30 Minute Ground Chicken Bolognese Sauce

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!

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 sauce.
• Even picky eaters will devour this dish, making it a crowd-pleasing dinner option that everyone will love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Onion and Garlic – Form the flavor base, adding tons of bold flavor.
• Carrot – Contributes a subtle sweetness and a hint of earthiness to balance the flavors in the sauce.
• Mushrooms – Provide a hearty, meaty texture making it satisfying.
• Olive Oil – Used for sautéing the veggies and chicken, adding a smooth richness.
• Ground Chicken – Offers a lean and lighter alternative to traditional beef.
• Seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano) – Enhance the overall taste, ensuring a well-balanced and savory flavor profile.
• Tomato Paste – Contributes a concentrated tomato flavor and thickens the sauce, giving it a robust consistency.
• Rao’s Marinara Sauce – Simplifies the recipe while providing a rich, tomatoey base with layers of flavor.
• Lemon Juice – Adds a bright, zesty note that lifts the entire sauce, making it more vibrant and refreshing.
• Chopped Parsley – Offers a burst of freshness and color to the dish, enhancing its visual appeal and taste.
• Fresh Parmesan Cheese – Serves as the perfect finishing touch, adding a nutty, salty element that complements the sauce beautifully.

How To Make Ground Chicken Bolognese Sauce

Soften the vegetables: Place a large skillet on the stovetop and turn the heat to medium-high. Add the olive oil to the pan and let it get hot. Then, place the chopped vegetables in, along with a pinch of salt. Sauté for 4-5 minutes or until the vegetables begin to soften. 

Add remaining ingredients: Add the ground chicken to the pan along with the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano, and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking up the meat while cooking with a spatula. Add the tomato paste and marinara sauce. Stir to combine.

Simmer and serve: Lower the heat until the sauce is simmering. Let it cook for 20 minutes. Add in lemon juice and chopped parsley. Ladle the sauce over cooked pasta and garnish with parmesan cheese. Enjoy! 

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.
• Swap out the ground chicken for crumbled tofu or your favorite meatless ground for a vegetarian version.
• 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.
• Change up the cheese by using mild mozzarella for a creamier texture or sharp cheddar for a bolder taste.
• 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.

FAQ

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just reheat it when you’re ready to serve.

What pasta pairs best with this sauce?

This bolognese sauce goes well with a variety of pasta types, but classics like spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne are popular choices. Use your favorite or what you have on hand!

What else can you serve bolognese sauce with?

Try spooning it over polenta, using it as a filling for lasagna, layering it in baked ziti, or even using it as a topping for baked potatoes or a filling for stuffed bell peppers.

Print