Pappardelle Bolognese

Name: Hearty Pappardelle Bolognese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 400g Pappardelle pasta; 500g ground beef or pork; 1 onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 carrot, diced; 1 celery stalk, diced; 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes; 120ml heavy cream; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving; Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

December 7, 2025 by Daniel Carter

Delicious Pappardelle Bolognese with rich meat sauce and fresh herbs

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Indulge in Comfort: A Hearty Pappardelle Bolognese Recipe

As autumn casts its golden glow and the scent of fallen leaves fills the air, there’s no better time to dive into a comforting dish that wraps you in warmth like a cozy blanket. That dish is none other than Pappardelle Bolognese! This culinary masterpiece celebrates the simple joys of life, perfect for gathering around the table with loved ones after a long week or even for a quiet weekend indulgence. The rich aromas of slow-cooked meat mingling with vibrant herbs create a sense of nostalgia that transports you to an Italian trattoria, where each bite feels like a heartfelt embrace.

Imagine the laughter of friends echoing off the walls as you stir a pot bubbling with robust flavors, the mesmerizing dance of steam rising into the air, and the anticipation of savoring this luxurious dish. Pappardelle Bolognese captivates not only the taste buds but also the soul, making it an irresistible choice for anyone craving comfort, flavor, and connection. Today, let’s whisk you away into the warm kitchen where this delightful recipe awaits!

What You’ll Need

Before diving into the cooking adventure, let’s gather everything you need for your Pappardelle Bolognese. With a simple list of ingredients and tools at your side, you’ll be well on your way to creating a sumptuous feast.

Ingredients

To create this luscious Pappardelle Bolognese, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Pappardelle pasta
Ground beef or pork
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 carrot, diced
1 celery stalk, diced
1 can crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Tools

You won’t need any fancy gadgets for this dish. Just assemble these essential kitchen tools:

Large pot for boiling pasta
Skillet or heavy-bottomed pot for sauce
Wooden spoon for stirring
Chopping board and knife for prep
Measuring cups and spoons
Serving bowl for plating

How to Make It

Creating your Pappardelle Bolognese is a process that celebrates the beauty of cooking as much as the joy of eating. With each step, your kitchen will be filled with inviting aromas and vibrant colors that come together harmoniously to create a meal worth savoring.

Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Once it reaches that perfect bubbling state, add the pappardelle pasta. As it cooks, the fragrant steam mingles with the air, creating a tantalizing sensation that promises delightful things to come. Allow the pasta to cook according to package instructions until al dente; you want it to be tender yet still holding its shape. When done, drain it and set aside, letting it sit peacefully until it’s ready to meet its sumptuous sauce partner.

Prep the Flavor Base

In a robust skillet over medium heat, drizzle in some olive oil, and as it warms, it starts to shimmer invitingly. Add the diced onion, garlic, carrot, and celery—known in the culinary world as the mirepoix. Stirring gently, you’ll hear the satisfying sizzle as these aromatic vegetables dance in the heat, releasing their essence. In a few minutes, the onion will turn translucent, and the vegetables will soften, creating a colorful medley that foreshadows the rich flavors to come.

Brown the Meat

Next, it’s time to introduce the ground meat into the mix. The moment you add it to the skillet, you’ll hear that gratifying sound of meat sizzling against the hot surface. Break it apart with your wooden spoon and watch as it transforms from a raw shade to a decadent golden brown, enveloped in the fragrant mirepoix. This is where your Bolognese will begin to take shape; allow it to brown thoroughly, infusing the dish with a deep, comforting essence.

Build the Sauce

Once your meat is browned perfectly, it’s time to awaken the flavors. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, their vibrant red hue making the skillet glow with warmth. Season generously with salt and pepper before bringing the sauce to a gentle simmer. As the mixture bubbles softly, let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. During this time, the aromas will wrap around you like a familiar hug, drawing you closer to the heart of Italian cooking. Stir occasionally, allowing the flavors to deepen and meld into a cohesive sauce that’s tantalizing and rich.

Incorporate the Cream

After simmering with love, it’s time to add a silky touch with the heavy cream. As you pour it into the sauce, it transforms the bright red concoction into a lush, creamy delight. Stir gently until the cream fully integrates, creating a sauce that’s a beautiful, inviting hue. It’s at this moment that your kitchen will be filled with aromas so heavenly that you might find it hard to resist tasting a spoonful or two. Allow it to heat through, making sure every drop of flavor dances together harmoniously.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Now comes the rewarding part – tossing the cooked pappardelle pasta into the luscious sauce. Gently fold the pasta and sauce together until every strand is thoroughly coated in that heavenly, rich Bolognese. The pappardelle will absorb the flavors beautifully, creating a dish that is not just a meal, but an experience.

Serve and Garnish

To serve, plate generous portions into your favorite bowls, allowing the beautiful colors to shine through. Don’t forget to finish with a shower of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, letting it melt slightly into the warm pasta. A sprinkle of vibrant fresh basil or parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that invites everyone to dig in eagerly.

Creative Twists

While the classic Pappardelle Bolognese is a joy on its own, you can easily customize it to fit the seasons or your taste. Consider trying one of these creative twists:

Autumn Harvest: Incorporate roasted butternut squash or mushrooms for an earthy, hearty addition that embraces the fall season.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce if you’re craving a touch of heat, enhancing the flavor dimension with every twirl of pasta.
Herb Infusion: Swap out basil for fresh thyme or oregano for a different herbal profile that still sings alongside the Bolognese.
Meat-Free Version: Use lentils or chickpeas instead of ground meat for a satisfying vegetarian option that still delivers robust flavors.

Final Inspiration

As you savor the last delicious bites of your Pappardelle Bolognese, take a moment to bask in the cozy, satisfying embrace of this meal. It’s more than just food; it’s a way to connect with those who matter most. Share this wonderful dish with family or friends, and watch as it brings laughter, conversation, and warmth into your home. Make this Pappardelle Bolognese a staple in your culinary repertoire, and don’t be surprised when it becomes a beloved favorite that you’ll come back to time and again. So grab your apron, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to relish in the comfort and joy that only a bowl of hearty Pappardelle Bolognese can bring!

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