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Chicken Bolognese with Fettuccine

Chicken Bolognese with Fettuccine

A quick and delicious Chicken Bolognese served over perfectly cooked fettuccine pasta. This recipe features tender chicken simmered in a rich and savory tomato sauce balanced with fresh vegetables and herbs, making it a satisfying, family-friendly comfort meal that’s easy to prepare in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, diced into bite-sized pieces

Pasta

  • 12 oz fettuccine pasta

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped

Tomato Base

  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes

Fats & Seasonings

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh Herbs & Finishing

  • 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Ingredients: Finely chop the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces for quick and even cooking.
  2. Sauté Aromatics and Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add diced chicken and cook until browned all over, sealing in the juices.
  3. Add Tomatoes and Simmer: Stir in tomato paste and crushed tomatoes along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 15-20 minutes to thicken the sauce and meld flavors.
  4. Cook the Fettuccine: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving a little pasta water for adjusting the sauce if needed.
  5. Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked fettuccine into the chicken bolognese sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it. Stir in fresh herbs and finish with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh chicken breasts or thighs for a tender, juicy sauce; avoid pre-cooked or frozen chicken that can dry out.
  • Simmer the sauce gently on low heat to develop deeper flavors and natural thickness.
  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency and help it cling to the pasta.
  • Season the sauce gradually, tasting as you go to avoid over-salting.
  • Add fresh herbs at the end to retain their bright flavor and color.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Bolognese, Fettuccine, Quick Dinner, Italian, Comfort Food, Weeknight Meal