We all love the comforting taste of Italian Bolognese pasta—a perfect combination of rich, savory meat sauce and tender noodles. The slow-simmered minced meat mixed with juicy tomatoes and fragrant herbs creates a meal that warms the soul.

Today, we’ll show how we can make this classic dish step by step at home. By the end, we’ll have a plate full of authentic Italian flavor without stepping into a restaurant.

What You’ll Need

This recipe serves 2–3 people.

Main Ingredients:

- Pasta: 200 g (spaghetti, fettuccine, or fusilli)

- Ground meat: 150–200 g (choose fresh meat for the best flavor and texture)

- Tomatoes: 3–4 medium, ripe and juicy

- Onion: ½ medium, finely diced

Additional Ingredients:

- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced

- Basil leaves: 6–8 fresh or 1 teaspoon dried

- Black pepper: ½ teaspoon

- Salt: ½ teaspoon or to taste

- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons

Seasonings:

- Tomato paste: 3 tablespoons

- Light soy sauce: 1 tablespoon

- Sugar: 1 tablespoon (adjust to taste)

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

1. Start by scoring the tops of the tomatoes with a small “X.”

2. Bring water to a boil and blanch the tomatoes for 1–2 minutes. Remove and peel the skins.

3. Chop the peeled tomatoes into small cubes and set aside.

4. Dice the onion finely and mince the garlic.

5. Gather all your ingredients on the counter—it makes cooking smoother when everything is ready.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and 1 teaspoon of olive oil.

2. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions:

- Thin pasta: 8–10 minutes

- Thick pasta: 10–12 minutes

3. Once cooked, drain the pasta and toss lightly with ½ teaspoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.

4. Set the pasta aside while we make the sauce.

Step 3: Make the Bolognese Sauce

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat.

2. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes.

3. Add the minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Add the ground meat and break it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5–6 minutes.

5. Pour in the chopped tomatoes and stir well. Cook until they soften and release their juices, around 5 minutes.

6. Add 3 tablespoons of tomato paste, stirring until the sauce is evenly colored and thick.

Step 4: Season and Simmer

1. Add 1 tablespoon of light soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of sugar, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Stir to combine.

2. Add the basil leaves. Use fresh or dried according to availability.

3. Pour enough water to just cover the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to low heat.

4. Cover and simmer for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. As the water evaporates, the sauce thickens, and flavors deepen.

5. Taste the sauce midway and adjust salt, sugar, or pepper if needed.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Place the cooked pasta on a plate or in a shallow bowl.

2. Pour the rich, thick Bolognese sauce over the noodles.

3. Garnish with extra basil or a pinch of black pepper for a fresh aroma.

4. Serve immediately while hot. We can enjoy a comforting, restaurant-quality dish at home.

Extra Tips for Best Results

- Choose ripe tomatoes: Sweet, juicy tomatoes enhance the natural flavor.

- Fresh ground meat: Better texture and taste make the sauce more satisfying.

- Pasta cooking: Use plenty of water and follow package instructions to get perfectly al dente noodles.

- Sautéing carefully: Cook onions and garlic slowly to build a solid flavor foundation.

- Balancing flavors: Adjust sugar to offset acidity. Basil and black pepper are key for Italian aroma.

- Slow simmer: Letting the sauce cook slowly allows flavors to blend fully. Check water occasionally to prevent drying.

Let’s Enjoy!

Lykkers, cooking Italian Bolognese pasta at home is easier than it seems. With fresh ingredients, step-by-step guidance, and a little patience, we can create a dish full of rich flavor and comforting warmth. Every forkful of tender pasta and thick sauce reminds us that homemade cooking can be both simple and extraordinary. So grab your pan, follow these steps, and let’s enjoy a delicious plate of Italian comfort together!