Best Chicken Bolognese (2024)

5 from 22 votes

Jump to RecipePinPrint

This hearty, rich chicken bolognese recipe is healthy, packed with lean protein, and perfect for an easy 30-minute weeknight dinner. It’s made with lean ground chicken, carrots, diced tomatoes, and fresh basil. The best healthy pasta sauce!

The best homemade chicken bolognese recipe

I am always looking for easy but flavorful under-30-minute dinner recipes. Why? Because, let’s be honest, life gets busy, and nourishing, tasty food shouldn’t be the first thing you have to sacrifice. That’s what Healthful Blondie is all about, giving you quick and easy recipes that are so good.

That’s why I love this creamy, rich, and hearty chicken bolognese recipe. Not only does it taste delicious, but it’s also healthy, super filling, and ready in one pot in under 30 minutes! Right next to my healthy turkey chili and creamy lemon caper pasta.

This chicken bolognese is unlike other recipes because we sneak tons of veggies into it without compromising taste. This is the perfect introduction to healthy eating. It’s made with fresh carrots, mushrooms, onion, lean ground chicken, basil, and tomatoes. Trust me, it’s still rich and tastes better than beef pasta sauce!

One of the best parts about this chicken bolognese is that it comes together in under 30 minutes, which makes it an easy weeknight dinner and meal prep for families. I love pairing mine with fettuccini or zucchini noodles (for a low-carb keto option). I cannot wait to hear what you think!

Why you’ll love this recipe:

Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights with minimal steps and ingredients.
Healthy Twist: Lean ground chicken and nutrient-rich veggies offer a guilt-free, nutritious option.
Rich and Comforting: Caramelized meat, aromatic herbs, and a tomato-based sauce create a satisfying and cozy flavor.
Meal Prep Friendly: Ideal for doubling or tripling, making it convenient for future meals.
Dairy-Free Option: Omit butter or use dairy-free alternatives for flexibility in dietary preferences.
Freezer-Friendly: Can be frozen for up to three months for convenient planning.
Budget-Friendly: Enjoy a flavorful chicken bolognese without breaking the bank. Affordable ingredients make it a tasty and economical choice.
Versatile Pairings: From classic pasta to quinoa, rice, or zucchini noodles, this chicken bolognese complements any base for a delicious and varied meal.
Try this delicious chicken penne alla vodka, or this chicken broccoli pasta bake next!

Ingredients needed

This rich and creamy chicken bolognese is made with healthy ingredients. It is packed with flavor, cozy, and great for lunch or dinner. Here is a list of ingredients so you have everything prepared:

Ground Chicken: Incorporate 1 pound of lean ground chicken as the primary protein source.
Olive Oil: You need olive oil to saute the onions, mushrooms, and carrots.
Yellow Onion: This adds a sweet and sharp flavor.
Carrot: This helps enhance the texture and taste!
Mushrooms: Opt for baby bella or cremini mushrooms to impart a “meaty” yet light and healthy quality to the bolognese.
Garlic: Garlic makes everything taste better! You need 3 – 4 minced cloves.
Seasonings: For the best taste, we need salt, pepper, and crushed red chili flakes.
Diced Tomatoes: The base of this bolognese.
Tomato Paste: To help thicken this healthy chicken bolognese, it adds a lot of flavors.
Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth to help form the sauce.
Basil and Bay Leaf: For the most authentic Italian flavor!
Butter: Add 1-2 tablespoons of unsalted or salted butter for the classic rich and “creamy” bolognese flavor.

You’ll need a few kitchen utensils to make this healthy chicken bolognese recipe – don’t worry, I bet you have all of them already!

Cutting Board
Knife
Dutch Oven
Wooden Spoon or Mixing Utensil
Measuring Tools: 1/2 teaspoon, 1 teaspoon, 1 Tablespoon, 1/4 cup, and 1 cup.

How to make easy chicken bolognese

Chicken bolognese is easy to make in under 30 minutes in five simple steps. It’s great for a lazy weeknight dinner, meal-prepping, or family meal! Here are detailed step-by-step instructions with pictures for visual reference so any level cook can make them. The full recipe and ingredient measurements are at the bottom of this page in the recipe card.

Step 1:

First, heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large Dutch oven or pot. Then, add finely diced onions, carrots, and mushrooms and cook for 4 – 5 minutes until the onions are translucent.

