Imagine a dish that combines the rich, succulent flavors of ground lamb with the delicate freshness of zucchini and the aromatic punch of rosemary - all nestled perfectly over a bed of perfectly cooked pasta. This isn't just another weeknight meal; this is a culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 lb ground lamb
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground lamb and break it into small crumbles using a wooden spoon.
- Cook lamb until browned and no pink remains, approximately 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Add minced garlic and chopped rosemary to the lamb. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until garlic becomes fragrant but not burnt.
- Add sliced zucchini to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender but still maintaining some crispness.
- Pour chicken broth into the skillet, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to enhance flavor.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer the mixture for 5-6 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly.
- Add drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine all ingredients. If mixture seems dry, add reserved pasta water.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnishing each portion with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- Always reserve some pasta water before draining - its starchy magic helps create a silky sauce and helps ingredients bind together seamlessly.
- For maximum flavor, ensure your lamb is browned deeply - those caramelized bits create incredible depth in your dish.
- Don't overcook the zucchini - you want it tender-crisp to maintain texture and prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Fresh rosemary is key - dried herbs can't compare to the vibrant flavor of freshly chopped rosemary.
- Grate your Parmesan cheese fresh right before serving for the most intense, nutty flavor that will elevate the entire dish.Pro tip: Let the pasta rest in the skillet for a minute after combining to allow all those delicious flavors to meld together perfectly!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 480kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 95mg
