Authentic Pappardelle Bolognese

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Introduction

Authentic Pappardelle Bolognese is the kind of dish that transports you straight to Italy with every bite. This rich, comforting meal features silky ribbons of pappardelle pasta, paired with a deeply flavorful, slow-simmered Bolognese sauce made from a blend of ground beef, pork, and aromatic vegetables. The sauce is cooked low and slow for hours, allowing the ingredients to meld together into a hearty, savory masterpiece. When combined with the broad, flat pappardelle, each mouthful is an indulgent and satisfying experience.

The first time I made this dish, I was amazed by how the time spent simmering the sauce really paid off. As the meat and vegetables cooked down, the deep, savory aroma filled my kitchen, making it impossible not to eagerly anticipate dinner. When the sauce finally melded with the pappardelle, it was pure comfort in a bowl—rich, flavorful, and unforgettable.

What I love most about Pappardelle Bolognese is how it brings people together. It’s the kind of dish that makes any meal feel like a special occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a casual gathering, it’s a true crowd-pleaser. Plus, the beauty of this dish lies in its depth of flavor—it gets even better the next day as the sauce continues to develop. This is Italian comfort food at its finest, and it’s sure to be a hit every time.

Perfect for:

  • Sunday dinners
  • Special family meals
  • Cozy date nights
  • Holiday gatherings
  • Pasta lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Authentic Pappardelle Bolognese will be your new favorite pasta dish:

  • Rich, Savory Flavor: The slow-cooked Bolognese sauce is packed with deep, meaty flavors, elevated by wine, herbs, and aromatics.
  • Silky Pappardelle: The broad, flat pasta holds the sauce beautifully, providing the perfect texture to complement the hearty meat sauce.
  • Comfort Food at Its Best: This dish is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cold weather or whenever you need a filling, satisfying meal.
  • Perfectly Balanced: The combination of beef and pork in the sauce creates a rich depth, while the addition of milk or cream gives it a smooth, velvety finish.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: The Bolognese sauce can be made in advance and even gets better after sitting for a day or two.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 2 hours
  • Preparation Time: 30 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 1.5 hours
  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 600-700 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 40g, Carbs: 70g, Fat: 30g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Authentic Pappardelle Bolognese:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
  • 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • ½ lb ground pork
  • 1 cup dry red wine
  • 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • ½ cup whole milk or heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 lb pappardelle pasta
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Ingredient Highlights

  • Ground Beef and Pork: The combination of beef and pork creates a balanced and flavorful meat sauce, with the beef providing richness and the pork adding a slightly sweeter note.
  • Olive Oil: Used to sauté the vegetables and start building the base of the sauce.
  • Red Wine: Adds depth and complexity to the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor.
  • Milk or Cream: This ingredient softens the acidity of the tomatoes and gives the sauce its smooth, velvety texture.
  • Pappardelle Pasta: Wide, flat pasta that holds the sauce perfectly and creates an elegant presentation.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Bolognese Sauce:

  1. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 8-10 minutes.
  2. Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef and pork to the pot. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned, about 10 minutes.
  3. Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the red wine, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Let the wine cook down for 3-4 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate.
  4. Add Tomatoes and Herbs: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  5. Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently, uncovered, for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken and develop a rich flavor.
  6. Finish the Sauce: Stir in the milk or cream, and let the sauce cook for an additional 10-15 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed.

Cook the Pappardelle:

  1. Boil the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pappardelle according to the package directions, about 3-4 minutes, until al dente.
  2. Drain the Pasta: Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and return it to the pot.

Combine and Serve:

  1. Toss Pasta and Sauce: Add the Bolognese sauce to the cooked pappardelle and toss to coat. If needed, add some reserved pasta water to thin the sauce.
  2. Serve: Divide the pasta among serving plates. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with chopped parsley.

How to Serve

  • Classic Presentation: Serve the pasta on individual plates, topped with Parmesan cheese and parsley for an elegant and rustic look.
  • Pair with Wine: A glass of dry red wine, like Chianti or Sangiovese, complements the rich flavors of the dish.
  • Side Salad: Pair with a simple green salad dressed in olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a balanced meal.
  • Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce.

Additional Tips

  • Use Fresh Pasta: If you have the time, fresh pappardelle makes this dish even more special.
  • Slow Cook for Best Flavor: The longer the sauce simmers, the better the flavor. Don’t rush this step.
  • Make It Ahead: The Bolognese sauce tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead and store it in the fridge.
  • Customize the Sauce: Feel free to add extra herbs or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
  • Freezing Leftovers: Leftover sauce freezes well for up to 3 months, making it a great make-ahead meal.

Recipe Variations

  1. Vegetarian Bolognese: Swap the meat for lentils or mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version.
  2. Spicy Bolognese: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
  3. Pappardelle with Ragu: Use a slow-cooked veal or lamb ragu for a different flavor profile.
  4. Bolognese with Ricotta: Serve the Bolognese with a dollop of ricotta cheese for added creaminess.
  5. Pappardelle with Wild Mushrooms: Add sautéed wild mushrooms to the Bolognese sauce for an earthy, luxurious twist.
  6. Bolognese with Pancetta: Add diced pancetta or prosciutto for extra richness and depth.
  7. Tomato-Free Bolognese: For a variation without tomatoes, try making a white Bolognese using a béchamel base.
  8. Beef and Sausage Bolognese: Combine beef with Italian sausage for a more flavorful sauce.
  9. Creamy Bolognese: Add extra cream for a rich and decadent sauce.
  10. Bolognese with Red Pepper: Stir in roasted red peppers for a smoky, sweet twist.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: The Bolognese sauce freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
  • Storage: Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water or broth to thin it out if needed.

Special Equipment

  • Large pot for simmering the sauce
  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Wooden spoon for stirring the sauce
  • Grater for Parmesan cheese
  • Pasta strainer

FAQ

  1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
    While pappardelle is traditional, you can substitute with fettuccine or tagliatelle if preferred.
  2. Can I make the sauce without wine?
    Yes, if you prefer to avoid wine, substitute with beef broth for a rich flavor.
  3. Can I use store-bought Bolognese sauce?
    Homemade Bolognese yields the best flavor, but you can use store-bought sauce in a pinch.
  4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
    Yes, the sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead, and the pasta can be cooked just before serving.
  5. How do I make this dish spicier?
    Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the Bolognese sauce for extra heat.

Conclusion

Authentic Pappardelle Bolognese is a rich, flavorful, and comforting dish that brings the heart of Italian cuisine to your table. The slow-simmered sauce, made with tender meat, tomatoes, and a touch of wine, pairs perfectly with the wide, soft pappardelle pasta. This dish is ideal for any occasion, from casual family dinners to more special celebrations.

With just a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re preparing it for yourself or sharing it with others, the deep, savory flavors of this classic Bolognese sauce will make it a memorable experience every time.

I can’t wait to see your Pappardelle Bolognese creations! Be sure to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see how you make this timeless dish your own. Don’t forget to share your variations or tips in the comments. Happy cooking!

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