White Bolognese Sauce

If you’re looking for a comforting and delicious twist on the classic bolognese, you have to try this White Bolognese Sauce! It’s creamy, rich, and full of flavor without a hint of tomato. This recipe is one of my favorites because it combines savory turkey strips and tender ground beef with fresh herbs, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re having a cozy family dinner or need something special for guests, this sauce is sure to impress!

What I love most about this White Bolognese Sauce is how easy it is to prepare. You can whip it up on busy weeknights or make it ahead for those family gatherings. Trust me, your loved ones will be asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe comes together in just a few simple steps, making it perfect even for beginner cooks.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the rich flavors, making it a hit at the dinner table.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and store leftovers for quick meals throughout the week.
• Versatile Pairing: This sauce pairs wonderfully with pappardelle, spaghetti, or rigatoni—whatever you have on hand!
• Comfort Food Delight: With its creamy texture and savory taste, this sauce is like a warm hug in a bowl.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this delightful White Bolognese Sauce, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Sauce

• 4 oz turkey strips, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 pounds ground beef
• Salt, to taste
• 1 cup dry white grape juice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 10 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• 2-inch parmesan rind
• 1 cup whole milk

Variations

One of the best things about this White Bolognese Sauce is its flexibility! Feel free to customize it to suit your taste or whatever ingredients you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
• Add some veggies: Toss in chopped mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes to kick up the heat if you like things spicy!
• Go dairy-free: Substitute whole milk with coconut milk or almond milk for a lactose-free option.

How to Make White Bolognese Sauce

Step 1: Sauté Turkey Strips

Start by heating your Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced turkey strips and cook them until they are browned, which should take about 5-10 minutes. This step adds great flavor right from the start!

Step 2: Cook Vegetables

Once your turkey is cooked, remove it from the pot and set it aside. Lower the heat to medium and add in your diced carrots, celery, and onion. Sauté these veggies for about 10-15 minutes until they become soft. Cooking them well brings out their natural sweetness and creates a flavorful base for your sauce.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Now it’s time to add some hearty ground beef along with minced garlic back into the pot. Increase the heat again to medium-high and break up the meat with your spatula as it cooks. Season lightly with salt and let it brown for about 5-8 minutes. This step is crucial because browning adds depth of flavor that enhances your sauce.

Step 4: Deglaze and Simmer

Pour in the dry white grape juice while scraping up any browned bits stuck at the bottom of the pot—this adds even more flavor! Let it simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly reduced.

Step 5: Add Broth & Herbs

Next, stir in chicken broth along with bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, nutmeg, and that parmesan rind. Bring everything to a simmer; then cover and let it cook over medium-low heat for about an hour. Stir occasionally! The herbs will infuse their wonderful aroma into your sauce during this time.

Step 6: Finish with Milk

After an hour has passed, stir in your whole milk. Cover again and continue cooking for another 45-60 minutes until the sauce thickens beautifully. If you want an ultra-thick consistency at the end, uncover toward the last few minutes.

Step 7: Final Touches

Once it’s done cooking, skim off any excess grease that floats on top. Give your sauce a good stir and taste—adjust salt if necessary.

Step 8: Serve

Finally, toss your luscious White Bolognese Sauce with pappardelle, spaghetti, or rigatoni. Spoon generously onto plates or serve family-style—you’re going to want everyone to dig in!

Enjoy every bite of this comforting dish!

Pro Tips for Making White Bolognese Sauce

Creating the perfect White Bolognese Sauce is all about technique and patience, so here are some tips to help you achieve sauce perfection!

• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme and rosemary will elevate your sauce’s flavor profile. Dried herbs may work in a pinch, but fresh herbs infuse a brighter taste that makes all the difference.

• Don’t Rush the Sautéing: Take your time when sautéing your vegetables. Cooking them slowly allows their natural sweetness to develop, adding depth to your sauce that you won’t want to miss.

• Adjust the Consistency: If your sauce becomes too thick, simply add a splash more chicken broth or milk until it reaches your desired creaminess. This flexibility ensures you’ll have the perfect texture every time.

• Taste as You Go: Seasoning throughout the cooking process is key. Tasting and adjusting salt at various stages helps balance flavors and enhances the final dish.

• Let It Rest: After cooking, allow the sauce to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully, resulting in an even richer taste.

How to Serve White Bolognese Sauce

When it comes to serving up this creamy White Bolognese Sauce, presentation can make it even more appealing. Here are some ideas to elevate your dining experience!

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of vibrant parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, brightening each bite.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Finishing with a light dusting of parmesan gives an extra layer of flavor and richness that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is a classic pairing that’s perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate. It’s always a crowd-pleaser!

• Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds a healthy crunch and vibrant green color. Its slight bitterness balances out the rich sauce beautifully.

• Simple Green Salad: A fresh green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta dish. The acidity cuts through the richness for a well-rounded meal.

• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus can add both color and flavor. Their natural sweetness complements the savory notes of the White Bolognese Sauce.

Now that you’re armed with these tips and serving suggestions, you’re ready to create a deliciously comforting meal! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This White Bolognese Sauce is fantastic for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch and store it for quick weeknight dinners or cozy family meals. Here’s how to keep your sauce fresh and delicious.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will last for up to 3-4 days.
• Label your container with the date to keep track of freshness.

Freezing

• Allow the sauce to cool completely before freezing.
• Transfer it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Be sure to label and date the bags!

Reheating

• Thaw frozen sauce overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Heat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making and enjoying White Bolognese Sauce!

Can I use different types of meat in my White Bolognese Sauce?

Absolutely! While this recipe calls for turkey strips and ground beef, you can substitute with other lean meats like chicken or even ground turkey for a lighter version.

How do I store leftovers of White Bolognese Sauce?

Store leftover White Bolognese Sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months!

What pasta pairs best with White Bolognese Sauce?

This creamy sauce works wonderfully with larger pasta shapes like pappardelle, rigatoni, or even fettuccine. They hold onto the sauce beautifully!

Can I make a vegetarian version of White Bolognese Sauce?

Yes! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the meat and increase the amount of vegetables. You might also consider adding mushrooms for depth of flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this comforting White Bolognese Sauce as much as I do! It’s such a versatile recipe that brings warmth to any table. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or just treating yourself, this creamy delight is sure to impress. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your pasta choices, and savor every bite. Happy cooking!