Ground Chicken Spaghetti Bolognese
This from-scratch Ground Chicken Spaghetti Bolognese recipe is a fresh take on the Italian classic pasta dish. The combination of lean ground chicken, a rich tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning creates a delicious bolognese-style pasta sauce that everyone will enjoy. This easy weeknight meal comes together quickly with a few fresh ingredients.
Spag bol – that’s how my kids call it – is a firm staple in our family’s diet and this leaner take on the Italian classic makes a great midweek meal. Made with fresh ingredients, this bolognese style sauce is rich in flavor and packed with nutrients.
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Ground Chicken Spaghetti Bolognese
This easy weeknight meal is a lean twist on the classic family favorite. The combination of ground chicken, rich tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning creates a delicious bolognese-style pasta sauce that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
- 1 yellow onion medium-sized, finely diced
- 1 carrot peeled, finely diced
- 1 celery stalk finely diced
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup red wine optional
- 6 oz crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp basil
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- 8 oz dried spaghetti
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese optional
- 1/4 fresh basil leaves optional
Instructions
- Add olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for 2 minutes until the onion pieces are translucent.2 tbsp olive oil, 1 yellow onion, 1 carrot, 1 celery stalk
- Increase the heat to medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper and cook until the chicken is cooked through.1 lb ground chicken, 2 garlic cloves
- Pour in the red wine, allowing the liquid to reduce while deglazing the pan.1/2 cup red wine, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- Reduce back to medium heat. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and herbs. Simmer on low heat for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.6 oz crushed tomatoes, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp basil, 1/2 tsp oregano, 1 bay leaf
- Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Save 1 cup of pasta water.8 oz dried spaghetti
- Once the bolognese sauce has thickened, season it to taste with salt and freshly ground pepper.
- Combine the cooked spaghetti with the ground chicken sauce, ensuring the pasta is well-coated. Add some pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and freshly grated parmesan cheese.1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, 1/4 fresh basil leaves
Video
Notes
Storage: This dish is a great make-ahead meal. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Add some extra chicken stock if you’re reheating it the next day. The sauce can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition
Calories: 540kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 103mgSodium: 974mgPotassium: 998mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 2960IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 113mgIron: 3mg
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Ingredients and substitutions
- Chicken: You’ll need ground chicken but you can substitute it with ground turkey as well. Alternatively, cut diced boneless skinless chicken thighs or chicken breast into small pieces.
- Spaghetti: Dried or fresh spaghetti or any of your favorite pasta shapes will work for this recipe. Or go all out and make your own pasta. Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
- Tomatoes: I use a can of diced tomatoes in juice and tomato paste for this recipe but you can also opt for crushed tomatoes or passata.
- Red wine: A light-bodied red wine such as Pinot Noir works well for this bolognese sauce. You can also use dry white wine, chicken broth, or vegetable broth instead.
- Onion and garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add extra flavor to this bolognese-style sauce. You can substitute them with 1/2 tsp of garlic powder.
- Seasoning: Thyme, oregano, bay, and basil add authentic Italian flavors to this pasta recipe. You can also use 1 tbsp of my homemade Mediterranean or Tuscan seasoning. Salt and black pepper round out the flavors.
- Garnish: Serve this pasta dish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil leaves.
Chicken bolognese variations
- Creamy chicken spaghetti: Stir in a couple of tablespoons of heavy cream, sour cream, or cream cheese for a creamy twist.
- Spaghetti casserole: Transform this delicious recipe into a comforting casserole dish by baking it with shredded cheese on top until bubbly and golden.
- Low carb: Swap regular pasta for spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles for a low carb, gluten-free easy dinner idea.
Step-by-step: chicken bolognese
- Sauté diced vegetables in olive oil.
- Add ground chicken and minced garlic.
- Deglaze the pan with red wine. Reduce the liquid.
- Add tomatoes and seasoning. Simmer on low for 20 minutes.
