Spaghettini Bolognese
Spaghettini Bolognese offers a rich, savory tomato-based sauce with sausage, mushrooms, and aromatic vegetables, served over tender pasta. Its hearty flavors make it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, providing a comforting and satisfying meal with a balance of umami and herbs.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute mushrooms, carrot, garlic, onion, celery, and green pepper in Wesson oil in a Dutch oven.
- Add Italian sausage; cook until sausage loses redness.
- Drain excess fat from the mixture.
- Add tomato sauce, red wine, Italian seasoning, sugar, and water; simmer uncovered for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve the sauce over hot, cooked spaghettini.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of ground meats like beef and veal. If you don’t have Italian sausage, you can substitute with ground turkey or beef seasoned with fennel and garlic. For a vegetarian version, use lentils or mushrooms as a base. Adding a splash of cream at the end can also enhance the sauce's creaminess, reminiscent of dishes like Pasta Ala Norcina.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Spaghettini Bolognese with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or garlic bread. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a glass of red wine or a light Italian white. This dish also makes a great accompaniment to other Italian recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen it up if necessary. You can also reheat it in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghettini Bolognese contains roughly 240 calories, with 22g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (43% of the Daily Value) and potassium (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and vitamin D. At about 240 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, while spaghettini is traditional, you can use any pasta you prefer. Penne, fettuccine, or even gluten-free pasta work well. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta package instructions for best results.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes when sautéing the vegetables or using spicy Italian sausage instead. You can also finish the dish with a drizzle of chili oil for an extra kick.
Can I freeze the Bolognese sauce?
Absolutely! The Bolognese sauce freezes well. Cool it completely before transferring to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).