Step 2:

After that, add in the ground chicken, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and red chili flakes, using a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks. Cook for about 3 – 4 minutes until the chicken is mostly cooked (it is ok if it is still pink).

Step 3:

Next, add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, basil, bay leaf, and butter. Then, reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer for 15 – 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

I recommend tasting the sauce and adjusting seasonings and salt as necessary. Simmering for 30 – 35 minutes is best for maximum flavor if time permits.

Step 4:

Meanwhile, prepare pasta according to the package and drain – save around a 1/2 cup of pasta water and set it aside.

Step 5:

When the sauce is ready, remove the bay leaf, pour your cooked pasta into the pan, and stir until well combined. You may need to add the saved pasta sauce if more liquid is required.

Expert recipe tips:

Simmer for Enhanced Flavors: Allow the sauce to simmer; this crucial step intensifies the bold and comforting flavors.
Perfectly Browned Meat: Thoroughly cook and brown the ground chicken to elevate its flavor profile. Let it develop a caramelized crust, adding a rich depth to the chicken bolognese.
Dairy-Free Option: Opt for a dairy-free version of this healthy chicken bolognese by omitting the butter or substituting it with dairy-free vegan butter.
Make it Keto: Serve this chicken bolognese with zuchinni noodles or spaghetti squash for a low-carb, keto-friendly dinner. Try pairing it with this air fryer spaghetti squash.
Double or Triple for Convenience: Maximize your efforts by doubling or tripling the recipe. This chicken bolognese is excellent for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy leftovers for lunches or dinners throughout the week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Pair with Your Preferred Pasta: Serve this delectable chicken bolognese with your favorite pasta. While I prefer chickpea pasta for its added protein, feel free to choose any type you fancy—whether it’s quinoa, lentil, or regular pasta.

Easy ingredient substitutions

Don’t worry if you are missing an ingredient or two. So the dish’s flavor doesn’t change, I recommend substituting no more than three ingredients. Here is a list:

Ground Chicken: Feel free to use ground turkey instead.
Yellow Onion: You can use white onion.
Baby Bella Mushrooms: Use cremini or white mushrooms.
Diced Tomatoes: Use crushed tomatoes.
Chicken Broth: Substitute 1:1 with low-sodium vegetable broth.
Butter: Use vegan butter or plain Greek yogurt, or leave it off.
Bay Leaf: Substitute with 1 teaspoon of dried oregano or thyme.
Pasta: Use zucchini noodles, chickpea pasta, or orzo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for chicken in bolognese. It will impart a slightly different flavor but is a lean and healthy alternative.

Can I serve chicken bolognese with zucchini noodles?

Yes! To make this dish low carb and keto, serve with prepared zucchini noodles. You can buy them in the store or spiralize them yourself. Ensure you cook them according to the package instructions or saute them for 3 minutes before serving them with bolognese.

Why this chicken bolognese is healthy?

This chicken bolognese is healthy: (1) it’s made with ground chicken, which is a leaner protein than beef; (2) there is no heavy cream or milk in this recipe; (3) it’s gluten-free and high in protein; (4) it calls for nutrient and vitamin-rich ingredients, like carrots, mushrooms, tomatoes, and onion. So, yes, this chicken bolognese recipe is healthy and good for you.

Can I make it higher in protein?

Yes! Use protein pasta (like chickpea or classic) to add 12 grams of protein per serving!

Can I make it keto?

Yes! Serve this chicken bolognese with zuchinni noodles or spaghetti squash for a low-carb, keto-friendly dinner. Try this air fryer spaghetti squash.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this chicken bolognese is 100% gluten-free. Ensure you use gluten-free pasta like brown rice, quinoa, lentil, or chickpea pasta!

Can I make it dairy-free?

Omit the butter to make this chicken bolognese dairy-free. You can substitute it with vegan butter or plain Greek yogurt to achieve the same richness.

Do bay leaves go bad?

When stored properly in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, bay leaves have a long shelf life and do not typically spoil. However, over time, their flavor may diminish, so I recommend replacing them every 1-2 years is recommended for optimal taste in your recipes.

What side dishes pair well with chicken bolognese?

