Bolognese Pappardelle

Last updated on June 22, 2025

If you’re searching for a heartwarming dish that envelops you in rich flavors and comforting textures, look no further than Bolognese Pappardelle. This classic Italian recipe brings together tender pasta, a savory meat sauce, and fragrant herbs, making it a favorite for family dinners and special occasions alike. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned chef, this recipe is sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Bolognese Pappardelle

Bolognese Pappardelle is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. The wide, flat shape of pappardelle perfectly catches the thick and hearty Bolognese sauce, turning every bite into a delicious delight. The blend of ground beef, and pancetta provides a depth of flavor that’s both savory and satisfying. Plus, the preparation of this dish allows for a wonderful mix of kitchen aromas that will make your home feel warm and inviting. Whether it’s for a cozy family night or a gathering with friends, this dish guarantees smiles all around.

Bolognese Pappardelle

---

• Author: Sarah Mendez
• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This rich and hearty Bolognese Pappardelle is a comforting Italian classic featuring slow-simmered ground beef, pancetta, vegetables, tomato, wine, and cream. Tossed with wide pappardelle noodles and topped with Parmesan, it’s the perfect dish to share with family or impress guests.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Essential Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 large carrots, grated or finely diced
• 3 ribs celery, finely diced
• 8 oz white mushrooms, grated or finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 lb ground beef
• 4 oz pancetta, diced
• 1 tsp kosher salt (plus more to taste)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Pinch of chili flakes (optional)
• Freshly grated nutmeg, to taste
• 6 oz tomato paste
• 1/2 cup white or red wine
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
• 1 lb pappardelle pasta, cooked al dente
• Parmesan cheese, for serving

Optional Add-Ons:

• Crushed red pepper flakes
• Fresh basil leaves
• Diced bell peppers or zucchini

---

Instructions

1. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, celery, and mushrooms. Cook for 6–7 minutes until soft.
2. Add Garlic: Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Cook the Meats: Add ground beef and pancetta. Break apart and cook until no longer pink, 8–10 minutes. Drain excess grease.
4. Season: Add salt, pepper, chili flakes (if using), and nutmeg. Stir to combine.
5. Tomato Paste and Wine: Stir in tomato paste and cook 2 minutes. Add wine and cook 1–2 minutes to deglaze.
6. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in crushed tomatoes, broth, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then simmer uncovered for 1 hour.
7. Finish Sauce: Stir in cream and parsley. Adjust seasoning. Simmer another 30 minutes.
8. Cook Pasta: While sauce finishes, cook pappardelle until al dente. Drain and reserve some pasta water.
9. Combine and Serve: Toss pasta with sauce. Add pasta water to thin if needed. Serve hot with Parmesan and extra parsley.

Notes

• For deeper flavor, red wine works best; use white for a lighter sauce.
• You can simmer the sauce longer (up to 2 hours) for even richer taste.
• Make the sauce a day ahead—flavors improve with time!
• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1/6 of recipe)
• Calories: 720
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 42g
• Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: Bolognese pappardelle, classic meat sauce, beef ragu pasta, Italian comfort food, pasta with tomato cream sauce

Ingredients You’ll Need for Bolognese Pappardelle

Essential Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp olive oil: For sautéing the vegetables and meat.
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
• 2 large carrots, grated or finely diced: Contributes earthiness and texture.
• 3 ribs celery, finely diced: Balances the sweetness of the onions and carrots.
• 8 oz white mushrooms, grated or finely diced: Enhances the umami flavor of the sauce.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic flavor.
• 2 lb ground beef: Provides a hearty base for the sauce.
• 4 oz pancetta, diced: Delivers a salty, savory kick.
• 1 tsp kosher salt plus more to taste: Key seasoning for enhancing flavor.
• 1/4 tsp black pepper: Adds a touch of heat.
• Pinch of chili flakes: Optional, for those who prefer a little heat.
• Freshly grated nutmeg: Adds a warm spice undertone.
• 6 oz tomato paste: Forms the backbone of the sauce’s richness.
• 1/2 cup white or red wine: Deepens the flavor.
• 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes: Gives the sauce its tomatoey base.
• 2 bay leaves: Peppery and aromatic, they add complexity.
• 1 cup beef broth: Ensures the sauce has a rich, deep flavor.
• 1/4 cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously smooth.
• 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped: Cuts through the richness with freshness.
• 1 lb pappardelle pasta, cooked: The perfect vessel for the sauce.
• Parmesan cheese for serving: A classic finishing touch.

Optional Add-Ons

• Crushed red pepper flakes: For an extra spicy kick.
• Fresh basil: Adds a fragrant layer if you prefer an herbaceous flavor.
• Extra vegetables: Such as bell peppers or zucchini, for added nutrition.

