11 pasta recipes that change from classic bolognese pasta

An essential part of Italian cuisine, pasta has conquered the whole world. Although they adapt to all preparations, we tend to go as simple as possible and always prepare them the same way… and Bolognese sauce is one of them. Bolognese, also known as “ragù alla bolognese” in Italian, has its origins in the Emilia-Romagna region, of which Bologna is the capital in Italy. The traditional Bolognese sauce recipe usually includes ingredients such as ground beef, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, red wine, tomato paste, meat broth and spices. . The sauce is simmered slowly to allow the flavors to blend and develop fully.

Try pasta… in all kinds of ways!

If there's one dish that has endless variations, it's pasta. Vegetables, cheeses, fish, anything goes and creativity is king. To change from the bolognese version, certainly timeless, but classic, you can start by featuring vegetables. Sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, cabbage or roasted zucchini add color and texture to your meal. To vary the tomato sauce, also explore different sauces. Prefer a gorgonzola cream, peas or quite simply, a good fresh ricotta. For an Asian-inspired dish, add a little miso paste to your sauces. This fermented pasta, of Japanese origin, with its salty and umami taste constitutes an excellent base for your pasta sauces, combined with mushrooms, chicken or spinach for example.

New sources of protein

Don’t hesitate to experiment with proteins other than ground meat. Cooked lentils, white beans or crumbled tofu can be interesting vegetable substitutions. Fish and shellfish are another. Smoked trout or cockles for example go perfectly with pasta, as does a simple tin of anchovies which can work wonders on your pasta dish. These little fish add a subtle saltiness and distinct flavor to your sauces. Often used in pasta alla puttanesca, they can be combined with other ingredients such as garlic, capers, or olives.