Try serving your spaghetti chicken bolognese with vegetables (roasted or sautéed), salad, bread, polenta, rice, and couscous. They’re all excellent side dishes to serve with chicken bolognese.

Can you freeze bolognese sauce?

Freezing bolognese sauce is easy. Let the sauce cool to room temperature, add the bolognese to freezer-safe bags or containers, and freeze for up to 3 months.

How to store & reheat chicken bolognese:

Storing: Let the chicken bolognese cool to room temperature after cooking, then add it to a large airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 6 days.

Reheating: For best results, reheat in a large pot on the stovetop on medium-low until warm. You can also reheat it in the microwave by covering the sauce with a damp paper towel and microwaving for 60 – 120 seconds or until warm.

If you love this recipe, try these next!

Zucchini Turkey Meatballs (Keto)
Tuna Pesto Pasta
Chicken Broccoli Pasta Bake
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Sweet Potato Gnocchi Recipe
Healthy Stuffed Chicken Parmesan Burgers
Chicken Penne Alla Vodka

Did you make this recipe?

If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don’t forget to tag me @healthfulblondie onInstagram and use the hashtag#healthfulblondieso I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!

Best Chicken Bolognese

This hearty, rich chicken bolognese recipe is healthy, packed with lean protein, and perfect for an easy 30-minute weeknight dinner. It's made with lean ground chicken, carrots, diced tomatoes, and fresh basil. The best healthy pasta sauce!

5 from 22 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Serving 8 servings

Ingredients

1 lb ground chicken
1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
1 cup carrot (1 large carrot), finely diced
1 cup baby bella or cremini mushrooms, finely diced
3 – 4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt, more to taste
½ tsp black pepper
2 tsp crushed red chili flakes, more or less to taste
28 oz can diced or crushed tomatoes
¼ cup tomato paste
1 ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth
3 tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped
1 bay leaf
1 – 2 tbsp butter
16 oz pasta of choice, (I like fettuccine), brown rice, quinoa, lentil, chickpea, gluten-free if neede

Instructions

In a large dutch oven or pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add in finely diced onions, carrots, and mushrooms. Cook for 4 – 5 minutes until the onions are translucent.
Add in ground chicken, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and red chili flakes, using a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks. Cook for about 3 – 4 minutes until the chicken is mostly cooked (it is ok if it is still pink).
Add in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, basil, bay leaf, and butter. Reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer for 15 – 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasonings and salt as necessary. If time permits, simmering for 30 – 35 minutes is best for maximum flavor.
Remove the bay leaf before adding the pasta!
Meanwhile, prepare pasta according to the package and drain. Save ½ cup of pasta water and set it aside. When the sauce is ready, pour your cooked pasta into the pan, and stir until well combined. You may need to add the saved pasta sauce if more liquid is needed.
Serve with some fresh basil, and parmesan cheese, and enjoy!

Notes

Make it Keto: Serve this chicken bolognese with zuchinni noodles or spaghetti squash for a low-carb, keto-friendly dinner. Try pairing it with this air fryer spaghetti squash.

Pair with Your Preferred Pasta: Serve this delectable chicken bolognese with your favorite pasta. While I prefer chickpea pasta for its added protein, feel free to choose any type you fancy—whether it’s quinoa, lentil, or regular pasta.

Dairy-Free Option: Opt for a dairy-free version of this healthy chicken bolognese by omitting the butter or substituting it with dairy-free vegan butter.

Ground Chicken: Feel free to use ground turkey instead.

Baby Bella Mushrooms: Use cremini or white mushrooms.

Diced Tomatoes: Use crushed tomatoes.

Chicken Broth: Substitute 1:1 with low-sodium vegetable broth.

Storing: For best results, store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 6 days.

Freezing: Add cooked chicken bolognese without pasta to freezer-safe bags or containers. Store for up to 3 months. Defrost on the stovetop on medium-low until warm.

Nutrition facts are calculated WITH PASTA. 150 calls per serving without pasta.

Nutrition

Course Lunch & Dinner

Cuisine Healthy, Italian

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Please leave a comment and star rating on this post and tag @HealthfulBlondie on Instagram & hashtag it #healthfulblondie!

I only recommend products I love and use myself. In full disclosure, I may receive a small compensation for purchasing a product I recommend. Thank you for supporting Healthful Blondie!

Sharing is caring!