Weeknight Broccolini Pasta with Lamb, Arugula, and Parmesan
This pasta dish is a weeknight staple - it's big on flavor, yet light on ingredients and dishes. All you need is broccoli, lamb, pasta, parmesan cheese, arugula, and a splash of heavy cream. The whole family is sure to love this quick recipe!
Servings 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground lamb
- 2 large cloves garlic, minced
- salt + pepper, to taste
- 1 lb rigatoni pasta Or something with a similar size + cook time
- 2 heads broccolini, chopped into florets
- 1 cup pasta water
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shaved parmesan
- 2 cups baby arugula
- salt + pepper, to taste
Instructions
- 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 broccolini, 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.