Baked Penne with Minced Lamb, Creamy Cheese Sauce, and Parsley

Here’s a delicious Baked Penne with Minced Lamb, Creamy Cheese Sauce, and Parsley, scaled for two servings. It’s hearty, comforting, and full of flavor—ideal for a cozy dinner.

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Baked Penne with Minced Lamb & Creamy Cheese Sauce (Serves 2)

Times

• Preparation time: 15 minutes

• Cooking time: 35 minutes

• Total time: ~50 minutes

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Equipment Needed

• Medium saucepan

• Large frying pan or skillet

• Ovenproof baking dish (~1-liter capacity)

• Whisk

• Wooden spoon or spatula

• Cheese grater

• Chopping board and knife

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Ingredients

For the Pasta & Lamb

• 150g dried penne pasta

• 200g minced lamb

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional, adds warmth)

• Salt & black pepper to taste

• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Creamy Cheese Sauce

• 1.5 tbsp unsalted butter

• 1.5 tbsp plain flour

• 300ml whole milk

• 60g grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)

• Salt & pepper to taste

• Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

Topping

• 1 tbsp grated cheese (reserved)

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

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Preparation

1. Preheat oven

• Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) or 170°C fan (340°F).

2. Cook the pasta

• Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.

• Cook the penne for 2 minutes less than the package suggests (it will finish cooking in the oven).

• Drain and set aside.

3. Cook the lamb

• In a frying pan over medium heat, add olive oil.

• Sauté the onion and garlic until soft (about 3–4 minutes).

• Add minced lamb, cook until browned (6–8 minutes), breaking it up with a spoon.

• Season with salt, pepper, and cinnamon (if using).

• Set aside.

4. Make the creamy cheese sauce

• In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.

• Whisk in the flour to form a smooth roux. Cook for 1 minute.

• Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.

• Simmer for 3–4 minutes until thickened.

• Stir in grated cheese, nutmeg (if using), and season to taste.

5. Combine and assemble

• In a large bowl or directly in the baking dish, combine:

  • Cooked penne

  • Minced lamb mixture

  • Half of the cheese sauce

• Mix gently to coat.

• Pour the remaining cheese sauce on top.

• Sprinkle with reserved cheese and chopped parsley.

6. Bake

• Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.

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To Serve

• Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

• Optional: Serve with a green salad or crusty bread.

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Approximate Nutritional Data (Per Serving)

(Values will vary depending on exact ingredients used.)