Creamy Weeknight Tagliatelle Bolognese (Better Than Takeout!)

Nothing beats a hearty, comforting bowl of tagliatelle with bolognese sauce after a busy day. This version of the classic Italian dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner, delivering all the rich, meaty flavor of a traditional bolognese, but with a few smart swaps to keep it light. The combination of tender pasta, savory sauce, and just the right balance of herbs and spices makes this dish a crowd-pleaser that doesn’t take hours to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for a busy weeknight.
Rich & Savory: The hearty bolognese sauce has deep, robust flavors that are perfect for pasta.
Balanced & Flavorful: Lean ground meat and fresh vegetables make for a lighter, healthier sauce.
Family-Friendly: A comforting dish that everyone will enjoy, even the picky eaters!

Ingredients

For the Bolognese Sauce:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium carrot, diced
• 1 stalk celery, diced
• ½ lb (8 oz) lean ground turkey or ground chicken
• 1/2 cup tomato paste
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional, for depth of flavor)

For the Pasta:

• 8 oz tagliatelle pasta (or any long pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine)
• 2 tbsp parmesan cheese, grated (optional for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Bolognese Sauce:

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
3. Add the ground turkey (or chicken) to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through.
4. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 1-2 minutes to enhance the flavors.
5. Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
6. Bring the mixture to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken and the flavors will meld together.
7. If desired, add balsamic vinegar for a touch of acidity and depth.

Cook the Tagliatelle:

1. While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the tagliatelle pasta and cook according to the package instructions (usually about 7-10 minutes).
3. Drain the pasta, reserving a small cup of pasta water.

Combine and Serve:

1. Add the cooked pasta to the bolognese sauce and toss to coat, adding a little bit of reserved pasta water if the sauce needs to loosen up.
2. Divide the pasta among plates and garnish with a sprinkle of grated parmesan (optional).
3. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful, comforting meal!

Nutritional Information

Calories: 350 | Carbs: 45g | Fat: 12g | Protein: 24g | Fiber: 6g

Tips for Success

• Use Lean Ground Meat: For a lighter sauce, choose lean ground turkey or chicken. You can also use lean ground beef if preferred.
• Simmer for Flavor: The longer the sauce simmers, the more the flavors will develop, so feel free to let it cook for a bit longer if you have the time.
• Make It Ahead: The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for later use.
• Customize the Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables, like zucchini or bell peppers, for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Serving Suggestions: For a lighter version, serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables instead of garlic bread.

Why This Recipe Works

• Quick & Satisfying: A full, hearty meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Healthier Bolognese: Using lean ground turkey or chicken reduces the fat content while still providing rich, satisfying flavor.
• Packed with Veggies: Onions, carrots, and celery add nutrition and flavor, making this a more wholesome version of the classic.
• Balanced Flavor: The tomatoes, herbs, and optional balsamic vinegar create a deep, flavorful sauce without the need for added sugars or heavy cream.

This weeknight tagliatelle with bolognese sauce is a satisfying and flavorful dish that’s sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. The lean meat, aromatic vegetables, and comforting pasta come together in a way that’s both healthy and delicious. Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is an easy, crowd-pleasing option that doesn’t compromise on taste. Enjoy!