How to Make Bolognese Pappardelle: A Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps to create a delicious Bolognese Pappardelle that will impress your family and friends.

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add in the finely diced onion, grated or diced carrots, finely diced celery, and grated or diced mushrooms. Stir occasionally and cook this vegetable mixture until it becomes soft, about 6 to 7 minutes.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

Once your vegetables are softened, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for another minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can introduce bitterness into your dish.

Step 3: Cook the Meats

Next, add in 2 pound of ground beef, and the diced pancetta. Break the meat apart with a wooden spoon, cooking until it’s no longer pink, which should take about 8 to 10 minutes. After cooking, drain any excess grease from the pot—this helps keep the sauce from being too greasy.

Step 4: Season the Mixture

Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, a pinch of crushed chili flakes (if using), and a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg. Stir everything well to ensure the meat and vegetables are evenly seasoned.

Step 5: Add Tomato Paste and Wine

Next, incorporate the 6 ounces of tomato paste into the mixture, stirring to coat the meat and vegetables. This step intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce. After that, pour in 1/2 cup of your choice of wine (white or red), allowing it to cook for 1 to 2 minutes. This helps to deglaze the pot and adds depth to the sauce.

Step 6: Incorporate Tomatoes and Broth

Now it’s time to add in the 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes, 1 cup of beef broth, and the 2 bay leaves. Stir everything together until evenly combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, allowing it to simmer uncovered.

Step 7: Simmer the Sauce

Let the sauce simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to ensure it doesn’t stick to the bottom. This long cooking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, transforming your sauce into a rich and hearty masterpiece.

Step 8: Finish with Cream and Herbs

After the hour is up, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream and 1/4 cup of chopped flat-leaf parsley. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if needed. Let it simmer for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the cream to enrich the sauce.

Step 9: Prepare the Pasta

While the sauce simmers, cook 1 pound of pappardelle pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and reserve a bit of the pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce.

Step 10: Combine and Serve

Once the sauce has completed its time on the stove and the pasta is cooked, combine the pasta with the sauce in the pot. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the Bolognese. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.

Serve the Bolognese Pappardelle hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and extra parsley if desired. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Serving Suggestions for Bolognese Pappardelle

This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Consider serving your Bolognese Pappardelle with:

• Garlic Bread: Perfect for wiping up any leftover sauce on your plate.
• A Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with a bright vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add a healthy and colorful side.
• Wine: A nice red wine that you used in cooking will wonderfully complement the meal.

Pro Tips for Perfecting Your Bolognese Pappardelle

1. Quality Ingredients: Use the best quality ground meats and tomatoes you can find. Fresh vegetables make all the difference in flavor.
2. Sauté Slowly: Don’t rush the sautéing process; letting the vegetables cook slowly allows their flavors to develop.
3. Simmering Time: The longer you allow the sauce to simmer, the better the flavors meld. If you have time, letting it cook even longer aids in depth.
4. Adjust Flavors: Always taste your sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. Each palate is different, and personalizing your dish will make it even better.
5. Let It Rest: If possible, allow the sauce to rest for a while before serving. The flavors will continue to develop, leading to a better taste.

Easy Variations for Bolognese Pappardelle

Feel free to experiment with your Bolognese sauce! Here are some easy variations:

• Vegetarian Bolognese: Replace the meat with lentils and mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian alternative.
• Spicy Bolognese: Add more chili flakes or even some chopped jalapeños for those who enjoy a kick.
• Herb-Infused: Incorporate fresh herbs like basil or thyme right at the end for an extra burst of flavor.
• Creamy Tomato Bolognese: Go heavier on the cream for a richer, creamier sauce.

Storage Tips to Store Bolognese Pappardelle

Storing leftovers properly ensures your delicious meal lasts beyond a single sitting. Here’s how to do it right:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover Bolognese sauce and pappardelle in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: The Bolognese sauce freezes beautifully. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container and it can last for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze the sauce on its own and cook fresh pasta when you’re ready to serve.
• Reheating: When reheating, thaw the sauce in the fridge overnight if frozen. Reheat it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen it up. Cook the pasta fresh for best texture.

Conclusion

Bolognese Pappardelle is more than just a recipe—it’s a way to gather around the table, share stories, and enjoy the joy of cooking. The process of creating this dish, from the fragrant sautéing of vegetables to the simmering of the sauce, is rewarding and fulfilling. With a few simple ingredients and techniques, you can create a dish that’s rich in flavor and history.

Whether it’s your first time making pasta sauce or you’re adding a new recipe to an established repertoire, this Bolognese Pappardelle will become a beloved favorite. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and prepare to savor homemade goodness. Buon appetito!

FAQs About Bolognese Pappardelle

Looking for more delicious recipes? Follow us on Pinterest and Facebook!