Homemade Bolognese Sauce with Gigli Pasta Recipe
If you’re after a cozy, flavor-packed meal that instantly transports you to an Italian trattoria, Homemade Bolognese Sauce with Gigli Pasta is the ultimate dinner to make. Each twirl of the ruffled gigli captures the deeply savory sauce, rich with ground meat, tender vegetables, a touch of wine, and creamy milk for that signature silky finish. Whether you’re gathering friends or looking for the perfect Sunday supper, this classic combination is pure comfort in a bowl, guaranteed to bring smiles (and many, many requests for seconds).
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Homemade Bolognese Sauce with Gigli Pasta comes from a humble lineup of ingredients working in perfect harmony. Each building block, from sweet carrots to earthy oregano and that final sprinkle of Parmesan, lends a unique layer to the overall flavor and satisfying texture.
- Olive oil: A generous tablespoon helps everything sauté beautifully and infuses the sauce with richness.
- Onion, finely chopped: This forms the aromatic backbone of the sauce, adding sweet depth as it softens.
- Carrot, peeled and finely chopped: Includes subtle sweetness that balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Celery stalk, finely chopped: Offers a gentle earthiness and crunch before melting into the sauce.
- Garlic, minced: Two cloves lend punchy, fragrant warmth that brings the whole sauce to life.
- Ground beef (or half beef, half pork): One pound creates a hearty, savory base—try half pork for extra richness.
- Tomato paste: Just a quarter cup intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce.
- Dry red wine (optional): A half cup adds subtle acidity and complexity but can be omitted if you prefer.
- Crushed tomatoes (28 oz can): This brings the sauce together, making it lush and tangy.
- Whole milk: One cup smooths everything out, giving the Bolognese its silky, signature texture.
- Dried oregano: A teaspoon laces the whole dish with herbaceous Italian flair.
- Salt: Balances all the flavors and brings them to life.
- Black pepper: A touch of warmth and a hint of bite.
- Pinch of nutmeg: Traditional and magical—this tiny amount makes everything taste extra cozy.
- Gigli pasta: Twelve ounces of frilly-edged pasta are perfect for cradling every bit of sauce.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley: For serving—these finishing touches add creaminess and color.
How to Make Homemade Bolognese Sauce with Gigli Pasta
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating your olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and are just starting to caramelize. This slow cook really lays the groundwork for the deep, complex base that sets Homemade Bolognese Sauce with Gigli Pasta apart from a simple meat sauce.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Brown the Meat
Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just a minute—enough to become fragrant without letting it brown. Next, add your ground beef (or the beef-pork combo). Break the meat up with a wooden spoon, cooking until fully browned and most of the moisture has evaporated. This is where big flavor begins to develop, so take your time to ensure the meat is truly caramelized.
Step 3: Deepen the Flavor With Tomato Paste
Push the meat and vegetables to the sides of the pan and add the tomato paste to the center. Cook it for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly. This little trick unlocks toasted, deeply savory tomato notes that really enrich the finished sauce. When the tomato paste starts to darken, mix it into everything else.
Step 4: Deglaze and Simmer
If you’re using red wine, pour it in now and let it simmer for about 3 minutes, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. The wine not only deglazes, but also enhances the sauce with subtle tartness and earthy undertones. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, milk, oregano, salt, pepper, and that pinch of nutmeg. Stir to combine, then lower the heat. Let your Bolognese gently bubble uncovered for 45 minutes to an hour, stirring occasionally. The slow simmer will thicken the sauce, meld all the flavors, and make your kitchen smell absolutely incredible.
Step 5: Cook the Gigli Pasta
While your sauce is bubbling away, cook the gigli pasta in a big pot of well-salted boiling water according to package directions until just al dente. Gigli’s ruffled shape is more than just pretty—it’s the perfect vehicle for catching the savory Bolognese and creating little pockets of sauce in every bite. Once drained, toss the pasta with the sauce right in the pot so every curl is fully coated.
Step 6: Serve it Up
Serve your Homemade Bolognese Sauce with Gigli Pasta piping hot in wide bowls. Shower each serving with a snowfall of freshly grated Parmesan and scatter with chopped parsley for a little freshness and vibrant color. Now, gather your favorite people and cozy up to the table—you’ve just created a classic Italian feast!
