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Chicken Bolognese with Fettuccine

Chicken Bolognese with Fettuccine
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Chicken Bolognese with Fettuccine is a comforting and flavorful twist on the classic Italian meat sauce, using lean ground chicken for a lighter yet hearty dish. Paired with silky fettuccine pasta, this rich tomato-based sauce blends aromatic herbs and fresh vegetables to create a savory, satisfying meal perfect for weeknights or special gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb lean ground chicken

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
  • 1 celery stalk, finely chopped

Tomato Base

  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste

Liquids & Oils

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup red wine (optional)

Herbs & Seasonings

  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Pasta & Garnishes

  • 12 oz fettuccine pasta
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the soffritto: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Finely chop onion, carrot, and celery, then sauté until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until aromatic.
  2. Brown the chicken: Add ground chicken to the pan and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until evenly browned and no longer pink, forming a savory base for the sauce.
  3. Add tomatoes and seasonings: Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Pour in red wine if using, then mix well. Let the sauce simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes to thicken and deepen in flavor.
  4. Cook the fettuccine: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
  5. Combine and serve: Toss the cooked fettuccine directly into the sauce, stirring to coat each strand thoroughly. Add reserved pasta water gradually for the perfect sauce texture. Serve immediately topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • Don’t rush the soffritto; cooking vegetables slowly unlocks natural sweetness for a richer sauce.
  • Use fresh herbs when possible for brighter, more vibrant flavors.
  • Reserve some pasta water to help bind sauce and noodles for a silky finish.
  • Simmer the sauce gently to concentrate flavors and tenderize the chicken perfectly.
  • Grate Parmesan cheese just before serving for optimal melt and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Bolognese, Fettuccine, Italian, Pasta, Tomato Sauce, Comfort Food, Quick Dinner, Lean Protein

Find it online: https://withnora.com/chicken-bolognese-with-fettuccine/