White Bolognese Pasta

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Creamy, comforting, and full of rich flavors, White Bolognese Pasta is a delightful twist on the classic Italian meat sauce. This dish swaps the usual tomato base for a luxurious white sauce made with cream, Parmesan, and aromatics, giving it a velvety texture and a savory, nutty finish. It’s the perfect cozy meal when you crave something hearty yet sophisticated.

The beauty of White Bolognese is in its balance: the ground meat becomes tender as it simmers, the vegetables bring a hint of sweetness, and the sauce wraps everything together into a silky embrace. Whether you’re cooking it for a weeknight dinner or serving it at a dinner party, this pasta promises to wow everyone at the table.

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What Kind of Meat Should I Use?

For the best White Bolognese, a mix of ground pork and ground beef gives depth and richness, while ground chicken or turkey offers a lighter version. The fat content in pork helps keep the sauce luscious, but you can adjust to your preference or what you have on hand.

Ingredients for the White Bolognese Pasta

• Ground pork and ground beef: They create a rich, hearty base.
• Onion, carrot, and celery: The classic soffritto base adds sweetness and depth.
• Garlic: For aromatic flavor that infuses the sauce.
• Butter and olive oil: For sautéing and adding richness.
• White wine: Adds acidity and balances the cream.
• Heavy cream: The star of the white sauce, making it silky and indulgent.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty, salty depth.
• Nutmeg: A pinch enhances the creaminess beautifully.
• Pasta (tagliatelle or fettuccine): Wide noodles hold the sauce perfectly.
• Fresh herbs (thyme, parsley): Brighten the final dish.

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How To Make the White Bolognese Pasta

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery (soffritto) and cook until soft and fragrant, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook another minute.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

Add the ground pork and beef to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned all over and no longer pink. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.

Step 3: Deglaze and Simmer

Pour in the white wine and let it simmer until reduced by half, scraping up any bits from the bottom. This adds depth and balances the richness. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, letting the sauce simmer gently for 15-20 minutes until thickened.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Meanwhile, cook the tagliatelle or fettuccine in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water and drain the rest.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Toss the cooked pasta with the white Bolognese sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen it. Stir in grated Parmesan and chopped fresh herbs. Serve hot with extra Parmesan on top.

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Serving and Storing White Bolognese Pasta

White Bolognese Pasta is best enjoyed immediately, while the sauce is creamy and coats the noodles beautifully. Serve it with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and extra Parmesan, plus some crusty bread on the side to mop up every last bit. A crisp green salad makes a perfect pairing.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce’s silky texture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of pasta works best?

Wide noodles like tagliatelle or fettuccine are ideal because they catch the sauce well, but you can also use pappardelle or even rigatoni.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the sauce a day in advance and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, reheat it gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta.

How can I make it lighter?

Use ground chicken or turkey and swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk, though the sauce will be less rich.

Can I freeze the sauce?

Absolutely. Freeze the cooled sauce (without pasta) in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What wines pair well with this dish?

A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay complements the creamy, savory notes beautifully.

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Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you love this White Bolognese Pasta, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cozy favorites:

• Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Savory Parmesan Linguine for a zesty, cheesy twist.
• Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta if you’re craving indulgent comfort.
• Garlic Parmesan Beef Spaghetti Pasta for a hearty beefy spin.
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli for a loaded pasta bowl.
• One Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta Dinner if you want an easy cleanup meal.

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