View Gallery 2 photos Gemelli Pasta with Bolognese Sauce: A Flavorful Delight
Description
Gemelli pasta with Bolognese Sauce
Gemelli Pasta with Bolognese Sauce
Gemelli pasta with Bolognese sauce is a classic and comforting Italian dish that brings together rich, slow-cooked meat sauce with perfectly twisted pasta. This dish is a true testament to traditional Italian cooking, where simple ingredients come together to create deep, complex flavors.
The Bolognese sauce, originating from Bologna, Italy, is a slow-simmered meat sauce made with ground beef, aromatic vegetables, tomatoes, and a blend of Italian herbs. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop, resulting in a sauce that is hearty, savory, and incredibly satisfying.
One of the key aspects of this dish is the Gemelli pasta, which has a unique twisted shape. This design helps the pasta hold onto the rich Bolognese sauce, ensuring that each bite is packed with flavor.
Unlike regular spaghetti or penne, Gemelli’s ridges allow the sauce to cling better, providing a perfect balance between pasta and sauce in every forkful.
The sauce begins with sautéed onions, carrots, and celery, which add natural sweetness and depth. Garlic, tomato paste, and crushed tomatoes bring a tangy richness, while red wine (optional) and beef broth add layers of umami.
A blend of dried oregano, basil, and bay leaf infuses the sauce with the unmistakable aroma of Italian cuisine.
After slow-cooking for nearly two hours, the sauce is finished with a splash of milk or heavy cream, which helps soften the acidity of the tomatoes and creates a smooth, velvety texture.
Paired with freshly grated Parmesan and garnished with basil, this dish is a true comfort meal. Whether you're making it for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests, Gemelli pasta with Bolognese sauce is a dish that never fails to delight.
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Ingredients
For the Bolognese Sauce:
For the Pasta:
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bolognese Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat and sauté the vegetables until softened. Add the onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Brown the meat: Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add garlic & tomato paste: Stir in the garlic and tomato paste. Cook for another minute to enhance the flavors.
- Deglaze with wine (optional): Pour in the red wine, stirring to deglaze the pan. Let it simmer for 3–5 minutes until reduced.
- Add tomatoes & seasonings: Add the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Stir well.
- Simmer low & slow: Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for at least 1½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Finish with milk/cream: Stir in the milk or heavy cream and let cook for another 10 minutes. Remove the bay leaf.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt and Gemelli pasta.
- Cook according to package instructions (usually 10–12 minutes) until al dente.
- Drain and toss with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
- Toss the cooked pasta with the Bolognese sauce.
- Garnish with grated Parmesan and fresh basil or parsley.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 520kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 18g28%
- Saturated Fat 7g35%
- Cholesterol 60mg20%
- Sodium 650mg28%
- Total Carbohydrate 65g22%
- Dietary Fiber 5g20%
- Sugars 8g
- Protein 25g50%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Slow cooking is key: The longer the sauce simmers, the better the flavor.
- Use quality meat: A mix of beef and pork adds extra depth.
- Wine adds richness: If skipping wine, increase broth slightly.
- Milk balances acidity: It helps soften the tomato’s tang.
- Let it rest: Letting the sauce sit for a few minutes before serving enhances the flavor.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Gemelli pasta is a short, twisted pasta shape that holds onto sauces exceptionally well. Its ridges and intertwined design allow it to capture the rich Bolognese sauce in every bite, making it an ideal choice for this dish.
Absolutely! Bolognese sauce often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months for later enjoyment.
You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a mix of beef and pork for added flavor. For a vegetarian option, you can use lentils or plant-based meat alternatives.
Yes! Simply swap Gemelli pasta with a gluten-free pasta variety. Ensure that all other ingredients, such as broth and tomato paste, are also gluten-free.
Red wine is optional, but it enriches the sauce with added depth and flavor. If you prefer to skip the wine, simply replace it with additional beef broth for a delicious alternative.
For the best flavor, simmer the sauce for at least 1½ to 2 hours on low heat. This allows the ingredients to meld together and create a rich, hearty sauce.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is the best choice, but Pecorino Romano also works well for a slightly sharper flavor.
- Refrigeration: Store the sauce and pasta separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the sauce (without pasta) in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm the sauce on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little broth or water if needed. Microwave the pasta with a splash of water to prevent drying out.
Yes! Brown the meat and sauté the vegetables first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours for an even deeper flavor.
This dish pairs well with garlic bread, Caesar salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple side of sautéed spinach.
Nour Nouri
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