Chicken Bolognese with Fettuccine

If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful dish that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare, you’ll absolutely adore Chicken Bolognese with Fettuccine. This recipe takes the beloved classic Italian meat sauce and gives it a lighter, tender twist by using chicken instead of beef or pork. Paired perfectly with silky ribbons of fettuccine, the dish bursts with savory tomato goodness, fresh herbs, and rich textures that make every bite unforgettable. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, Chicken Bolognese with Fettuccine is a must-try that brings warmth and deliciousness to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort food made lighter: Chicken offers a tender, lean protein twist that keeps the classic Bolognese hearty but less heavy.
• Quick and easy to prepare: You can whip up this dish in under an hour without sacrificing flavor or quality.
• Perfectly balanced flavors: A harmony of ripe tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and savory chicken create a sauce that’s rich without overpowering.
• Family-friendly appeal: Even picky eaters love this hearty yet approachable pasta dish.
• Versatility at its best: It works wonderfully for dinner parties, meal prep, or cozy nights in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, quality ingredients is key to unlocking the full flavor of your Chicken Bolognese with Fettuccine. Each item contributes to the sauce’s rich texture, vibrant color, or well-rounded taste, making this dish both approachable and deeply satisfying.

• Ground chicken: Use lean ground chicken for a tender, lighter protein base that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
• Olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the aromatics to bring out their best flavors.
• Onion and garlic: Essentials for building a savory, fragrant foundation to your sauce.
• Carrot and celery: Classic soffritto ingredients finely chopped for subtle sweetness and texture.
• Canned crushed tomatoes: Provides a luscious, tangy tomato base that simmers into a silky sauce.
• Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor with concentrated richness.
• Dried Italian herbs: Oregano, basil, and thyme add authentic Mediterranean notes.
• Red wine (optional): Adds depth and complexity, but can be easily left out for a family-friendly version.
• Salt and pepper: To season perfectly and enhance all the flavors.
• Fettuccine pasta: Wide, flat noodles that hold onto the hearty sauce with every forkful.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for a salty, nutty finish just before serving.

Variations for Chicken Bolognese with Fettuccine

Chicken Bolognese with Fettuccine is wonderfully adaptable, so feel free to customize it to suit your tastes, dietary needs, or ingredient availability. The recipe welcomes creativity while maintaining its trusted, comforting essence.

• Vegetable-packed: Add zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers to boost nutrition and colorful texture.
• Spicy twist: Incorporate red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a gentle kick of heat.
• Dairy-free option: Swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast or omit cheese to keep it vegan-friendly, though the chicken would need substituting.
• Herb swaps: Try fresh rosemary or parsley instead of dried herbs for brighter, fresher flavors.
• Low-carb version: Serve over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of fettuccine for a lighter, grain-free meal.

How to Make Chicken Bolognese with Fettuccine

Step 1: Prepare the soffritto

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat, then finely chop onion, carrot, and celery and sauté until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute, letting the aromas fill your kitchen.

Step 2: Brown the chicken

Add ground chicken to the pan and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until it’s evenly browned and no longer pink, ensuring it develops a rich, savory base for your sauce.

Step 3: Add tomatoes and seasonings

Stir in tomato paste, canned crushed tomatoes, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Pour in red wine if using, and give everything a good mix. Let the sauce simmer gently, uncovered, for about 20-30 minutes to thicken and develop deep flavors.

Step 4: Cook the fettuccine

While the sauce simmers, boil salted water and cook fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving a little pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.

Step 5: Combine and serve

Toss the cooked fettuccine directly into the sauce, stirring to coat each ribbon thoroughly. Add reserved pasta water a splash at a time for perfect consistency. Serve immediately with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Pro Tips for Making Chicken Bolognese with Fettuccine

• Don’t rush the soffritto: Cooking onions, carrots, and celery slowly unlocks natural sweetness vital for a rich sauce.
• Use fresh herbs when possible: They add bright, vibrant layers of flavor that dried herbs can’t fully replicate.
• Reserve pasta water: Starchy water helps bind the sauce to the noodles for a silky finish.
• Simmer low and slow: Allow the sauce to cook gently to concentrate flavors and tenderize the chicken perfectly.
• Freshly grate cheese last minute: It melts better and boosts flavor when added just before serving.

How to Serve Chicken Bolognese with Fettuccine

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley adds a fresh pop of green and a mild herbal note. Freshly cracked black pepper and extra Parmesan cheese elevate every bite with texture and zing.

Side Dishes

Serve with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or garlic bread brushed with olive oil and herbs for a classic Italian meal experience that complements the pasta perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, serve Chicken Bolognese with Fettuccine in individual shallow bowls with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil on top and a few shavings of Parmesan. You can also layer the sauce and pasta in a casserole for a baked presentation topped with mozzarella for bubbling, golden crust.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Refrigerate leftover Chicken Bolognese with Fettuccine in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This dish tastes just as delicious when reheated gently on the stove or microwave, with a splash of water to revive the sauce.

Freezing

The sauce freezes beautifully. Simply cool the Chicken Bolognese, store in a freezer-safe container without the pasta, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat with freshly cooked fettuccine.

Reheating

Warm the sauce slowly over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Add a little pasta water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Combine with freshly cooked pasta to maintain the perfect texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of ground chicken?

Absolutely! You can finely chop or shred cooked chicken breast, but ground chicken works best for the ideal texture and to blend smoothly with the sauce.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute regular fettuccine with gluten-free pasta varieties made from rice, quinoa, or legumes to maintain the same delightful experience without gluten.

Can I prepare Chicken Bolognese with Fettuccine ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance and kept refrigerated. Reheat gently and toss with pasta when ready to serve for a quick meal.

What can I use instead of red wine?

If you prefer to skip wine, use chicken broth or extra tomato juice to maintain the moisture and richness in the sauce without altering its flavor significantly.

How spicy is this dish?

By default, Chicken Bolognese with Fettuccine is mild and family-friendly, but you can easily add chili flakes or pepper to adjust the heat to your liking.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try Chicken Bolognese with Fettuccine, it will quickly become a favorite go-to recipe in your kitchen. It’s the perfect blend of easy prep, rich flavors, and satisfying textures that feel like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or simply treating yourself, this delicious twist on a classic Italian staple is well worth making again and again.

Related Posts

• Creamy Garlic Shrimp with Rice
• Sticky Honey Garlic Sausage Pasta Skillet
• Delicious Spinach Tomato Pasta

Print