Chicken Bolognese with Fettuccine

Discover the rich flavors of Chicken Bolognese with Fettuccine, a hearty and easy dinner recipe perfect for any night. This dish brings together tender ground chicken simmered in a savory tomato sauce with delicate herbs and spices, all tossed lovingly with perfectly cooked fettuccine pasta. Whether you are looking for a fuss-free weekday meal or aiming to impress family and friends, this Chicken Bolognese with Fettuccine combines comfort and sophistication in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready on the table in under 40 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Healthy Yet Hearty: Uses lean ground chicken to keep it light but still packed with flavor.
• Family Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike for its comforting taste and familiar ingredients.
• Versatile Ingredients: Easy to swap or add veggies based on what you have on hand.
• Impressively Flavorful: Rich tomato and herb sauce with a homemade feel that beats jarred pasta sauces any day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that come together effortlessly. Each one contributes to the balance of flavor, texture, and color, making the dish look as good as it tastes.

• Ground Chicken: Lean and tender, it’s the perfect protein base for this lighter take on traditional Bolognese.
• Fettuccine Pasta: Wide, flat noodles that hold the sauce beautifully for satisfying bites.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Provides a rich, tangy foundation that simmers into a delicious sauce.
• Onion and Garlic: Aromatics that bring deep, savory notes to the sauce.
• Carrots and Celery: Finely diced, they add subtle sweetness and texture.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing and a hint of fruity richness.
• Fresh Herbs: Basil and oregano to brighten the sauce and infuse fresh flavors.
• Parmesan Cheese: Optional but highly recommended for that savory, nutty finish.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance the flavors perfectly.

Variations for Chicken Bolognese with Fettuccine

Feel free to customize this Chicken Bolognese with Fettuccine recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs. It’s wonderfully adaptable and encourages creativity without sacrificing comfort.

• Vegetable-Loaded: Stir in mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to boost nutrition and texture.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for some heat.
• Low-Carb Twist: Serve over zucchini noodles instead of fettuccine for a lighter version.
• Dairy-Free Option: Skip the Parmesan or swap for a plant-based cheese alternative.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with thyme or rosemary for unique flavor profiles.

How to Make Chicken Bolognese with Fettuccine

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Chop your onions, garlic, carrots, and celery finely to create a flavor-packed base. The finer the dice, the smoother and more cohesive the sauce will become.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. This step lays the foundation of your sauce.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Chicken

Add the ground chicken to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink and slightly browned to enhance the depth of flavor.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

Pour in crushed tomatoes, followed by fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine, then reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 20 minutes to develop richness.

Step 5: Cook the Fettuccine

While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Toss the cooked fettuccine directly into the sauce, ensuring every strand gets coated in the savory Chicken Bolognese. Serve immediately with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.

Pro Tips for Making Chicken Bolognese with Fettuccine

• Finely Dice Veggies: It helps the sauce blend smoothly and improves texture.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil and oregano make a noticeable difference compared to dried.
• Simmer Slowly: Allow the sauce to simmer gently for maximum flavor concentration.
• Don’t Overcook Pasta: Aim for al dente so it holds up well when tossed in the sauce.
• Reserve Pasta Water: Add a splash to loosen thick sauce and help it cling beautifully to the noodles.

How to Serve Chicken Bolognese with Fettuccine

Garnishes

Top with freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano and sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley to add an herbal lift and vibrant color that brightens the dish.

Side Dishes

Pair Chicken Bolognese with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables to complete a satisfying and balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Chicken Bolognese with Fettuccine in shallow bowls for casual family dinners or plate elegantly with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil and microgreens for dinner guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftovers in airtight containers and keep refrigerated for up to 3 days. This makes for a quick and delicious next-day lunch or dinner option.

Freezing

Freeze the cooled Chicken Bolognese sauce separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove, adding pasta fresh to keep its texture.

Reheating

Warm leftovers in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much during reheating.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well and offers a similar lean protein base with a slightly different flavor profile.

Is it okay to substitute spaghetti for fettuccine?

Yes, spaghetti is a fine substitute, though fettuccine’s wider shape holds the sauce better, creating a creamier bite.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, swap the ground chicken for lentils or finely chopped mushrooms to maintain heartiness and depth.

How spicy is the Chicken Bolognese with Fettuccine?

It’s mild by default but easy to adjust—add chili flakes or hot sauce during cooking if you prefer some heat.

What’s the best cheese to use as a topping?

Freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano offers the best savory, tangy finish to complement the rich sauce.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Bolognese with Fettuccine is more than just a meal; it’s a cozy, comforting experience any night of the week. With easy-to-find ingredients and simple steps, it invites you to enjoy homemade flavors without the fuss. Give this recipe a try—you’ll quickly see why it wins dinner every time.

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