Angel Hair Pasta with Bolognese Sauce Recipe: A Flavorful and Easy Pasta Dish 🍝
Are you craving a comforting, flavorful meal that’s both simple to make and satisfying? Angel Hair Pasta with Bolognese Sauce is a perfect choice. This dish brings together tender angel hair pasta and a rich, savory meat sauce for an unforgettable flavor experience. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing a special dinner for friends, this recipe is sure to impress.
What makes this recipe special is the combination of delicate angel hair pasta with a hearty bolognese sauce. It’s a match made in heaven, offering the best of both worlds. Ready to dive into this delicious dish? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying dinner in no time.
- Comfort Food: The rich bolognese sauce paired with tender pasta is pure comfort.
- Customizable: You can adjust the seasonings and ingredients to suit your taste.
- Family-Friendly: A dish everyone will love, from picky eaters to gourmet foodies.
Ingredients 🥄
Before we get started, let’s gather the ingredients for this Angel Hair Pasta with Bolognese Sauce recipe. This list includes everything you need to create the perfect dish, from pasta to the flavorful sauce.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Angel hair pasta | 8 oz (225g) |
| Ground beef | 1 lb (450g) |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 medium |
| Carrot, finely chopped | 1 small |
| Celery, chopped | 1 stalk |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Canned crushed tomatoes | 1 can (14 oz) |
| Tomato paste | 2 tbsp |
| Red wine (optional) | 1/2 cup |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1/2 tsp |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tsp |
| Fresh basil (optional) | A few leaves, chopped |
| Parmesan cheese | 1/4 cup (grated) |
Recipe Notes 📝
- Optional Red Wine: If you don’t want to use red wine, you can substitute with additional broth or water.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.
- Herb Variations: Feel free to use fresh thyme, oregano, or rosemary if you prefer.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Angel Hair Pasta with Bolognese Sauce 🍝
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 2-4 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. Make sure to save a bit of pasta water in case you need to thin out the sauce later.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables and Meat
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once the beef is cooked through, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Step 3: Make the Bolognese Sauce
Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and red wine (if using) to the pan. Stir well to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce gets too thick, you can add a bit of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked angel hair pasta to the skillet with the bolognese sauce. Toss to coat the pasta with the sauce. If needed, add a little pasta water to help the sauce adhere to the pasta. Let everything cook together for a few more minutes.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Serve the pasta with a sprinkle of fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your delicious Angel Hair Pasta with Bolognese Sauce!
Time and Servings ⏰🍽️
| Time to Prepare | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Time to Cook | 35 minutes |
| Servings | Makes 4 servings |
Serving Suggestions 🍽️
This dish is perfect on its own, but you can elevate the meal by pairing it with side dishes and drinks. Here are a few suggestions:
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with balsamic vinaigrette makes for a refreshing complement to the rich sauce.
- Garlic Bread: Soft, buttery garlic bread is a great choice to soak up any leftover sauce.
- Drink: A glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon will round out the meal perfectly.
This angel hair pasta with bolognese sauce pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad or garlic bread. If you’re looking for another quick and delicious pasta dish, try this Angel Hair Pasta with Garlic, Parmesan, and Fresh Basil for a lighter, yet flavorful option to balance out your meal!
Storage and Reheating Tips 📦🔥
Storage:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to store it longer, the bolognese sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
To reheat, simply place the pasta and sauce in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce if necessary. Stir occasionally until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes.
Don’t skip the storage trick — it’s at the end of the post!
Extra Tips to Make This Recipe Perfect 💡
Wait till you see the secret ingredient for extra tip to make the recipe perfect!
Want to make your bolognese sauce even richer? Try adding a splash of whole milk or cream in the final stages of cooking the sauce. This will give the sauce a creamy, velvety texture that takes it to the next level.
Common Mistakes to Avoid ⚠️
- Not Browning the Meat Properly: Take your time to brown the beef thoroughly. This deepens the flavor of the sauce.
- Overcooking the Pasta: Angel hair pasta cooks very quickly. Make sure to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t turn mushy.
- Skipping the Pasta Water: Adding some pasta water to the sauce helps it cling to the pasta better. Don’t forget to save a little!
Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving) 🥗
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 25g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugars | 6g |
| Sodium | 500mg |
FAQs 🤔
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute angel hair with other types of pasta like spaghetti, fettuccine, or even whole wheat pasta.
2. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The bolognese sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for later use.
3. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! You can replace the ground beef with lentils or plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version of this bolognese sauce.
4. Can I add other vegetables to the sauce?
Definitely! Feel free to add mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to the sauce for added texture and flavor.
5. How do I make this dish spicier?
Add some red pepper flakes or a chopped chili pepper to the sauce while it simmers for an extra kick.
Final Thoughts 🌟
This Angel Hair Pasta with Bolognese Sauce is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s sure to please any pasta lover. With its rich, savory sauce and tender pasta, it’s the perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this recipe is easy to make and full of flavor. Enjoy every bite!
