Pork Bolognese Pasta is a rich and hearty dish that features tender pork cooked in a tasty tomato sauce. The pasta soaks up all those delicious flavors!
It’s perfect for a cozy dinner, and your kitchen will smell amazing! I love serving it with a sprinkle of cheese on top. Trust me, it makes every bite better! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: Rotini is great for holding onto the sauce, but any short pasta like penne or fusilli works too. If you’re gluten-free, try using gluten-free pasta instead!
Ground Pork: Pork adds a nice richness, but you can also use ground beef, turkey, or chicken. For a leaner option, turkey is a good substitute.
Carrot and Onion: These give sweetness and depth. You can swap in other veggies like bell peppers or celery if you prefer, or even use a mix!
Crushed Tomatoes: This is the base of the sauce. If you have whole tomatoes, just crush them! For a fresh taste, use diced tomatoes. Canned is super convenient.
Dry White Wine: While this adds flavor, you can replace it with more broth or a splash of vinegar for acidity. I sometimes skip it altogether!
Parmesan Cheese: This cheese gives a lovely finish. If you can’t find Parmesan, Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano work well too.
How Can I Make Sure My Bolognese Sauce is Full of Flavor?
The key to a flavorful Bolognese is taking your time with the sauce. Start by sautéing your onions and carrots until they’re soft; this builds a flavor base. Then, before adding the rest of the ingredients, let the tomato paste cook for a couple of minutes to enhance its taste.
- Cook the pork until it’s nicely browned. This adds a depth of flavor.
- If using wine, let it cook down until it’s mostly evaporated to concentrate its flavor.
- Simmer the sauce gently. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, so don’t rush this step!
- Adjust seasoning before serving; sometimes a little extra salt or pepper makes a big difference.
How to Make Pork Bolognese Pasta?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pasta:
- 12 oz (340 g) rotini pasta (or other short pasta)
For The Sauce:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground pork
- 1 small carrot, finely diced
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz/400 g) crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1/2 cup beef or chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook. Overall, you’ll spend around 45 minutes making a delicious Pork Bolognese Pasta that’s perfect for any dinner occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. After it’s cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce Base:
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and carrot and sauté for about 5 minutes until they become softened. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant. This will give your sauce a wonderful base flavor!
3. Brown the Pork:
Add the ground pork to the pan. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks, and continue cooking until it’s browned and fully cooked through, which should take about 6-8 minutes.
4. Build the Sauce:
Now, stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for about 2 minutes. This will help deepen the flavor of your sauce! If you’re using white wine, pour it in next and let it cook until it’s mostly evaporated – this usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings:
Next, add the crushed tomatoes and broth to the pan. Then stir in the oregano, basil, crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat), and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Simmer to Perfection:
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the sauce simmer gently for 20-30 minutes. Give it a stir occasionally—this allows all the flavors to blend beautifully!
7. Combine with Pasta:
When the sauce is ready, you can choose to toss the cooked pasta directly into the sauce or serve the sauce over the pasta on individual plates. Either way, you’ll want to mix them together to get that delicious flavor all over the pasta!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish your Pork Bolognese Pasta with freshly chopped parsley and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Serve it hot and enjoy your hearty meal!
Can I Use Other Types of Meat for This Bolognese?
Absolutely! While ground pork adds great flavor, you can substitute it with ground beef, turkey, or chicken. Choose what you like best!
What If I Don’t Have Tomato Paste?
No worries! If you don’t have tomato paste, you can use a little extra crushed tomatoes, or even some tomato sauce if you’re in a pinch. Just adjust the consistency as needed.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Bolognese?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the sauce for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground pork with lentils or a meat alternative like crumbled tempeh or plant-based meat. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth for a fully plant-based dish.
