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Classic Bolognese Pasta - Penne, Garnished with Basil and Parmesan

Classic Bolognese Pasta

Chef Claudiu
Get ready to savour the rich flavours of our Classic Bolognese Pasta. Imagine al dente pasta coated in a meat sauce, rich with the essence of slow-cooked tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and savoury ground beef. It's a dish that's as comforting as a cherished family recipe.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Main Course, Pasta
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Bolognese Sauce:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 2 carrots finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup red wine optional
  • 1 can 14 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup beef or chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs basil, oregano, thyme
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

  • 12 oz pasta tagliatelle, fettuccine, or your choice
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
  • Fresh basil leaves torn, for garnish

Instructions
 

For the Bolognese Sauce:

  • In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until cooked through. Remove excess fat.
  • Add chopped onion, chopped carrots, chopped celery, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
  • Pour in red wine (if using) and let it simmer briefly to reduce.
  • Stir in crushed tomatoes, beef or chicken broth, dried Italian herbs, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
  • Let the sauce simmer gently for about 30-40 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld.

For the Pasta:

  • Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
  • Toss the cooked pasta with a ladleful of Bolognese sauce to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water if needed.
  • To Serve:
  • Plate the Bolognese pasta, ladling more sauce over the top.
  • Garnish with torn fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Healthy Hints:

Portion Control: Enjoy Bolognese pasta in moderation for a hearty treat.
Protein Boost: The ground beef provides a protein-rich foundation to the dish.

Fun Facts & Heritage:

Bolognese Tradition: The famous ragù alla Bolognese hails from Bologna, Italy, where it's a culinary legacy.
Slow-Cooked Perfection: The key to this sauce's depth of flavour lies in its slow and patient preparation.

Nutrition & Calories:

(Note: These values are rough estimates.)
Per Serving (serves 4):
Calories: 450
Fat: 15g
Carbs: 55g
Protein: 20g
Sugar: 10g
Keyword Fresh Pasta, Pasta Bolognese