30 Minute Ground Chicken Bolognese Sauce

Name: 30 Minute Ground Chicken Bolognese Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 small onion, minced in food processor or finely chopped; 1 medium carrot, minced in food processor or finely chopped; 1 (8 oz) package of mushrooms, shredded in food processor or finely chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced or shredded in the food processor; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 pound ground chicken; 1 ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon oregano; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 jar Rao’s Marinara sauce; Juice of 1 lemon; ½ cup chopped parsley; Fresh parmesan cheese for serving

by Laney Schwartz on Nov 28, 2023 (updated May 9, 2025) 11 comments

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from 5 reviews

This 30 Minute Ground Chicken Bolognese Sauce is the perfect solution for a flavorful meal without the need for wine! With simple ingredients like ground chicken, fresh veggies and a jar of marinara sauce, you can whip up this savory bolognese sauce in no time!

ground chicken bolognese sauce in a skillet with chopped parsley and a spoon

Bolognese sauce has always been a family favorite in our house. Traditionally made with ground beef and wine and simmered for hours, it’s a comfort food classic. As a busy home chef, I don’t always have the time to make a slow-simmered sauce. And if you’re here, I bet you don’t have the time either. That’s where this 30-minute bolognese sauce recipe comes in!

Making bolognese does not have to be complicated. In a large skillet, sauté minced onion, carrot, mushrooms, and garlic. Add ground chicken, seasonings, tomato paste, and marinara sauce; simmer for 20 minutes. Finish with lemon juice and parsley, then serve over pasta with Parmesan cheese, and it’s ready to go.

This recipe stands out from the rest because I’ve chosen to make it without wine. There are plenty of other strong, rich flavors that more than make up for it while still being delicious! I’ve also replaced traditional ground beef and used ground chicken instead for a slightly different option.

This hearty and satisfying sauce is great over pasta, a baked potato, or even rice. If you enjoyed making this easy sauce recipe, you’ll also love making my Ground Turkey Bolognese or Weeknight Slow Cooker Bolognese!

What makes this recipe awesome

It’s a time-saver! This recipe gets you a rich and satisfying bolognese sauce in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
You won’t miss the wine here; this sauce is bursting with flavor from fresh veggies and a jar of quality marinara sau ce.
Even picky eaters will devour this dish, making it a crowd-pleasing dinner option that everyone will love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

bowls of ingredients on a grey background

This recipe uses many of the classic bolognese ingredients, many of which you probably already have on hand.

How To Make Ground Chicken Bolognese Sauce

skillet with sauteed veggies — Soften the veggies in a large skillet.

skillet with sauteed veggies and ground meat — Add the ground meat and spices.

skillet with sauteed veggies, ground meat and marinara sauce — Stir in the sauce and tomato paste.

ground chicken bolognese sauce in a skillet — Simmer until flavors combine.

ground chicken bolognese sauce in a skillet with chopped parsley — Finish with chopped parsley.

Recipe Tips

Chop all your veggies in advance so they’re ready to go when you start cooking. It saves time and keeps the process smooth.
Use a food processor to shred the mushrooms finely. It helps them blend seamlessly into the sauce, creating a rich, meaty texture.
While cooking the ground chicken, break it up with a spatula or wooden spoon for even cooking and a crumbly texture.
Add the garlic powder and oregano when cooking the chicken; this allows their flavors to infuse into the meat.
Once you’ve added the marinara sauce, let it simmer on low heat. This slow simmer melds the flavors and thickens the sauce.
Taste before adding additional salt, as both the ground chicken and marinara sauce contain salt. Adjust if necessary.
Don’t forget to add the lemon juice and chopped parsley at the end; they brighten up the dish just before serving, making it truly flavorful.

Variations

If you like a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy ground chicken bolognese.
Boost the veggie content by adding diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach.
Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk for a creamy chicken bolognese with a velvety texture.
Experiment with different herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary for a unique flavor profile.
Combine ground chicken with ground turkey or beef for a richer, multi-meat flavor in your bolognese sauce.

Storing & Freezing

Storing: To store leftover ground chicken bolognese sauce, allow it to cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until piping hot before serving.

Freezing: Let the sauce cool completely before portioning it into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop, adding a bit of water or marinara sauce to restore its consistency as needed.