Ground Chicken Bolognese | Healthy Chicken Pasta Recipes

Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready to bring a wholesome twist to a beloved Italian classic? If you’re craving comfort food that feels hearty yet lighter, this Ground Chicken Bolognese is exactly what your table needs tonight. 🍝✨ Rich, savory, and simmered to perfection, it’s a beautiful balance between tradition and modern healthy cooking.

Classic Bolognese is known for its deep, slow-cooked flavor, often made with beef and pork. In this version, we’re keeping all that comforting goodness while lightening things up with lean ground chicken. The result? A deliciously satisfying sauce that pairs perfectly with your favorite pasta—without feeling heavy. 💛 This Ground Chicken Bolognese is ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a cozy Sunday dinner with family.

Among healthy chicken pasta recipes, this one stands out for its simplicity and depth of flavor. Fresh herbs, tomatoes, garlic, and a gentle simmer create a sauce that tastes like it’s been cooking all day. Let’s gather our ingredients and create a meal that’s nourishing, comforting, and truly memorable.

Ingredients:

For the Bolognese Sauce:

• 1 lb ground chicken (lean)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1 carrot, finely diced
• 1 celery stalk, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup milk (or unsweetened almond milk for lighter option)
• 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley or basil 🌿

For Serving:

• 12 oz whole wheat spaghetti or pasta of choice
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Extra fresh herbs for garnish

Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
3. Add diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened and fragrant. This classic vegetable base creates depth and sweetness.
4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until aromatic.
5. Add the ground chicken. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes.
6. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
7. Add crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well.
8. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmer allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
9. Stir in the milk during the last 5 minutes of cooking. This softens the acidity of the tomatoes and gives the sauce a silky finish.
10. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
11. Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen.
12. Garnish with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your wholesome Ground Chicken Bolognese.

Notes:

• For extra vegetables, add finely chopped mushrooms or spinach.
• This sauce stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• It also freezes well for up to 2 months.
• Swap whole wheat pasta for zucchini noodles for a lower-carb option.
• A splash of balsamic vinegar can deepen the flavor even more.

Nutritional Information:

This Ground Chicken Bolognese is a wonderful option among healthy chicken pasta recipes because it’s rich in lean protein while being moderate in calories and fat.

⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes | 🔥 Cooking Time: 30 minutes | ⏳ Total Time: 45 minutes
⚡ Calories per serving: Approximately 380 | 🍽️ Servings: 4

Approximate Nutritional Breakdown (per serving):

• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 420mg

By using lean ground chicken and whole wheat pasta, this dish offers a balanced meal that supports energy and satiety. The vegetables add natural sweetness and nutrients, making this recipe both comforting and nourishing.

There’s something timeless about gathering around a bowl of pasta. The aroma of simmering tomatoes, herbs, and garlic fills the kitchen with warmth and anticipation. This Ground Chicken Bolognese proves that healthy chicken pasta recipes can still deliver bold, satisfying flavor without compromise.

Serve it with a crisp green salad and a slice of warm bread for a complete, family-friendly dinner. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or preparing meals for the week ahead, this dish brings comfort, nourishment, and simple joy to your table. 🍽️✨

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Bon appétit and happy cooking!