Pasta with Lamb

Pasta with Lamb is a rich and comforting dish that combines tender meat with a savoury tomato sauce. It is a great alternative to traditional beef pasta recipes and provides a unique depth of flavour. This meal is perfect for a midweek dinner when you want something satisfying but straightforward to prepare. You can use ground lamb or leftover roast lamb to make this simple recipe.
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Photo of the finished dish for the recipe Pasta with Lamb

Why prepare pasta with lamb

This Pasta with Lamb is incredibly easy to make in a single pan and requires very little active cooking time. The natural fat from the lamb creates a silky sauce that coats every piece of pasta perfectly. It is a versatile dish that works well with many different shapes of pasta from penne to fusilli. Everyone in the family will enjoy the hearty and warm flavours of this rustic meal.

How to make pasta with lamb

Step 1
Prepare the base: Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for a few minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and fry for another minute without letting it burn.
Step 2
Brown the meat: Increase the heat slightly and add the lamb to the pan. Break the meat apart with a spoon and fry it until it is browned all over. Drain any excess fat if necessary to keep the sauce light and healthy.
Step 3
Simmer the sauce: Stir in the tomato puree, chopped tomatoes and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper then let the sauce simmer gently for fifteen minutes while you cook the pasta in boiling salted water.
Step 4
Combine and serve: Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly to the frying pan with the lamb sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the rich meat mixture. Serve immediately while it is hot.

Good advice for making pasta with lamb

Choosing the right cut of meat is important for the best flavour in your Pasta with Lamb. Ground lamb is quick and convenient but you can also use finely diced leg of lamb for a chunkier texture. Make sure to brown the meat thoroughly as this creates the deep savoury base for the sauce. If the sauce becomes too thick while simmering you can add a splash of the pasta cooking water. This help to emulsify the sauce and makes it cling better to the pasta shapes. Fresh herbs like parsley or mint can also be added at the end for a burst of freshness.

You can also try these recipes: pan-fried halibut, minute steak or pasta with chanterelles.

Ingredients

servings
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  • 500 g ground lamb
  • 300 g pasta
  • 400 g chopped tomatoes
  • 1 onion
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 2 tablespoons tomato puree
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking time

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Nutrition information

NUTRITIONper serving
  • Energy:2665 kJ / 637 kcal
  • Fat:27 g
  • - of which saturates:10 g
  • Carbohydrates:54 g
  • - of which sugars:6 g
  • Protein:42 g
  • Fibre:4 g
  • Salt:1.5 g

People also ask

Large shapes like rigatoni or pappardelle are excellent choices for Pasta with Lamb because they catch the rich sauce. You can also use fusilli or penne as the ridges help the meat mixture stick to the pasta.
You can keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. When you want to eat it again you might need to add a little water or stock to loosen the sauce as the pasta absorbs moisture over time.
Pasta with Lamb usually takes about 20 minutes to make. The time can vary slightly with the quantity and method. Check the texture towards the end.
What do you think of this recipe?
4.8 / 5 - (7 ratings)