Pasta with Lamb

4 to 6 Servings
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Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup chopped onion
  • 2 ounces thinly sliced pancetta, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon chopped rosemary
  • 1/2 pound boneless lamb, cut into 1/2-inch dice
  • Coarse salt
  • Freshly ground pepper
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 1 (28-ounce) can Italian plum tomatoes, coarsely chopped, with their juices
  • 1 pound pappardelle or tagliatelle
  • 1/3 cup freshly grated pecorino Romano cheese, plus more for serving

Directions

  1. Put the oil and onion in a large skillet and cook over moderately high heat, stirring frequently, until the onion is pale gold. Add the pancetta and rosemary and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pancetta fat is rendered; the pancetta should remain soft. Season the diced lamb with salt and pepper, add to the pan and cook until browned, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the wine to deglaze pan and simmer until evaporated, up to 10 minutes. Add the tomatoes and simmer, occasionally stirring , until sauce reduces by 3/4, about 15 minutes.
  2. Meanwhile, fill a large pot with 4 quarts of water and bring to a boil. Add 1 1/2 tablespoons of coarse salt, cover and return to a boil.
  3. Prepare pasta according to package directions.
  4. Drain the pasta and transfer it to a bowl. Add lamb mixture, toss and top with grated cheese. Pass additional cheese at the table.