Easy Chicken Bolognese Recipe (Ready in 30 Minutes!)
If there’s one meal my family never gets tired of, it’s a big bowl of pasta with rich, hearty sauce. And this Chicken Bolognese? It’s a total weeknight lifesaver! It’s got all the cozy, slow-simmered flavor of a traditional Bolognese, but it’s lighter, quicker, and perfect for busy nights. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a kid-friendly dinner. Serve it with your favorite pasta, and watch everyone go back for seconds!
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If you think you can’t make a rich Bolognese sauce with chicken mince, think again! This version is full of Mediterranean flavors and boasts a thick, silky texture that feels like a classic, slow-cooked Bolognese. A final touch of cream and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan makes it so creamy and delicious, you might forget it’s not the traditional beef version. Whether you’re looking to impress at dinner or make an easy, budget-friendly meal prep, this Chicken Bolognese will quickly become a go-to in your kitchen. Trust me, it’s one of those dishes that everyone will love, and you’ll love how easy it is to whip up!
📝 Recipe Ingredients
- Chicken mince: Opt for chicken thigh mince for a richer, juicier sauce. Chicken breast can be a bit too plain for this dish, and we want plenty of flavor.
- Tomato paste: This thick tomato concentrate will add depth to the sauce and give it that beautiful rich color.
- Tinned diced tomatoes: Use high-quality Italian tomatoes—they have the best flavor and make a big difference in the sauce!
- Red wine: Yes, chicken and red wine might sound unusual, but trust me—it works! We’ll just need a small splash to deglaze the pan and add some complexity.
- Worcestershire sauce: This brings in a bit of umami to elevate the savory flavors of the sauce.
- Sugar: Just one teaspoon to help balance out the acidity of the tomatoes and round out the flavor.
- Spices: We’ll be using Italian dried herbs (like oregano, basil, thyme) and bay leaves for that authentic Mediterranean flavor.
- Chicken stock: This adds depth and keeps the sauce nice and rich. You can make homemade chicken stock or use a store-bought variety.
- Cream: Either single or double cream works here, so go with whatever you have on hand for that creamy finish.
- Parmesan cheese rind (optional): If you have a Parmesan rind lying around, throw it in! It infuses extra flavor into the sauce while it simmers.
To Serve:
- Spaghetti or your choice of pasta: Fettuccine, spaghettini, or tagliatelle all work great with this sauce.
- Parmesan cheese: For that perfect finishing touch—don’t skip this!
- Fresh basil or parsley leaves: Garnish with fresh herbs for an added burst of flavor and color.
👩🍳 How to Make this Delicious, Comforting Pasta Dinner
Step 1: Start by heating olive oil in a large, deep frying pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook until they turn golden and fragrant.
Step 2: Add the chicken mince to the pan, breaking it up as you cook. Let it brown slightly and continue cooking until all the liquid has evaporated.
Step 3: Once the chicken is browned, splash in the red wine and let it cook on medium-high heat stirring constantly until the wine has completely evaporated—this should take about 1-2 minutes.
Step 4: Add garlic powder, Italian dried herbs, and salt.
Step 5: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about 1 minute, stirring continuously.
Step 6: Add the diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, bay leaves, chicken stock, and Parmesan rind (if using). Mix well and bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 7: Let the sauce simmer covered on very low heat for 20-30 minutes while you cook your pasta. This is the time to let those flavors really develop and come together.
Step 8: Just before serving, add a splash of cream and give it a good stir to make the sauce silky and smooth.
Serve with your favorite pasta, freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano, and a few torn basil leaves for that fresh pop of flavor. You can also add a nice fresh lettuce salad on a side. Enjoy!
Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! Let the sauce cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove with a splash of water or stock.
If you prefer to skip wine, you can use chicken stock to deglaze the pan instead.
Red wine adds depth and richness to the sauce and completely evaporates during cooking, making it safe for children.
Let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes.
If you tried this Easy Chicken Bolognese Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below.
Thank you! Elena
Easy Chicken Bolognese Recipe (Ready in 30 Minutes!)
SAVE THIS RECIPE 💌
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Ingredients
- 500 grams chicken mince preferably chicken thigh mince
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2-3 tablespoons dry red wine or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste thick tomato concentrate
- 1 can diced tomatoes preferably Italian (400g / 14 oz)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon raw sugar to balance the acidity of the sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or mixed oregano, basil, thyme
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 3 tablespoons pure cream single or double cream
- Parmesan cheese rind optional
To Serve
- 400 grams spaghetti or pasta of choice fettuccine, spaghettini, or tagliatelle work well
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano
- fresh basil or parsley leaves ( for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large, deep frying pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken mince and cook, breaking it up as you go. Let it brown slightly and cook until all liquid has evaporated.500 grams chicken mince, 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the red wine and cook on medium-high heat, stirring constantly until it fully evaporates (about 1-2 minutes).2-3 tablespoons dry red wine
- Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about 1 minute, stirring continuously.2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Simmer the Sauce: Add the diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, dried herbs, bay leaves, chicken stock, and Parmesan rind (if using). Mix well and bring to a gentle simmer.1 can diced tomatoes, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon raw sugar, 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs, 2 bay leaves, 1 cup chicken stock, Parmesan cheese rind
- Let it Cook: Cover and simmer on very low heat for 20-30 minutes while you cook your pasta.400 grams spaghetti or pasta of choice
- Finish with Cream: Just before serving, stir in a splash of cream to make the sauce silky and smooth.3 tablespoons pure cream
- Serve: Toss with your favorite pasta, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan, and top with torn basil leaves. Pair with a crisp green salad for a complete meal. Enjoy!½ cup freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano, fresh basil or parsley leaves (
Ein sehr lekeres Gericht !!!!
This chicken bolognese is one of our all time favorites. Easy to make and delicious.