Easy Penne With Bolognese

There’s something magical about a bowl of penne with Bolognese that instantly transports you to a cozy trattoria in Italy. The rich, savory sauce, simmered to perfection, clings to each piece of pasta, creating a comforting embrace that warms the soul.

This Easy Penne With Bolognese recipe is all about simplicity and flavor. With just a handful of ingredients, it’s a celebration of Italian cooking that anyone can master, even on a busy weeknight.

Picture the aroma of garlic and herbs filling the kitchen, drawing everyone to the table. It’s a dish that invites laughter, stories, and, of course, second helpings.

So grab your apron and let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in every home. The heart of Italy is just a few steps away!

Ingredients

To recreate this delicious Easy Penne With Bolognese dish, you’ll need a variety of ingredients that come together to create a rich and flavorful meal. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

• 12 oz penne pasta, uncooked
• 1 lb ground beef, or a mix of beef and pork
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shaved or grated
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

This Easy Penne With Bolognese recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a comforting meal. Follow these steps to create a delicious dish using the ingredients provided.

1. Cook the penne pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add 12 oz of uncooked penne pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the onions and garlic: In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent. Stir in 2 minced cloves of garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. Brown the meat: Add 1 lb of ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork) to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 7-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
4. Add the tomatoes: Stir in 1 can (15 oz) of crushed tomatoes and 2 tbsp of tomato paste. Mix well to combine all ingredients in the skillet.
5. Incorporate the broth and spices: Pour in 1/2 cup of beef broth and add 1 tsp of dried oregano, 1 tsp of dried basil, 1/2 tsp of salt, and 1/4 tsp of black pepper. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
6. Simmer the sauce: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.
7. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the Bolognese sauce. Toss gently to ensure the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
8. Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley. Serve the pasta hot, topped with 1/4 cup of shaved or grated Parmesan cheese.

Tweaks and Additions

Enhancing your Easy Penne With Bolognese can elevate the flavors and textures, making it even more delightful. Here are some tweaks and additions to consider for a more robust dish.

• Add vegetables: Incorporate diced carrots and celery when sautéing the onions and garlic for added flavor and nutrition, creating a more complex base for your sauce.
• Use fresh herbs: Replace dried oregano and basil with fresh herbs for a brighter taste; use 1 tablespoon of each for a more aromatic sauce.
• Incorporate red wine: Add 1/2 cup of red wine after browning the meat and let it reduce before adding the tomatoes, enhancing the depth of flavor in the sauce.
• Include a bay leaf: Add a bay leaf while simmering the sauce to infuse additional flavor; remember to remove it before serving.
• Enhance with cream: Stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream at the end of cooking for a richer, creamier sauce that complements the meatiness.
• Top with fresh cheese: Instead of just Parmesan, consider topping with fresh burrata or mozzarella for a delightful melty texture.
• Serve with garlic bread: Pair the dish with homemade garlic bread for a perfect accompaniment that complements the flavors of the Bolognese.
• Garnish with lemon zest: Add a sprinkle of lemon zest on top before serving to brighten the dish and enhance the overall flavor profile.