Name: Rotini Bolognese Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground turkey or ground beef; 1/2 medium white onion, minced; 1 large carrot, minced; 1 stalk celery, minced; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 28 oz can San Marzano tomatoes (whole, peeled); 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste; 1/2 cup chicken broth (or red wine as alternative); 1 teaspoon oregano; 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried); 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 16 oz box rotini pasta (or another type of pasta); Salt for pasta water

Print Recipe·4 from 10 reviews

If you are craving a hearty and comforting pasta dish, nothing hits the spot quite like this Rotini Bolognese Recipe. It’s a flavorful twist on the classic Italian favorite, loaded with a rich, savory sauce made from ground turkey or beef, fresh vegetables, and San Marzano tomatoes. The corkscrew-shaped rotini pasta holds onto the luscious sauce perfectly, delivering bite after bite of pure happiness. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this recipe promises a delicious and satisfying meal that will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top-down view of various cooking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. There is a large white bowl with pink ground turkey on the left. To its right, a white bowl holds orange-yellow pasta noodles. Near the center, a bright yellow can of San Marzano peeled tomatoes sits slightly tilted. Below the bowl of ground turkey, a white bowl has three sections filled with chopped white onion, green celery, and orange carrots. Next to it, a small wooden bowl contains green dried oregano. Nearby, a small white pitcher holds golden chicken broth. A wedge of pale yellow parmesan cheese with a textured rind is placed near the top right. Three small white bowls hold golden olive oil, coarse white salt in a brown round dish, and bright red tomato paste. Fresh green basil leaves are arranged on the bottom right. All items are spaced evenly with clear labels showing their names. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Rotini Bolognese Recipe lies in its simple, carefully selected ingredients that each play a vital role in creating an unforgettable flavor profile and texture. From fresh vegetables that build the sauce base to aromatic herbs that lift every bite, these ingredients come together seamlessly without fuss.

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided: Provides a rich base for cooking meat and vegetables, enhancing flavor.
1 lb lean ground turkey or ground beef: Adds protein and forms the hearty foundation of the sauce.
1/2 medium white onion, minced: Offers sweetness and depth to the sauce.
1 large carrot, minced: Adds subtle natural sweetness and texture.
1 stalk celery, minced: Brings a fresh, aromatic crunch that balances richness.
1 tablespoon minced garlic: Gives a pungent, savory kick.
28 oz can San Marzano tomatoes (whole, peeled): Known for their natural sweetness and low acidity, they create a perfect tomato sauce base.
2 tablespoons tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste: Enhances and balances all the flavors.
1/2 cup chicken broth (or red wine): Adds moisture and depth of flavor to the sauce.
1 teaspoon oregano: Lends an herby, slightly peppery note.
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (or 2 tsp dried): Brightens the dish with its aromatic freshness.
16 oz box rotini pasta (or another type): Perfectly shaped to catch every bit of that luscious sauce.

How to Make Rotini Bolognese Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Veggies

Start by mincing the onion, carrot, and celery into very small pieces. These vegetables form the soffritto, which is the flavor base for your sauce, gently releasing sweetness and depth as they cook. Using a food processor is a great shortcut if you want evenly minced pieces and quicker prep.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the ground turkey or beef and use a spatula to break it apart. Cook until it’s no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step builds savory richness and texture in the sauce. If you notice any excess liquid, drain it off to keep your sauce nice and thick.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil along with the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic to the pan. Stir and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant. This adds layers of flavor and a lovely aromatic foundation to your sauce.

Step 4: Make the Tomato Sauce

Place the San Marzano tomatoes, tomato paste, and salt in a blender and process until smooth. This creates a velvety sauce without any chunks, perfect for coating the rotini. Pour this tomato mixture into your pan and stir in the chicken broth or red wine. Lower the heat and let everything simmer gently for 25 to 40 minutes, stirring often so the sauce doesn’t stick or burn. This slow cooking melds the flavors and thickens the sauce beautifully.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

While your sauce is nearing completion, boil a large pot of water generously salted with kosher salt. Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. The salt in the water seasons the noodles from the inside, creating layers of flavor in each bite.

Step 6: Finish with Fresh Herbs

Once your sauce has simmered and thickened to perfection, remove it from the heat. Stir in the oregano and the fresh chopped basil. These herbs brighten the flavors with their fresh, aromatic punch, making your Rotini Bolognese Recipe truly sing.

How to Serve Rotini Bolognese Recipe

A close-up top view of a grey pan filled mostly with cooked ground meat that is light brown and crumbly in texture. On top of the meat, there are three distinct small piles of chopped vegetables: bright orange carrots, light green celery, and white onions with some small pieces of orange carrot mixed in. The pan sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese is classic and utterly delicious on top of this Bolognese. For some extra color and texture, toss on a few torn basil leaves or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a gentle heat.

Side Dishes

Pair your Rotini Bolognese with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a warm, crusty loaf is fantastic for mopping up every last bit of sauce on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the Rotini Bolognese Recipe in individual pasta bowls topped with a herb bouquet or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. You can also layer pasta and sauce in a baking dish with mozzarella for a baked pasta casserole experience that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Rotini Bolognese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it an ideal make-ahead meal for busy days or for packing a flavorful lunch.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, the sauce freezes beautifully. Store the sauce separately from the pasta in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. This keeps the pasta from becoming mushy and lets you reheat only what you need.

Reheating

When reheating, warm the sauce gently on the stove to avoid breaking down the flavors. Add a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. Reheat pasta by briefly warming in simmering water or tossing it in a pan with a little oil before combining with the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use ground beef instead of turkey in this Rotini Bolognese Recipe?

Absolutely! Ground beef adds a richer flavor and a bit more fat, which some people prefer, but ground turkey keeps the dish lighter and still very tasty. Both work wonderfully in this recipe.

What if I do not have San Marzano tomatoes?

While San Marzano tomatoes are prized for their sweet, low-acid flavor, you can substitute with any good-quality canned whole peeled tomatoes. Just look for a brand with no added sugars or preservatives for the best taste.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can! Substitute the ground meat with lentils or finely chopped mushrooms to maintain a hearty texture. The savory tomato sauce will still shine and satisfy meat-free eaters.

Is it okay to use dried basil instead of fresh?

Using dried basil is perfectly fine and convenient. Use about one-third of the amount you would with fresh, as dried herbs are more concentrated. Adding them during the simmering stage helps release their flavor.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply swap out the rotini pasta for a gluten-free variety made from rice, corn, or quinoa. Cook the pasta according to package instructions just like regular pasta for a delicious gluten-free meal.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with this Rotini Bolognese Recipe. It’s a perfect blend of rich flavors, fresh ingredients, and comforting textures that makes every dinner feel special. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward, flexible, and incredibly satisfying. Give it a try soon—you might just find yourself coming back to it again and again!