairy-free option like almond milk, though it may change the creaminess a bit.
How Do I Achieve a Rich and Flavorful Sauce?
Building a rich Bolognese sauce takes time and patience. Start with softening the vegetables, as this helps develop the base flavor. Stir in the garlic just until fragrant to avoid burning it.
- Brown the ground pork thoroughly; this adds a nice depth to the sauce.
- Simmer after adding the tomatoes, allowing it to reduce and thicken. This melds the flavors beautifully.
- Taste and adjust seasoning towards the end. Adding salt at the right moment helps enhance the flavors.
Letting the sauce sit for a bit after cooking can also deepen the flavors, making leftovers taste even better!
Delicious Pork Bolognese Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces tagliatelle or fettuccine pasta
For the Bolognese Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, finely diced
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 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 Pork Bolognese Pasta will take approximately 15 minutes to prepare and about 40 minutes to cook, totaling around 55 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a comforting dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the tagliatelle or fettuccine pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened (about 5-7 minutes). This is the aromatic base for your sauce!
3. Add the Garlic:
Once the vegetables have softened, add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant—this step is key for building flavor!
4. Brown the Pork:
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground pork. Use a spoon to break up the meat as it cooks. Stir until it’s no longer pink and slightly browned—this adds depth to the sauce.
5. Deglaze with Wine:
If you’re using white wine, pour it into the skillet now. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes until it’s mostly evaporated, adding a fantastic flavor to the sauce.
6. Add Milk:
Next, stir in the whole milk. Allow it to cook until it has mostly evaporated (about 5 minutes). This helps to tenderize the meat and enrich the sauce.
7. Combine the Tomatoes and Herbs:
Now, add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, and basil to the skillet. Stir everything together until well mixed.
8. Simmer the Sauce:
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently, uncovered, for at least 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to help the flavors meld and the sauce thicken. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
9. Combine with Pasta:
Once the sauce is thick and rich, toss the cooked pasta with the Bolognese sauce or serve the sauce generously over the pasta.
10. Garnish and Serve:
Finish by garnishing your Plate with fresh chopped parsley and a generous handful of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
11. Ready to Enjoy!
Serve immediately and enjoy your comforting, flavorful Pork Bolognese Pasta! It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner!
Can I Use Ground Beef Instead of Pork?
Absolutely! Ground beef can be used as a substitution for ground pork if you prefer. It will give a slightly different flavor but will still be delicious. Just ensure to cook it until browned, similar to the pork.
Can I Make This Pasta Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free pasta in place of regular pasta. Many types are available in grocery stores, just follow the cooking instructions on the package for the best results.
How to Store Leftover Bolognese Sauce?
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What Vegetables Can I Add to the Sauce?
You can definitely add more vegetables to the sauce! Zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms work great. Just chop them up finely and sauté them with the other vegetables at the beginning for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition.