Broccoli Rabe Pasta with Ground Lamb

Recipe provided by American Lamb Board courtesy of Blue Bowl Recipes.

Recipe Serves 6

Directions

Start the Pasta: Fill a large pot or dutch oven about 3/4 of the way full with water, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add your pasta. Cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. (Meanwhile, move below one step to start cooking your lamb at the same time.) Once the 8 minutes are up, add the broccoli, making sure it’s all or mostly submerged in the water. Cook for 4-7 more minutes, with the lid on but vented, stirring occasionally, until the pasta and broccoli are done to your liking. Once done, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water and drain the rest out of the pot.

Cook the Lamb: Add the ground lamb and garlic to a large skillet over medium heat, and season the lamb with a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring and breaking up the meat as it cooks, until it’s completely browned through. Place a couple of paper towels in a strainer and spoon the lamb into the strainer to drain the grease.

Finish it Up: Add the cooked lamb to the pot with the pasta and broccoli, over medium low heat. Add 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water, along with the arugula, heavy cream and parmesan. Stir everything together well, and let it cook for a couple of minutes so the arugula can wilt and the pasta gets nice and saucy. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.

Serve + Store: Serve with another sprinkle of parmesan, and enjoy! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

To assemble: Place fries on a plate, add cheese curds and spoon a few ladles of lamb gravy over. Finish with fresh herbs and pepper. Serve immediately.