Chicken Bolognese

This Chicken Bolognese is a leaner version of traditional beef bolognese. It has all of the deep, rich flavor of the classic recipe, with less fat and minimal work.

Prep Time15

Cook Time30

Total Time45

Servings:

Calories: 322kcal

Author: Karin and Ken

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion peeled and finely diced
2 large carrots peeled and finely diced
2 celery sticks finely diced
4 garlic cloves minced or finely chopped
1 lb. ground chicken
¼ cup tomato paste
½ cup red wine
2 cups tomato sauce
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper to taste
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
¼ cup fresh basil leaves lightly packed, for serving (optional)

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over a medium-high heat. Add the onion, carrots and celery and cook, stirring, for 4 minutes or until the vegetables start to soften. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute or until fragrant.
Add the ground chicken to the skillet and cook, stirring and breaking up any lumps with the back of a wooden spoon, until the chicken is no longer pink.
Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring, for 1 minute or until fragrant. Add the red wine and cook, stirring, for 1 minute or until reduced.
Add the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine, and season to taste with salt and pepper.
Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low-medium. Continue to simmer for 20 minutes.
Garnish the bolognese sauce with the grated parmesan and fresh basil leaves before serving, if using.

Notes

Letting the chicken bolognese simmer is where the flavor really builds. As it cooks low and slow, the sauce reduces and develops deeper, richer layers, turning it into a true bolognese rather than just a basic pasta sauce.
If the bolognese gets too thick, stir in a splash of pasta water to loosen it up. Add a little at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
If your chicken bolognese seems a bit loose or watery, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce. You can also stir in an extra tablespoon of tomato paste to help thicken it up.

Nutrition