Description
A hearty and flavorful Rotini Bolognese recipe made with lean ground turkey or beef, simmered San Marzano tomato sauce, and fresh vegetables. This classic Italian dish is perfect for a comforting family dinner, combining tender rotini pasta with a rich, homemade meat sauce flavored with garlic, herbs, and fragrant tomato paste.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 2 tablespoon olive oil, divided
- 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
Tomato Sauce
- 28 oz can San Marzano tomatoes (whole, peeled)
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (can substitute with red wine)
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (or 2 tsp dried)
Pasta
- 16 oz box rotini pasta (or other pasta of choice)
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables: Mince the carrot, onion, and celery finely. You may use a food processor for quicker and more uniform chopping.
- Cook Ground Meat: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the ground turkey or beef and break it up with a spatula as it cooks. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the meat is no longer pink and fully cooked through. Drain any excess liquid from the pan before proceeding.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, minced onion, carrot, celery, and garlic to the pan with the cooked meat. Stir regularly and cook for about 2-3 minutes until the vegetables become softened and fragrant.
- Prepare Sauce: In a blender, combine the San Marzano tomatoes, tomato paste, and kosher salt. Blend on high until the mixture is smooth. Pour the blended tomato sauce into the pan along with the chicken broth. Stir well, then reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce simmer gently for 25 to 40 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning and encourage flavor development.
- Cook Pasta: While the sauce simmers and nears completion, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta once cooked.
- Finish Sauce and Serve: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the oregano and chopped fresh basil. Adjust salt to taste. Serve the sauce spooned over the rotini pasta for a delicious and comforting meal.
Notes
- Ground turkey provides a leaner alternative to beef for a lower-fat option.
- Using San Marzano tomatoes gives the sauce a rich, sweet flavor, but any high-quality canned tomatoes can be used.
- Chicken broth can be swapped with red wine for a deeper flavor profile.
- Simmering the sauce longer enhances the flavor and thickens the consistency.
- Be sure to generously salt the pasta water for properly seasoned noodles.
- Fresh herbs add brightness but dried oregano can be used if fresh basil is unavailable.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
