Lamb Lemon and Olive Pasta
Discover the magic of Mediterranean flavors with this vibrant Lamb Lemon and Olive Pasta recipe! Featuring tender, savory ground lamb paired with the bright citrusy zing of fresh lemon zest and juice, this dish is a feast for the senses. Sliced green olives add a briny kick, while minced garlic and red pepper flakes infuse the sauce with warmth and depth. Tossed with perfectly al dente spaghetti and finished with a sprinkle of nutty Parmesan and fresh parsley, this quick yet sophisticated pasta is ready in just 35 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, this recipe is a harmonious blend of rich and refreshing flavors, tied together with a silky, olive oil-based sauce. Try it today for a Mediterranean-inspired culinary adventure!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti (or other long pasta)
- 1 lb ground lamb
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 pieces garlic cloves, minced
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 cup pitted green olives, sliced
- 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the ground lamb to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet with the lamb. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and sliced green olives. Cook for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste.
Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the lamb mixture. Toss to combine, adding some reserved pasta water a little at a time to create a light, glossy sauce.
Stir in the chopped parsley and half of the Parmesan cheese. Toss until evenly distributed.
Remove the skillet from heat and divide the pasta among serving bowls.
Garnish each bowl with the remaining Parmesan cheese and an additional sprinkle of parsley, if desired.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2473 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 152.3 g | 195% | |
| Saturated Fat | 52.4 g | 262% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 6.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 475 mg | 158% | |
| Sodium | 6748 mg | 293% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 126.5 g | 46% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.8 g | 49% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.8 g | ||
| Protein | 152.5 g | 305% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.5 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 817 mg | 63% | |
| Iron | 17.2 mg | 96% | |
| Potassium | 2372 mg | 50% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
