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White Bolognese Sauce

White Bolognese Sauce Recipe: Creamy Italian Pasta Magic

Emily
A creamy, tomato-free Italian pasta sauce with ground beef, pork, pancetta, herbs, and cream. Perfect for cozy nights and family dinners.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Heavy-bottomed pot
  • Wooden spoon

Ingredients
  

  • 300 grams ground pork
  • 300 grams ground beef
  • 120 grams pancetta chopped
  • 1 onion finely diced
  • 1 carrot finely diced
  • 1 stalk celery finely diced
  • 2 teaspoons fennel seeds
  • 5 garlic cloves finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh sage finely chopped
  • 1.5 cups white wine Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 0.5 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 0.25 cup cream optional
  • grated parmesan for serving
  • fresh rosemary for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Prepare and render the pestata: Add the pancetta and garlic to a food processor. Pulse until the garlic disappears into the pancetta fat. Transfer to a heavy-bottomed pot and cook over medium heat until golden and fragrant. Remove and set aside.
  • Brown the meats: Add the ground pork and beef to the pot with the rendered pestata. Cook until lightly browned, then transfer to a plate and set aside.
  • Brown the soffritto: Add the onion, carrot, and celery to the pot. Cook over medium heat until deeply browned and fragrant, about 15-20 minutes.
  • Deglaze the pot: Return the meat and pestata to the pot. Pour in the white wine and simmer until reduced, scraping up any browned bits.
  • Simmer the sauce: Add the milk, chicken stock, herbs, and bay leaves. Simmer gently for 2.5-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until thick and rich.
  • Finish the sauce: Remove the herbs and bay leaves. Stir in the lemon juice and cream. Simmer for 5-10 minutes more.
  • Boil the pasta: Cook your pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve some starchy pasta water.
  • Toss with sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. Add pasta water as needed to adjust consistency.
  • Serve: Plate with extra parmesan and fresh rosemary.

Notes

  • Finely dice vegetables for a smoother sauce.
  • Season as you go for layered flavor.
  • Use parmesan rind for extra depth.
  • Undercook pasta slightly so it finishes in the sauce.
Keyword White Bolognese Sauce