Quicker Chicken Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe

Whipping up this chicken spaghetti Bolognese is like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for cozy nights in. You get the rich, savory vibes without the post-pasta nap thanks to lean ground chicken and fresh veggies—seriously, comfort food at its finest!

I enjoy taking tried-and-true recipes and making them straightforward and wholesome. My Spaghetti Bolognese (made with lean ground chicken, crushed tomatoes, and fragrant herbs) retains all the essential flavors of a classic Bolognese sauce.

In fact, this dish is probably more nutritious than the traditional version, but you won’t realize that while you’re enjoying it. My version is also much quicker to throw together.

Quicker Chicken Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe Ingredients

• Olive Oil: Rich in healthy monounsaturated fats; enhances flavor.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and depth; provides vitamin C and fiber.
• Garlic: Boosts immunity and heart health; adds savory depth.
• Carrot: Adds subtle sweetness; high in beta-carotene and fiber.
• Ground Chicken: Lean protein source; low in fat, versatile for flavor.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Base of sauce; rich in vitamin C and lycopene.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrated flavor; enhances umami and richness.
• Oregano: Aromatic herb; offers antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

Quicker Chicken Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe Ingredient Quantities

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• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 celery stalk, diced
• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 12 ounces spaghetti
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

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How to Make this Quicker Chicken Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe

1. In a big frying pan, pour the olive oil and heat it over moderate heat. Add the onion, which you should have chopped beforehand, and the garlic, which you should have minced. Along with these, pour in the pan the carrot and celery, which you should have diced. Sauté all for about 5 minutes, until the stated vegetables are softened.

2. Add the chicken to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

Notes:
– Why it works: Cooking the chicken in a wide skillet allows it to brown well. Using a spatula to break it into bits ensures the chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy.

3. Add the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste and stir. Make sure to thoroughly integrate the ingredients.

4. Mix in the sauce the oregano, the basil, salt, and pepper. Put the sauce on low heat to simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. At the same time, fill a big pot with water that’s been salted. Bring it to a boil. Plunge in the spaghetti. Cook it according to the package’s directions until it reaches the stage Italian chefs call al dente.

That’s about 8-10 minutes for this particular brand.

6. Set aside 1/2 cup of the water used to cook the pasta before draining the spaghetti.

7. Incorporate the reserved pasta water into the chicken sauce, blending it well. This will ensure that the sauce clings to the spaghetti.

8. Remove the cooked spaghetti from its pot and dump it straight into the skillet with the chicken Bolognese. Use tongs to toss the pasta and sauce together over medium heat, just until everything is warm and mixed—it shouldn’t take more than a minute.

9. Take it off the burner; then, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it, too, is melted and fully combined with the other ingredients.

10. Serve the Spaghetti Bolognese with chicken hot, and if desired, garnish it with fresh basil leaves. Enjoy!

Quicker Chicken Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large frying pan or skillet
2. Pot for boiling pasta
3. Cutting board
4. Chef’s knife (for chopping and mincing)
5. Wooden spoon or spatula (for stirring and breaking apart chicken)
6. Tongs (for tossing pasta with sauce)
7. Measuring spoons
8. 1/2 cup measuring cup (for reserving pasta water)
9. Colander (for draining spaghetti)

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground chicken?
  Yes, you can substitute ground chicken with ground turkey or beef if desired.
• Is it necessary to peel the carrot?
  Peeling the carrot is optional, but it is recommended to ensure a smoother texture in the sauce.
• Can I add more vegetables to the sauce?
  Absolutely! Feel free to add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition.
• What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
  You can use pecorino romano or a cheese of your choice, or omit it entirely for a dairy-free option.
• How can I make this dish gluten-free?
  Simply use gluten-free spaghetti or your preferred gluten-free pasta variety.
• How long will leftovers last in the fridge?
  Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
  Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and reheat it when ready to serve with freshly cooked pasta.

Quicker Chicken Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Canola oil or vegetable oil can serve as substitutes for olive oil.
Ground turkey or ground beef: Can be replaced with ground chicken.
Tomato puree or diced tomatoes, an equal amount, might do a fine job of standing in for crushed tomatoes.
Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano or grated Asiago cheese.
Pasta: Any other shape, including but not limited to linguine or fettuccine, can be used in place of spaghetti.

Pro Tips

1. Enhance Flavor with Wine Before adding the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine. Allow it to simmer and reduce slightly. This will add depth to the sauce by incorporating some acidity and additional flavors.

2. Caramelize for Sweetness To amplify the natural sweetness of the vegetables, take extra time to caramelize the onions. Cook them over low heat until they are golden brown before adding the garlic, carrots, and celery.

3. Boost with Umami Consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a small amount of anchovy paste when sautéing the chicken. These ingredients can boost the umami flavor profile without being overpowering.

4. Herb Infusion Use a herb sachet by tying together fresh oregano and basil stems and adding it to simmer in the sauce. Remove it before serving for an infused, aromatic flavor.

5. Textural Contrast For added texture and nutty flavor, toast some pine nuts and sprinkle them on top of the dish just before serving. This simple addition will add a nice crunch and elevate the presentation.