This riff on spaghetti and meatballs uses rice-shaped pasta, ground lamb, and tangy feta cheese—a fitting complement to the spiced lamb. To make ahead, brown the meatballs, freeze on a tray, and store in a zip-top bag for up to one month thaw and cook any time you feel you need a sweet taste of pasta with meatballs 

How to Make It

Step 1

Preheat oven to 375°.

Step 2

Cook orzo according to package directions; drain. Keep warm.

Step 3

Combine breadcrumbs and next 6 ingredients (through garlic) in a medium bowl; stir in 1 1/2 tablespoons parsley. Add egg whites, stirring mixture until just combined. Shape mixture into 12 (1-inch) meatballs; cover and chill meatballs 5 minutes.

Step 4

Heat oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add meatballs to pan; cook 8 minutes, turning to brown on all sides. Drain well; wipe pan clean with paper towels. Return meatballs to pan. Spoon marinara sauce over meatballs; sprinkle with cheese. Bake at 375° for 11 minutes or until meatballs are done. Sprinkle with remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons parsley. Serve over orzo.

Ingredients

2 cups hot cooked orzo
1/3 cup plain dry breadcrumbs
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 pound lean ground lamb
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, divided
2 large egg whites
1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil
2 cups jarred marinara sauce
3/4 cup (3 ounces) crumbled feta cheese



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