Pesto Pasta Bolognese

Instructions for Making Pesto Pasta Bolognese

1. Prepare the Bolognese Sauce

Start by making the Bolognese sauce. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the grated carrot and celery, and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

Next, add the ground meat to the pan, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. If using wine, pour it in at this stage and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate.

Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, and dried basil. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken and develop deep, rich flavors.

If you want a creamier Bolognese, stir in the milk or heavy cream and let it cook for another 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once the sauce is ready, set it aside while you prepare the pesto and pasta.

2. Make the Pesto

While the Bolognese sauce is simmering, make the pesto. In a food processor, combine the fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, and nutritional yeast (or Parmesan). Pulse a few times to break everything down into a coarse mixture.

With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto becomes smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides as needed. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the pesto is too thick, you can add a little more olive oil to reach your desired consistency. Set the pesto aside.

3. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

4. Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta to the Bolognese sauce and toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. If needed, add some of the reserved pasta water to help the sauce cling to the noodles.

Spoon individual servings of the pasta and sauce onto plates. Drizzle each serving with a generous spoonful of the freshly made pesto. Toss again to combine if desired or leave the pesto as a topping for a bold contrast in flavor.

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or additional grated Parmesan (or vegan cheese) before serving.

Tips for Perfect Pesto Pasta Bolognese

• Make-Ahead Option: Both the Bolognese sauce and pesto can be made in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the Bolognese sauce gently on the stove before tossing with pasta.
• Vegan/Vegetarian Options: For a vegan or vegetarian version, substitute the ground meat with lentils, mushrooms, or textured vegetable protein (TVP) for a hearty and flavorful Bolognese sauce. Use vegan pesto ingredients and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan to keep the dish completely plant-based.
• Pasta Choices: While any pasta will work, longer, wider noodles like fettuccine or tagliatelle are great for holding the rich Bolognese sauce. If you prefer something more bite-sized, penne or rigatoni would work well too.
• Make Your Own Pesto: While store-bought pesto is convenient, homemade pesto delivers the freshest flavor. Adjust the amount of garlic, nuts, and olive oil to suit your taste preferences.

Why You’ll Love Pesto Pasta Bolognese

• Rich and Flavorful: The meaty Bolognese sauce is hearty and satisfying, while the pesto adds a fresh, aromatic kick that balances the richness of the sauce.
• Comforting Yet Unique: This dish takes the comfort of a traditional pasta Bolognese and elevates it with the addition of pesto, making it perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion.
• Customizable: Whether you prefer a vegan version or a meaty one, you can easily adapt this recipe to suit your dietary preferences.
• Quick to Prepare: While it has a long, slow-cooked sauce, this dish is easy to make in under an hour, especially if you prep the pesto ahead of time.

Final Thoughts

Pesto Pasta Bolognese is the perfect marriage of two Italian classics, delivering a rich, savory sauce with the bright, herby punch of pesto. The combination of these two flavors will delight your taste buds and satisfy your hunger. Whether you’re looking to try something new or you want to impress guests with a unique pasta dish, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your cooking repertoire.

So, the next time you’re craving pasta, give Pesto Pasta Bolognese a try. It’s a deliciously creative twist on a timeless Italian classic that will have you coming back for more!