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# **Penne Bolognese: A Comforting Classic with Rich Flavor**
When it comes to Italian comfort food, few dishes are as satisfying and beloved as **Penne Bolognese**. With its rich, hearty sauce simmered to perfection and the satisfying bite of penne pasta, this dish is the ultimate meal for family dinners or any occasion when you crave something both comforting and flavorful.
The beauty of **Penne Bolognese** lies in its balance of ingredients—tender pasta, savory meat sauce, and a touch of herbs and spices. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or hosting guests, this classic Italian dish never fails to please.
In this article, we’ll share a delicious and easy-to-follow recipe for **Penne Bolognese** that you can make from scratch with simple ingredients. Ready to dig in? Let’s get started!
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## **What Is Bolognese Sauce?**
Bolognese, also known as **ragù alla Bolognese**, is a slow-cooked meat sauce that originates from **Bologna**, Italy. Traditionally made with ground beef or pork, it’s simmered in a mixture of aromatic vegetables, herbs, and wine to create a rich, complex flavor. The sauce is then served with pasta, often tagliatelle, but for this recipe, we’re pairing it with **penne** for a delightful twist.
The key to a great **Bolognese sauce** is in the slow cooking process. The longer it simmers, the more depth of flavor the sauce will develop. This dish is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special.
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## **Ingredients for Penne Bolognese**
Here’s what you’ll need to create a classic **Penne Bolognese**:
### **For the Bolognese Sauce:**
– 1 tablespoon **olive oil**
– 1 medium **onion**, finely chopped
– 2 cloves **garlic**, minced
– 1 medium **carrot**, finely chopped
– 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
– 1 lb (450g) **ground beef** (or a mixture of beef and pork)
– 1/2 cup **red wine** (optional but adds richness)
– 1 can (14 oz) **diced tomatoes**
– 1 tablespoon **tomato paste**
– 1 teaspoon **dried oregano**
– 1 teaspoon **dried basil**
– 1/2 teaspoon **salt**, or to taste
– 1/4 teaspoon **black pepper**, or to taste
– 1/2 cup **whole milk** or **heavy cream** (for creaminess)
– Freshly chopped **parsley** for garnish (optional)
### **For the Pasta:**
– 12 oz (340g) **penne pasta**
– Salt, for pasta water
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## **How to Make Penne Bolognese**
### **Step 1: Prepare the Sauce**
1. **Heat the Olive Oil**: Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened and become fragrant.
2. **Brown the Meat**: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spoon to break up the meat as it cooks, stirring occasionally. Cook for 8-10 minutes until the meat is browned and fully cooked.
3. **Deglaze with Wine**: If you’re using wine, pour it into the pan and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Allow the wine to simmer for a couple of minutes, letting it reduce slightly.
4. **Add Tomatoes and Seasonings**: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce cook gently for at least 30 minutes. If you have the time, simmering it for up to 1-2 hours will deepen the flavors even further.
5. **Finish with Cream**: Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded, stir in the milk or cream. This step adds a smooth, creamy texture to the sauce and rounds out the flavor. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
### **Step 2: Cook the Pasta**
1. **Cook the Penne**: While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually about 9-11 minutes).
2. **Drain the Pasta**: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it, reserving a small cup of pasta water for later if needed.
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