This Pork Bolognese Pasta is a comforting dish with rich flavors. The tender pork meat blends perfectly with a hearty tomato sauce, served over your favorite pasta. Yum!
I love how the meat sauce makes the whole kitchen smell amazing while cooking. It’s a great meal to share, and who doesn’t adore a big bowl of pasta? 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Fettuccine or tagliatelle are wonderful choices, but any pasta you love works great! If you’re gluten-free, try a gluten-free pasta alternative.
Ground Pork: This adds rich flavor to your dish. If you prefer, ground beef or turkey can be used instead, or you could even mix it up with a combination of meats.
Olive Oil: This is perfect for sautéing veggies, but feel free to use any cooking oil. Avocado oil or butter can provide different flavors.
Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes are key for a good sauce. If fresh tomatoes are in season, use 2-3 cups of diced fresh tomatoes instead for a vibrant taste!
White Wine: While optional, it really enhances the flavor. Replace it with more broth if you want to skip the wine.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from My Sauce?
The secret to a flavorful Bolognese sauce is all about timing and layering flavors. Start by properly sautéing the veggies until soft; this builds a lovely base. Don’t rush adding the garlic—let it cook just until fragrant to avoid bitterness.
- Cook the ground pork until browned for great depth of flavor.
- When adding tomato paste, give it a minute or two to caramelize slightly—this enhances its flavor too.
- Always allow the sauce to simmer. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors will develop!
Pork Bolognese Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (340 g) fettuccine or tagliatelle pasta
- 1 lb (450 g) ground pork
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, finely diced
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup whole milk or cream
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp 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 delightful Pork Bolognese Pasta will take around 15 minutes to prepare and about 40-50 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at about 1 hour for a hearty, comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion, diced carrot, and diced celery. Sauté these vegetables for about 5-7 minutes until they become softened and fragrant, stirring occasionally to ensure they don’t burn.
3. Add Garlic:
Next, add in the minced garlic and stir it into the mixture. Cook for an additional minute until the garlic is fragrant but be careful not to let it brown.
4. Cook the Pork:
Add the ground pork to the skillet. Use a spoon to break it up and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, which should take about 6-8 minutes. This will give your bolognese a rich flavor!
5. Mix in Tomato Paste:
Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing its flavors to deepen.
6. Deglaze the Pan:
If you’re using white wine, pour it in now to deglaze the pan. Make sure to scrape up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom. Let it reduce for about 2-3 minutes.
7. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings:
Now it’s time to add the canned diced tomatoes, broth, dried oregano, and dried basil. Stir everything to combine well, then bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
8. Simmer for Flavor:
Lower the heat and let the sauce cook gently for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully and thickens the sauce.
9. Finish the Sauce:
Once your sauce has thickened, stir in the whole milk or cream. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Cook for an extra 5 minutes to warm through.
10. Combine with Pasta:
Now it’s time to combine! Toss the cooked pasta in the gorgeous sauce until it’s well coated and heated through.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious Pork Bolognese Pasta immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! While ground pork gives a lovely flavor, you can substitute it with ground beef, turkey, or chicken if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, depending on the meat used.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed for moisture.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to serve! Reheat the sauce gently on the stovetop before tossing it with the pasta.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Definitely! For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground pork with lentils or a meat substitute like textured vegetable protein (TVP). Use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth for a meat-free option.
