Pork Bolognese Pasta is a hearty dish loaded with rich flavors. The ground pork simmers with tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, creating a warm sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.
Making this dish always feels cozy and comforting. I love pairing it with a sprinkle of cheese on top—great for a family dinner or just a quiet night in with a bowl!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Pork: This is the star protein for the sauce. If you prefer leaner meat, ground turkey is a good substitute. For a richer flavor, you could mix in some ground beef or sausage.
Pasta: Farfalle is fun and holds the sauce well, but you can use any pasta you like! Penne and fettuccine are great choices too. Gluten-free pasta works well too!
Crushed Tomatoes: Canned crushed tomatoes are easy and convenient, but you can also use fresh tomatoes. Just peel and chop them, though be aware they’ll need a bit longer to cook down.
White Wine: This adds depth to the flavor, but you can skip it to keep it alcohol-free. Extra broth can replace it, or a splash of lemon juice can work for brightness.
How Do I Ensure My Sauce is Rich and Flavorful?
Creating a rich Bolognese sauce is all about layering flavors and gentle cooking. Follow these steps for the best results:
- Start by sautéing the veggies until they’re soft and fragrant, which adds a great base flavor.
- When browning the pork, let it cook well to get some nice caramelization. This adds depth!
- Let the sauce simmer gently. Patience pays off here; the longer it simmers, the better the flavors meld together. Stir occasionally.
- Add the milk at the end to give a nice creaminess and balance the acidity. This makes a huge difference!
Don’t forget to taste as you go. Adjust seasonings as needed so that it suits your liking!
Pork Bolognese Pasta
Ingredients:
- 12 oz (340 g) farfalle pasta (bow-tie pasta)
- 1 lb (450 g) ground pork
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, finely diced
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- 1 cup (240 ml) crushed tomatoes or tomato purée
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) beef or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) dry white wine (optional)
- 1/2 cup whole milk or cream
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil or a few fresh basil leaves
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Pork Bolognese Pasta requires about 15 minutes of prep time and 30-40 minutes of cooking time, making a total of around 55-60 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner!
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
First, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the farfalle pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (usually about 9-11 minutes). Once done, drain it and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, diced carrot, and diced celery. Sauté these for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are softened and slightly golden.
3. Add the Garlic:
Now, add the minced garlic to the pan and cook everything together for another minute, just until the garlic becomes fragrant.
4. Brown the Pork:
Next, add the ground pork to the skillet. Use a spoon to break it up into pieces, cooking until it’s browned and completely cooked through, around 6-8 minutes.
5. Deglaze with Wine:
If using, pour in the white wine now. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the wine has evaporated.
6. Prepare the Sauce:
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, broth, dried oregano, and dried basil. Bring everything to a gentle simmer to develop those fantastic flavors.
7. Add Creaminess:
Lower the heat a bit and stir in the whole milk or cream to add a nice creamy texture. Season with salt and black pepper to taste!
8. Simmer the Sauce:
Let the sauce simmer uncovered for 20-30 minutes. Stir it occasionally, allowing it to thicken up nicely.
9. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Once the sauce has thickened, toss the cooked farfalle pasta into the skillet with the Pork Bolognese sauce. Mix until all the pasta is well coated with that lovely sauce!
10. Serve and Garnish:
Serve the pasta hot on plates or in bowls, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your comforting bowl of Pork Bolognese Pasta!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! While this recipe uses ground pork, you can substitute it with ground beef, turkey, or even a mix of meats for added flavor. Just remember that cooking times may vary slightly, depending on the fat content.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the Bolognese sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it gently on the stove before serving, and cook fresh pasta to accompany it.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, and consider adding a splash of milk or broth to bring back some creaminess.
What Can I Use Instead of White Wine?
If you prefer not to use white wine, you can simply skip it and add an extra splash of broth or even a bit of lemon juice for brightness. This will still provide a delicious flavor to your sauce!