This hearty Pork Bolognese Pasta is a comforting dish made with tender pork, rich tomatoes, and spices. It’s easy to whip up and perfect for family nights!
The sauce is so tasty that you might just find yourself licking the spoon! I love serving it with a sprinkle of cheese on top—it makes every bite even better.
Making this pasta is a breeze because it all cooks in one pot. Just simmer the sauce while your pasta cooks, and you’ve got a wonderful meal ready in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I usually go for tagliatelle or fettuccine, but you can use any pasta you like! Penne or spaghetti work well too. Just keep in mind that the sauce clings best to wider noodles.
Ground Pork: This is the star of the dish! If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can be great substitutes. For extra flavor, try mixing in some Italian sausage.
Wine: The wine adds depth to the sauce. If you’re not a fan of cooking with alcohol, you can replace it with broth or a splash of vinegar mixed with water to mimic the acidity.
Tomatoes: Canned crushed tomatoes are convenient, but if you have fresh tomatoes, feel free to chop them up! Just make sure to peel them for a smoother sauce. Adding a bit of tomato paste intensifies the flavor!
How Do I Cook the Perfect Bolognese Sauce?
Creating the perfect Bolognese sauce requires patience. The secret is to allow the flavors to develop through simmering. Here’s how to do it:
- Sauté Vegetables: Start with a mix of onion, carrots, and celery. This is known as soffritto. Cook them gently until they’re soft—they’re the flavor base!
- Brown the Meat: Make sure to fully brown the ground pork. This brings out its rich flavor, so don’t rush this step.
- Deglaze the Pan: Don’t skip scraping up the browned bits after adding wine. This adds tons of flavor to your sauce!
- Simmer: Let your sauce simmer gently. A longer cooking time helps meld the flavors, so resist the urge to rush!
With these tips, you’ll have a delicious Bolognese sauce ready to enjoy with pasta!
Pork Bolognese Pasta Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 400g (14 oz) tagliatelle or fettuccine pasta
For the Bolognese Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, finely diced
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 500g (1 lb) ground pork
- 150ml (2/3 cup) dry white wine or red wine
- 400g (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 150ml (2/3 cup) whole milk or cream
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Pork Bolognese Pasta takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 30-40 minutes to cook. Overall, you’ll need about 1 hour from start to finish to get this comforting dish on your table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add your tagliatelle or fettuccine pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until the pasta is al dente. After cooking, drain the pasta, but don’t forget to save a bit of the pasta water! Set the pasta aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté these veggies until they are softened and fragrant, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the Garlic:
Now, add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for about 1 minute, just until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
4. Brown the Pork:
Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the ground pork to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Keep stirring until the meat is browned all over and no longer pink.
5. Deglaze with Wine:
Pour in the dry white or red wine, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan (this is where a lot of flavors are!). Let the mixture simmer until the wine reduces by half.
6. Add the Tomatoes and Spices:
Next, stir in the canned crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, and basil. Once combined, reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully!
7. Incorporate the Milk or Cream:
After simmering, stir in the milk or cream, and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes. This will help thicken the sauce and create a lovely, mellow flavor.
8. Season to Taste:
Don’t forget to taste your sauce! Add salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference.
9. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Toss the cooked pasta with the bolognese sauce in the skillet, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to get the right sauce consistency. Make sure every noodle is coated in that rich sauce!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish up your Pork Bolognese Pasta while it’s nice and hot! Top each serving with chopped fresh parsley and a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy this rich and comforting dish with loved ones!
Bon appétit!
Can I Use Ground Beef Instead of Pork?
Absolutely! Ground beef is a popular alternative and will work beautifully in this recipe. Just remember that cooking times might vary slightly depending on the fat content of the beef.
What If I Don’t Have Wine?
No worries! You can substitute the wine with broth (chicken or vegetable) or a mix of vinegar and water (1 part vinegar to 2 parts water) to add acidity without the alcohol.
How Long Does the Bolognese Sauce Last in the Fridge?
Leftover Bolognese sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s cooled completely before refrigerating!
Can I Freeze the Bolognese Sauce?
Yes, you can freeze the sauce! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!