If you’re on the hunt for a comforting yet elegant pasta dish that sings with creamy richness and hearty, savory depth, the White Bolognese Pasta with Cream and Parmesan Recipe is nothing short of a revelation. This twist on the classic ragu replaces the typical tomato base with velvety cream and the nutty sharpness of Parmesan, creating a luscious sauce that perfectly hugs each strand of tagliatelle or fettuccine. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for sharing with loved ones or indulging in after a long day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this delightful White Bolognese, you only need a handful of well-chosen ingredients that pack a powerful punch of flavor and texture. Each one plays a vital role, from the richness of the ground meats to the fresh brightness of the herbs.
- Ground pork and beef: Combining these gives your sauce a wonderful depth and succulent texture.
- Onion, carrot, and celery: This classic soffritto trio forms the flavorful base with sweetness and earthiness.
- Garlic: Adds aromatic warmth and a subtle bite to the sauce.
- Butter and olive oil: A perfect fat duo that sauté vegetables to tenderness and enrich the sauce.
- White wine: Brings acidity and complexity, balancing the cream’s richness beautifully.
- Heavy cream: Provides that signature silky, luxurious texture that defines this White Bolognese.
- Parmesan cheese: Delivers the salty, nutty umami that elevates every bite.
- Nutmeg: Just a pinch adds warmth and subtle depth to the creamy sauce.
- Tagliatelle or fettuccine: Broad, flat noodles perfect for holding onto the luscious sauce.
- Fresh thyme or parsley: Bright herbs to finish, adding freshness and color.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors together.
How to Make White Bolognese Pasta with Cream and Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by gently heating butter and olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, carrot, and celery, and sauté slowly for 8 to 10 minutes until these vegetables soften and release their natural sweetness. Toss in the minced garlic and cook just for a minute more—watch out not to burn it, as it will turn bitter.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
Next, add the ground pork and beef to your softened vegetables. Stir often and break up any clumps while cooking until the meat is evenly browned with no pink remaining. Season this mixture generously with salt, pepper, and a subtle hint of nutmeg, which will quietly enhance the creaminess later on.
Step 3: Deglaze and Simmer the Sauce
Pour in the white wine and let the mixture simmer until the wine reduces by half—this concentrates the flavor and lifts all those lovely browned bits off the bottom of the pan. Carefully stir in the heavy cream, then lower the heat and let it gently simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. The sauce will thicken into a beautiful silky consistency that’s utterly irresistible.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your tagliatelle or fettuccine until just al dente. Remember to reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining — this reserved water will help you loosen the sauce if needed and help it cling perfectly to the noodles.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Toss the cooked pasta directly with your creamy Bolognese sauce, stirring well to coat every ribbon in luscious goodness. Use the reserved pasta water sparingly if you want to loosen the sauce. Just before serving, mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs—thyme or parsley—to add brightness and texture. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan for those who love an extra cheesy touch.
How to Serve White Bolognese Pasta with Cream and Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
To make this White Bolognese Pasta with Cream and Parmesan Recipe truly shine at the table, sprinkle a little fresh chopped parsley or thyme on top to add a pop of green color and fresh herbal aroma. A generous dusting of extra grated Parmesan cheese is also a must for that perfect salty finish. For a little extra indulgence, a drizzle of good quality olive oil or a few cracks of freshly ground black pepper can take the dish to the next level.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs beautifully with light, crisp salads to balance the richness of the sauce. Think of a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or a classic mixed green salad with cherry tomatoes and a balsamic glaze. Crunchy garlic bread or a warm crusty loaf is also fantastic here – ideal for mopping up every last bit of that creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a touch of elegance at your next dinner, serve the White Bolognese Pasta with Cream and Parmesan Recipe in shallow pasta bowls to showcase the sauce’s creamy texture. Garnish with edible flowers or microgreens to impress your guests visually. Alternatively, layering the pasta in individual gratin dishes with extra Parmesan on top and popping under a broiler until golden and bubbly makes a delightful twist on presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover White Bolognese Pasta with Cream and Parmesan Recipe, store the pasta and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps maintain the best texture and flavor. Consume within 2 to 3 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing
Because cream-based sauces can sometimes separate when frozen and reheated, it’s best to freeze the sauce alone in a freezer-safe container without the pasta. When you want to enjoy it again, thaw the sauce slowly in the fridge overnight. The pasta generally freezes less well, so cooking fresh pasta each time is ideal.
