Rigatoni with Lamb Ragu

  • Level: Easy
  • Yield: 4 to 6 servings
  • Total: 3 hr 30 min
  • Active: 45 min
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Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

4 pounds lamb shanks

1 6-ounce can roasted garlic-flavored tomato paste 

Kosher salt

1 pound mezzi rigatoni

1/2 cup chopped fresh mint, plus more for topping

Grated zest of 1/2 lemon, plus more for topping

Freshly ground pepper

Directions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add half of the lamb and cook, turning, until browned, 8 to 10 minutes; remove to a plate. Repeat with the remaining lamb; remove to the plate.
  2. Add the tomato paste to the pot and cook, stirring, until well combined, about 1 minute. Add 6 cups water and 1 teaspoon salt, then return the lamb to the pot. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the meat is very tender and falling off the bones, 2 to 2 1/2 hours.
  3. Remove the lamb using tongs and transfer to a large bowl. Shred the meat, discarding the bones and excess fat, then return the meat to the pot. Simmer, uncovered and stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens, 45 to 60 minutes.
  4. Meanwhile, bring a separate large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook as the label directs. Reserve 1 cup cooking water, then drain.
  5. Add the pasta and 1/2 cup reserved cooking water to the sauce. Cook, stirring, until coated, about 1 minute, adding more pasta water as needed to loosen. Remove from the heat and stir in the mint and lemon zest; season with salt and pepper. Divide among bowls and top with more mint and lemon zest.

Let's Get Cooking!

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kscopesmom

This is absolutely delicious!!  I decided that the pasta added nothing to the taste of this dish and instead serve it over mashed potatoes.  My family raved about it and I am making it again tomorrow (3rd time).   I double the recipe because you will definitely want more……and it’s even better the next day!!!

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