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Chefs, on pasta night, it doesn't get much more satisfying and comforting than spaghetti bolognese. Our aromatic tomato and meat sauce gets its classic richness (and heft) from ground pork. On the side, we're dressing a simple, early-spring salad with a spectacular combination of fromage blanc—a creamy, fresh cheese—and Italian spices, for a tangy and fragrant complement to the pasta.

Ethan Mick

with Butter Lettuce Salad & Creamy Italian Dressing

Spaghetti Bolognese

Ground Pork

Spaghetti

8-Ounce Can Tomato Sauce

Garlic

Butter Lettuce

Carrot

Fromage Blanc

Shallot

Red Wine Vinegar

Bolognese Spice Blend (Dried Parsley, Dried Basil, Dried Oregano, Garlic Powder & Onion Powder)

Radishes

Ingredients

Wash and dry the fresh produce. Heat a medium pot of salted water to boiling on high. [Peel](#) and roughly chop the garlic. [Peel and medium dice the carrot.](#) [Peel and medium dice the shallot.](#) Cut off and discard the root end of the lettuce; separate the leaves. Cut off and discard the ends of the radishes; thinly slice into rounds.

Prepare the ingredients:

In a large, high-sided pan (or pot), heat a drizzle of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the **garlic**, **carrot** and **shallot**; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, 4 to 6 minutes, or until softened. Add the **ground pork** (removing and discarding the paper lining from the bottom); season with salt and pepper. Cook, frequently breaking the meat apart with a spoon, 6 to 8 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.

Start the sauce:

While the sauce cooks, in a bowl, combine the **fromage blanc**, **spice blend** and **vinegar**; season with salt and pepper. Slowly whisk in **1 teaspoon of olive oil** until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Make the dressing:

To the pan, add the **tomato sauce** and **1/2 cup of water**; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, 6 to 8 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened. Turn off the heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Finish the sauce:

While the sauce cooks, add the **spaghetti** to the pot of boiling water. [Cook 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente (still slightly firm to the bite).](#) Reserving **1/2 cup of the spaghetti cooking water**, drain thoroughly. Transfer the cooked spaghetti to the pan of **sauce**. Cook on medium, stirring occasionally, 1 to 2 minutes, or until thoroughly coated. (If the sauce seems dry, gradually add the reserved cooking water to achieve your desired consistency.) Turn off the heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cook & finish the spaghetti:

[Just before serving, in a large bowl, combine the lettuce and radishes; season with salt and pepper. Add enough of the dressing to coat the salad (you may have extra dressing). Toss to mix; season with salt and pepper to taste.](#) Transfer to a serving dish. Divide the **finished spaghetti** between 2 dishes; season with pepper. Serve with the salad on the side. Enjoy!