Reheating
Reheat your sauce gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent curdling. Add a splash of milk or cream if it feels too thick. For the pasta, briefly dunk it in boiling water or microwave with a little water to loosen it up before combining with the sauce. This way, you’ll keep that luscious creamy texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat in this White Bolognese Pasta with Cream and Parmesan Recipe?
Absolutely! While a mix of ground pork and beef is traditional for this dish, you can experiment with ground chicken, turkey, or even veal for a lighter take. Just be mindful that different meats have varying fat contents and textures which might slightly alter the sauce’s richness.
Is there a good vegetarian alternative for this recipe?
You can create a vegetarian version by sautéing finely chopped mushrooms, lentils, or textured vegetable protein (TVP) in place of the meat. Adding a splash of vegetable broth will help build depth, and don’t forget the cream and Parmesan to keep the sauce luxurious.
How do I prevent the cream from curdling when cooking the sauce?
Simmer the cream gently over low heat and avoid boiling it vigorously. Stir often and add the cream after the wine has reduced to ensure smooth sauce consistency. Adding a pinch of nutmeg also helps stabilize the sauce.
What pasta works best for this White Bolognese Pasta with Cream and Parmesan Recipe?
Broad, flat noodles like tagliatelle or fettuccine are ideal because they catch and hold the silky sauce beautifully. However, pappardelle or even rigatoni can work well if you prefer those shapes.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a dinner party?
Definitely! You can prepare the sauce a day in advance and gently reheat it before serving. Cook the pasta fresh just before eating for the best texture, then toss together right before plating.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the heartwarming flavor and comforting feel of the White Bolognese Pasta with Cream and Parmesan Recipe when you want something special yet easy to make. With its creamy sauce, fresh herbs, and rich Parmesan punch, this dish always feels like a celebration in every bite. Give it a try soon—you might just discover your new favorite pasta indulgence.
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White Bolognese Pasta with Cream and Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A creamy and comforting White Bolognese Pasta featuring a rich sauce made from ground pork and beef, sautéed vegetables, white wine, and heavy cream, tossed with tagliatelle or fettuccine and finished with Parmesan and fresh herbs. Perfect for a delicious and hearty Italian-inspired dinner.
Ingredients
Meat
- 250g ground pork
- 250g ground beef
Vegetables
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Fats & Oils
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Liquids
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1 cup heavy cream
Cheese & Seasonings
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme or parsley
Pasta
- 400g tagliatelle or fettuccine
Instructions
- Prepare the soffritto: Heat butter and olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet or pan. Add the finely chopped onion, carrot, and celery; sauté for 8-10 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, taking care not to burn it.
- Brown the meat: Add the ground pork and ground beef to the pan. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink throughout. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and nutmeg to build flavor.
- Deglaze and simmer the sauce: Pour in the white wine, stirring to deglaze the pan and lift any browned bits. Allow the wine to simmer until it has reduced by half, concentrating the flavors. Then stir in the heavy cream and let the sauce simmer gently for 15-20 minutes until thickened to a velvety consistency.
- Cook the pasta: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tagliatelle or fettuccine and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Gradually add some reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce for a silky texture. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and the chopped fresh thyme or parsley for brightness.
- Serve: Serve the White Bolognese pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy this creamy, flavorful dish with family or friends.
Notes
- Using a mix of ground pork and beef adds a richer flavor and texture to the sauce.
- If white wine is unavailable, you can substitute with chicken broth but the flavor will be slightly different.
- Reserve pasta water is key to adjusting the sauce consistency so don’t skip this step.
- Fresh thyme adds an aromatic herbal note, but parsley can be used as a milder alternative.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
