Penne Pasta with Lamb and Feta Cheese

Prep Time: 25 min

Cook Time: 45 min

Total Time: 1 hr 10 min

Servings: 6

RECIPE INGREDIENTS

  • 1/2 cup Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oil, divided
  • 1 lb leg of lamb, cleaned and cubed
  • 2 1/2 lb cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 3 tbsp chopped fresh basil
  • 1 lb penne pasta
  • 1/2 cup halved pitted Kalamata olives or other brine-cured black olives
  • 6 oz feta cheese, crumbled (about 1 1/4 cups)
  • 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted

RECIPE DIRECTIONS

    • Preheat oven to 375°F. Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in large saucepan set over high heat; sear lamb, reserving olive oil.
    • Combine tomatoes, remaining olive oil, garlic, vinegar, and red pepper flakes in large baking dish. Add lamb, along with about 2 tbsp of reserved olive oil. Toss and season with salt and pepper. Bake, stirring occasionally, for 35 minutes or until lamb is cooked through and tomatoes are tender and juicy. Stir in basil. Remove from oven and let stand at room temperature (can be prepared up to 1 hour in advance.)
    • Cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water according to package directions; drain and return to pot. Stir in lamb mixture and olives; cook over medium heat for 2 minutes or until heated through. Stir in feta cheese; cook for 2 minutes or until melted and creamy. Divide pasta among 6 plates; sprinkle with walnuts.

     

    Tip: If desired, you can substitute lamb stew meat for lamb shoulder.

     

    Recipe provided by Chef Jim Coleman