Name: Braised Lamb with Creamy Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h 15 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 lbs lamb pieces (shanks or shoulder); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 cups beef or lamb broth; 1/2 cup red wine (optional); 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni); 3/4 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Braised Lamb with Creamy Pasta is a hearty and luxurious dish that combines tender, slow-cooked lamb with rich, velvety pasta. The lamb is seared and braised to achieve deep, complex flavors that perfectly complement the creamy pasta, creating a comforting and satisfying meal ideal for special occasions or indulgent family dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You will appreciate this recipe for its rich and layered flavors. The slow braising process makes the lamb succulent and flavorful, while the creamy pasta balances the dish with its smooth texture. Despite its restaurant-quality appeal, this dish can be made at home with minimal fuss and offers great versatility in both presentation and taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Lamb pieces (such as shanks or shoulder)
Olive oil
Onion, chopped
Garlic, minced
Tomato paste
Beef or lamb broth
Red wine (optional)
Dried herbs (thyme, rosemary)
Pasta (penne or rigatoni)
Heavy cream
Parmesan cheese, grated
Salt
Black pepper
Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

Season lamb pieces with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sear lamb until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
In the same pot, sauté onion and garlic until softened.
Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes.
Deglaze the pot with red wine if using. Add broth and herbs. Return lamb to the pot.
Cover and braise on low heat for about 2 hours, until lamb is fork-tender.
Cook pasta until al dente.
In a skillet, combine cooked pasta with cream and Parmesan. Stir until creamy and heated through.
Serve lamb pieces over or beside the creamy pasta, garnished with parsley.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Total time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Variations

Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Herbaceous twist: Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a brighter flavor.
Wine-free: Use additional broth if you prefer not to cook with wine.

Storage/reheating

Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months.

FAQs

What is the best cut of lamb for braising?

Lamb shanks or shoulder pieces work best due to their connective tissue that breaks down during slow cooking.

Can I use a slow cooker?

Yes, braise the lamb in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours.

Is the red wine necessary?

No, it adds depth but can be omitted or replaced with extra broth.

Can I prepare the lamb in advance?

Yes, braised lamb often tastes better the next day as the flavors develop further.

How do I prevent the pasta from becoming too soft?

Cook the pasta until just al dente and add it to the sauce just before serving.

What can I serve on the side?

A green salad or roasted vegetables complement the dish well.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, fettuccine, tagliatelle, or even orzo work nicely.

How can I make this dish lighter?

Use half-and-half or milk in place of heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.

What is the best way to reheat this dish?

Gently warm over low heat on the stove, adding broth or cream as needed to loosen the sauce.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free pasta and ensure your broth is gluten-free.

Conclusion

Braised Lamb with Creamy Pasta delivers comfort and elegance in every bite. The tender lamb and luscious pasta sauce create a memorable dish perfect for when you want to serve something special. Enjoy its rich flavors and impressive presentation at your next dinner.

Braised Lamb with Creamy Pasta

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Braised Lamb with Creamy Pasta is a luxurious and comforting dish featuring tender slow-cooked lamb paired with rich, velvety pasta for a restaurant-quality meal made at home.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Braising
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Season lamb with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sear lamb until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
In the same pot, sauté onion and garlic until softened.
Stir in tomato paste; cook for 1-2 minutes.
Deglaze with red wine if using. Add broth and herbs. Return lamb to the pot.
Cover and braise on low heat for about 2 hours until lamb is fork-tender.
Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
In a skillet, combine cooked pasta with cream and Parmesan. Stir until creamy and heated through.
Serve lamb over or beside the creamy pasta. Garnish with parsley.