Got leftover roast lamb sitting in the fridge? Don’t let it go to waste. This leftover lamb pasta recipe is a brilliant way to turn Sunday’s roast into a quick, comforting midweek dinner that the whole family will enjoy. It comes together in under 20 minutes and needs just a handful of store-cupboard ingredients.
Ingredients
- 200g pasta of your choice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, chopped finely
- Leftover lamb meat, finely shredded
- 5 cream crackers, crumbled (if you’re based in the US, Graham Crackers work well here)
- 1 cup of peas (frozen or leftover from the day before)
- 1 teaspoon mint sauce (optional)
- 1 fresh chilli, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method
1. Bring a large pot of water to the boil and cook your pasta according to the timing on the packet. Most pasta takes around 8–10 minutes, which is about the time it takes to prepare the sauce.
2. In a wide, deep saucepan or frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic, crumbled crackers and shredded lamb. Stir well until everything begins to brown. Lower the heat, add the peas and coat them in the sauce. If you’re using mint sauce to bring out the lamb flavour, stir it in now.
3. Drain the cooked pasta and add it straight into the pan with the sauce. Stir until the pasta is completely coated in the crumbly cracker, garlic and lamb mixture.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve topped with chopped fresh chilli.
This dish is lovely with a fresh green salad, roasted cherry tomatoes, or a slice of garlic bread on the side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use leftover lamb from any roast, not just Easter?
Yes. This recipe works with leftovers from any lamb roast, whether it’s a Sunday dinner, a celebration meal, or a barbecue joint of lamb. Any well-cooked, shredded lamb will do.
Can I freeze this pasta dish?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, as pasta can change texture after freezing and thawing. If you do have leftovers, they’ll keep in the fridge in an airtight container for a day or two and reheat well on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water.
What can I use instead of cream crackers?
Any plain, crumbly cracker works well here. Digestive biscuits or wholemeal crackers can also be used if that’s what you have to hand.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, though you may want to leave the fresh chilli out of the portions for younger children and let adults add it to their own bowls instead.
Can I use leftover chicken or beef instead of lamb?
Absolutely. The method works well with most leftover roast meats, so feel free to swap in shredded chicken, beef or turkey if that’s what you have on hand.
Related Reading
If you enjoyed this, you might also like our Slow Roast Leg of Lamb recipe, perfect for your next Sunday roast (and for stocking up on leftovers for this pasta dish).
Looking for More Family Dinner Ideas?
Browse our other quick and easy family recipes for more simple ways to turn leftovers into a proper meal the kids will actually eat.
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