Easy Chicken Bolognese with Fettuccine Recipe

Discover a quick, delicious Chicken Bolognese with Fettuccine recipe perfect for weeknight dinners. This dish combines tender chicken in a rich, savory tomato sauce served over perfectly cooked fettuccine pasta, making it an ideal comfort meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. Whether you’re craving hearty flavors or need a fuss-free dinner, this Chicken Bolognese with Fettuccine hits all the right notes with its vibrant taste and simple ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Prep and Cooking: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
• Light Yet Flavorful: Uses lean chicken instead of beef for a delicious but lighter alternative to traditional bolognese.
• Family-Friendly: Mild, hearty flavors that appeal to kids and adults alike without compromising on taste.
• Versatile Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh produce easily available at any grocery store.
• Comfort Food Upgrade: Classic Italian flavors with a fresh twist thanks to tender chicken and creamy fettuccine.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, fresh ingredients form the heart of this Chicken Bolognese with Fettuccine recipe. Each component enhances the flavor, texture, and color, ensuring your dinner is as satisfying as it is vibrant.

• Chicken breast or thighs: Lean protein that cooks quickly and absorbs the rich sauce beautifully.
• Fettuccine pasta: Wide, flat noodles that hold onto the sauce for a perfect bite every time.
• Onion and garlic: Aromatics that create the flavorful base for the sauce.
• Tomato paste and crushed tomatoes: Provide depth and a rich, tangy flavor to the bolognese sauce.
• Carrots and celery: Add sweetness and texture, balancing the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Olive oil: Essential for sautéing and enriching the sauce with a silky mouthfeel.
• Fresh herbs (basil or parsley): Brighten and elevate the overall aroma and presentation of the dish.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish that ties the dish together.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, seasoning and enhancing every element.

Variations for Chicken Bolognese with Fettuccine

Feel free to personalize this Chicken Bolognese with Fettuccine recipe based on your preferences, dietary needs, or what you have on hand. It’s incredibly easy to make it your own!

• Vegetable boost: Incorporate mushrooms or bell peppers for extra heartiness and nutrition.
• Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like a bit of heat.
• White wine twist: Deglaze the pan with white wine before adding tomatoes for an added layer of flavor.
• Low-carb option: Swap fettuccine for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lighter version.
• Dairy-free: Skip the Parmesan or use a vegan alternative to keep it dairy-free without losing flavor.

How to Make Chicken Bolognese with Fettuccine

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by finely chopping your onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure quick, even cooking. This prepped foundation speeds up the process and builds flavor.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, cooking until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Toss in the chicken and cook until browned all over, sealing in the juices.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Simmer

Stir in tomato paste and crushed tomatoes with a pinch of salt and pepper. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and thicken.

Step 4: Cook the Fettuccine

While your sauce simmers, boil a large pot of salted water and cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve a bit of pasta water for sauce adjustment if needed.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Toss the cooked fettuccine into your chicken bolognese sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick. Stir in fresh herbs and finish with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese right before serving.

Pro Tips for Making Chicken Bolognese with Fettuccine

• Use fresh chicken: Fresh chicken breasts or thighs create a tender sauce, while pre-cooked or frozen meat may dry out.
• Don’t rush the simmer: Low and slow cooking allows the sauce to thicken naturally and develop deeper flavor.
• Reserve pasta water: The starchy water helps bind and loosen the sauce, creating a silky coating on the pasta.
• Season gradually: Taste your sauce as it cooks to avoid over-salting and adjust seasoning as needed.
• Fresh herbs last: Add fresh herbs at the end to retain their vibrant color and bright taste.

How to Serve Chicken Bolognese with Fettuccine

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan, a few fresh basil leaves, or a twist of cracked black pepper are classic finishes that elevate your dish both visually and in flavor.

Side Dishes

Serve with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables to round out your meal and add contrasting textures and flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special touch, plate the pasta in neat nests topped with a sprig of fresh herb or serve family-style in a rustic bowl for a warm, inviting experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Chicken Bolognese with Fettuccine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days to enjoy quick, delicious leftovers.

Freezing

The bolognese sauce can be frozen separately in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. For best results, add freshly cooked fettuccine when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce feels too thick.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of diced chicken?

Absolutely! Ground chicken works well and breaks down easily into the sauce, offering a classic bolognese texture.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

You can make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free fettuccine or a pasta alternative made from rice, corn, or legumes.

Can I make Chicken Bolognese with Fettuccine ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be prepared a day ahead and reheated, which allows the flavors to deepen and saves you time on busy days.

How spicy is this recipe?

This recipe is mild by default but easily customizable with chili flakes or hot sauce to add as much heat as you prefer.

What can I substitute if I don’t have fresh herbs?

Use dried herbs like basil or oregano, but add them earlier in the cooking process since dried herbs need more time to release their flavor.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Bolognese with Fettuccine is a wonderfully easy and comforting dish that tastes far more complex than the simple ingredients suggest. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a warm, homemade aroma filling your kitchen without spending hours. Give it a try, customize it to your taste, and watch as it quickly becomes a beloved staple in your dinner rotation.

Related Posts

• Why Marry Me Chicken Is the Ultimate Recipe
• How to Make Salt and Pepper Shrimp Perfectly
• How to Make Perfect Black Pepper Chicken

Print