A classic bolognese sauce takes patience (read a lot of time!) and a ton of flavor layering to get the final texture and taste just right. They call it sunday sauce for a reason – you need all day to let it simmer! Well when you want a quick weeknight dinner, that is not an option. So here’s a quick spaghetti bolognese that works in a pinch and gives you the same satisfaction (almost!)

Ingredients

• 1 lb of ground chicken, turkey or beef
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 tsp fennel seeds, roughly ground
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• A jar of a low sodium Marinara Sauce (I used the Trader Joes, no salt added Marinara)
• 4 sprigs of fresh oregano
• a handful of basil, cut into ribbons
• 1/4 cup of parmesan, grated
• 1 lb spaghetti

Method

• Start with about 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-low heat.
• Add in the garlic and let sauté for a minute. Now increase the heat to medium. Add in the ground meat and all the spices. If you want more heat, you can add extra chili flakes or even chili powder. Break up the ground meat and let it cook till it’s starting to brown.
• Add in a jar of your marinara sauce and the oregano. Let simmer for as much time as you can on low heat.
• While the sauce is simmering on low, cook the spaghetti per package instructions. Drain the pasta but reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta liquid and add to the sauce.
• Stir in the basil into the sauce.
• We are ready to dish up our quick spaghetti bolognese! Are you a bowl or a plate person? Either way, add the spaghetti, the sauce, the basil and freshly grated parmesan to garnish. Yum!