Easy Ground Chicken Spaghetti Bolognese
This easy Ground Chicken Spaghetti Bolognese is a fresh take on the Italian classic pasta dish. The combination of lean chicken, rich tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning creates a delicious bolognese-style pasta sauce that the whole family will love. This easy weeknight meal is a lean twist on the classic family favorite.
Why you’ll love my ground chicken bolognese recipe
Quick and easy: This ground chicken spaghetti recipe is perfect for busy weeknight dinners. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, it’s a breeze to whip up.
Extra protein: Using lean ground chicken as the main protein instead of regular ground beef or other red meat makes this dish a lighter, yet still satisfying, meal. Ideal for those looking for a leaner alternative to a traditional bolognese sauce.
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 a 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.
- Olive oil: I use extra-virgin olive oil but you can opt for any vegetable oil.
- 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.
How to make ground chicken spaghetti bolognese
- Sauté diced vegetables in olive oil.
- Add ground chicken and minced garlic. Cook on high until the chicken is cooked through.
- Deglaze the pan with red wine. Reduce the liquid.
- Add tomatoes and seasoning. Simmer on low for 20 minutes.
Serving
Serve chicken bolognese pasta with a side of garlic bread or Turkish bread and a simple side salad such as insalata mista for a complete meal.
FAQ
Absolutely! The flavors often deepen when allowed to meld, making it a great make-ahead option. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Add some extra chicken stock if you’re reheating it the next day.
Yes, this ground chicken bolognese sauce can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
More dinner recipes
For more easy chicken dinners, check out the following recipes:
- Lemon chicken, asparagus, potato traybake
- Chicken Alfredo with Linguine
- Ground chicken soup with noodles
- Mini chicken pot pies
- One-pot Italian goulash
If you loved this Ground Chicken Bolognese Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating below. Thank you!
Easy Ground Chicken Spaghetti Bolognese
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