How to Serve Homemade Bolognese Sauce with Gigli Pasta
Garnishes
The right garnishes take this dish from homestyle to restaurant-worthy. Always finish with plenty of freshly grated Parmesan cheese—its salty sharpness pairs beautifully with the cheesy, meaty sauce. Add a sprinkle of chopped parsley or fresh basil for a burst of color and brightness; the fresh herbs cut through the richness and make every forkful feel special.
Side Dishes
While Homemade Bolognese Sauce with Gigli Pasta easily stands on its own, consider pairing it with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette to balance the hearty flavors. A loaf of warm, crusty Italian bread is a must for swiping up every bit of sauce left on your plate. For extra indulgence, garlic bread or roasted vegetables make wonderful accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
For cozy gatherings, pile the pasta high onto a serving platter and let everyone help themselves family-style. If you want to impress, serve individual portions in shallow, wide bowls and add a drizzle of good olive oil over the top. Or, portion some sauce and pasta into ramekins and bake under a sprinkling of mozzarella for a fun, bubbly twist on the classic Homemade Bolognese Sauce with Gigli Pasta.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Homemade Bolognese Sauce with Gigli Pasta holds up beautifully as leftovers. Transfer any extra pasta and sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen as they sit, making your next bowl possibly even tastier than the first.
Freezing
If you want to plan ahead, freeze the Bolognese sauce by itself (without the pasta) in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. Let it cool completely before freezing. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and make a fresh pot of gigli—or substitute with any other pasta you have on hand!
Reheating
For best results, reheat Homemade Bolognese Sauce with Gigli Pasta gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra milk to loosen the sauce if needed. If you’re short on time, microwaving works too—just use a microwave-safe dish, cover with a plate or wrap, and stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I make this sauce with a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Gigli pasta’s beautiful edges are perfect for catching sauce, but tagliatelle, rigatoni, penne, or pappardelle are all terrific substitutes if you can’t find gigli. The most important thing is picking a pasta with enough surface area or ridges to hold those delicious bits of Bolognese.
Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?
Yes! You can swap the whole milk for an unsweetened non-dairy milk like oat or almond. You’ll get nearly the same creamy texture and cohesive sauce without the dairy—just make sure it’s unflavored and unsweetened for the best results with Homemade Bolognese Sauce with Gigli Pasta.
What type of red wine works best?
A dry red wine such as Chianti, Merlot, or Cabernet Sauvignon is idea if you want to use wine. It brings a rich, round note to the sauce, but if wine isn’t your thing, feel free to omit it—the sauce will still be absolutely delicious.
Can I let the sauce simmer even longer?
Yes, and you should if you have the time! A slower, longer simmer—up to 2 hours—will deepen the flavors even more, encouraging everything to meld together. Just keep an eye on the pot and stir occasionally, adding a little water if it gets too thick for your liking.
Can I make Homemade Bolognese Sauce with Gigli Pasta ahead of time?
This is one of those dishes that actually gets better with a bit of time. You can make the sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge, then cook the pasta and reheat everything when you’re ready to eat. It’s a lifesaver for stress-free entertaining or busy weeknights.
Final Thoughts
Homemade Bolognese Sauce with Gigli Pasta is a dish that’s all about big flavors, warm memories, and bringing people together around the table. Give it a try and let this Italian classic become a beloved staple in your home, too. Trust me—one bite, and you’ll find yourself coming back for more every single time!
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Homemade Bolognese Sauce with Gigli Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the rich flavors of a homemade Bolognese sauce served over tender gigli pasta, topped with Parmesan and parsley. This classic Italian dish is hearty, comforting, and perfect for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, peeled and finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (or half beef, half pork)
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- ½ cup dry red wine (optional)
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- pinch of nutmeg
Pasta and Garnish:
- 12 ounces gigli pasta
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large saucepan. Sauté onion, carrot, and celery until softened. Add garlic and cook.
- Cook Meat: Brown ground beef, then add tomato paste and cook. Pour in wine, if using.
- Add Tomatoes and Simmer: Stir in crushed tomatoes, milk, oregano, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Cook Pasta: Cook gigli pasta until al dente. Toss with Bolognese sauce.
- Serve: Top pasta with Parmesan and parsley. Enjoy hot!
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, simmer the sauce longer—up to 2 hours if you have time.
- Gigli pasta’s ruffled shape holds the sauce beautifully, but you can substitute with tagliatelle or rigatoni.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 530 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
