Bee-licious Honeycomb Pasta Bake Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Sink your fork into a bubbling honeycomb pasta bake that promises pure comfort on a plate.

Golden, cheesy layers melt together in a mesmerizing pattern that captures every foodie’s attention.

pasta enthusiasts will love how this dish creates an impressive visual feast with minimal effort.

The intricate honeycomb design isn’t just about looks—it’s a delicious strategy for maximum sauce and cheese coverage.

Crispy edges, creamy center, and a perfectly balanced blend of flavors make this recipe a weeknight dinner champion.

Rich, indulgent, and surprisingly simple to assemble, this pasta bake will become your new go-to meal that sparks excitement around the dinner table.

Get ready to impress with a dish that turns ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Tools for Assembling Honeycomb Pasta Bake

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining cheese and herbs.
• Piping bag or ziplock bag: Essential for evenly filling pasta tubes.
• 9: Crucial for creating the honeycomb pasta bake structure.
• Sharp knife: Needed to slice pasta noodles in half.
• Cheese grater: Great for shredding fresh mozzarella.
• Measuring cups: Helps measure precise ingredients.
• Colander: Useful for draining and rinsing pasta.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for ingredient prep.

How to Cook Honeycomb Pasta Bake

• Pasta Preparation

Select a type of tubular pasta and cook until slightly undercooked. Slice each noodle precisely in half to create uniform lengths for a beautiful presentation.

• Cheese Mixture

Blend creamy ricotta with grated parmesan, minced aromatics, herbs, and a binding egg. The mixture should have a smooth, rich consistency that promises delicious flavor.

• Pan Setup

Select a springform pan and lightly coat with cooking spray. Create a thin sauce base layer to prevent sticking and add depth to the final dish.

• Pasta Assembly

Arrange pasta noodles vertically in a precise, tightly packed pattern. Carefully pipe the cheese mixture into each pasta tube, ensuring complete filling.

• Sauce and Topping

Generously drench the pasta with marinara sauce, allowing it to seep between the noodles. Sprinkle additional cheese on top for a golden, melted finish.

• Baking

Place the constructed pasta bake in a preheated oven. Bake until the top turns golden and the edges become crispy, creating a stunning centerpiece.

• Presentation

Remove the pan’s outer ring and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately while the cheese is hot and bubbling.

Flavor Tips for Honeycomb Pasta Bake

• Explore Delicious Twists and Pro Tips
• Replace traditional mozzarella with fontina, gruyere, or a spicy pepper jack for unexpected flavor adventures.
• Fold in cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or shredded rotisserie chicken into the cheese mixture for a heartier meal that satisfies hardcore meat lovers.
• Enhance nutrition by mixing roasted zucchini, spinach, or caramelized bell peppers into the cheese filling for extra texture and color.
• Assemble the entire pasta bake up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Remove from fridge 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking and perfect temperature.

Honeycomb Pasta Serving Suggestions

• Serve with Fresh Salad: Complement the rich, cheesy pasta bake with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the heaviness of the dish.
• Pair with Crusty Bread: Grab a slice of warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce and add a satisfying crunch to your meal.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Enhance the flavors with a glass of medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese, which beautifully matches the tomato sauce and cheese.
• Garnish with Herb Sprinkle: Add a final touch of freshness by scattering chopped parsley or extra basil leaves on top, bringing a vibrant pop of color and aroma to the dish.

Storing Honeycomb Pasta the Right Way

• Maximize Meal Prep: Mix filling and cook pasta one day ahead, storing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for quick assembly.
• Refrigerate Smartly: Store leftover honeycomb pasta bake in sealed containers for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor retention.
• Freeze with Ease: Wrap individual portions or entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, keeping frozen meals good for 2-3 weeks. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat Perfectly: Warm individual servings in microwave for 2-3 minutes or restore entire dish's crispy texture by baking at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive browning.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 470 kcal

Servings: 7

What’s in Honeycomb Pasta Bake

• Rigatoni Pasta: Sturdy tube-shaped pasta perfect for creating impressive honeycomb structure, choose high-quality Italian pasta for best texture and hold.

• Ricotta Cheese, Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy blend providing rich, velvety filling with layers of tangy and melty goodness, select fresh, high-moisture ricotta for smoothest consistency.
• Egg: Binding agent that helps cheese mixture set firmly and creates structural integrity.

• Garlic, Shallot: Aromatic foundations adding deep, savory undertones, choose fresh cloves for most vibrant flavor profile.
• Oregano, Garlic Powder, Red Pepper Flakes: Herbal and spicy notes that elevate overall taste, opt for dried herbs with intense fragrance.
• Salt: Essential flavor amplifier, use sea salt or kosher salt for balanced seasoning.

• Pasta Sauce: Provides moisture and additional flavor, select robust marinara or tomato-based sauce.
• Non-stick Cooking Spray: Ensures easy pan release and prevents sticking.
• Fresh Basil: Bright, herbaceous garnish that adds fresh final touch.

Golden Honeycomb Pasta Bake Recipe

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Honeycomb pasta bake brings Italian comfort to dinner tables with layered elegance. Creamy cheeses, rich marinara, and crisp pasta edges combine for a memorable meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 16 oz (450 g) manicotti pasta
• 15 oz (425 g) ricotta cheese
• 8 oz (225 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 cups (480 ml) marinara sauce
• ½ cup (50 g) parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 egg
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ shallot, minced (about 1 tbsp)
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• Fresh basil leaves

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Position oven rack centrally and preheat to 375°F (190°C) while gathering all ingredients and equipment.
2. Pasta Foundation: Cook pasta in generously salted water for 5 minutes until slightly firm, then drain and rinse with cold water to halt cooking process. Slice noodles horizontally to create uniform lengths.
3. Cheese Mixture Creation: Thoroughly blend ricotta, parmesan, mozzarella, garlic, shallot, egg, oregano, garlic powder, kosher salt, and red pepper flakes into a smooth, well-integrated filling. Transfer mixture to a piping bag or sealed plastic bag with a trimmed corner.
4. Pan Assembly: Coat a 9-inch springform pan with non-stick spray, spreading a thin pasta sauce layer on the bottom. Carefully arrange pasta noodles vertically in a tight, honeycomb-like configuration.
5. Filling and Sauce: Pipe cheese mixture completely into each pasta tube, ensuring thorough coverage. Pour remaining pasta sauce over noodles, creating an even, saturated layer. Generously sprinkle reserved mozzarella across the top.
6. Baking and Finishing: Bake for 20 minutes until cheese melts and turns golden. Allow 5 minutes of resting time after removing from oven. Gently release springform pan sides and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

• Prep Pasta Precisely: Slightly undercook pasta to prevent mushiness during baking, ensuring perfect texture when fully cooked.
• Pack Noodles Tightly: Arrange pasta vertically with minimal gaps to create a stable honeycomb structure that holds the cheese filling.
• Fill Completely: Pipe cheese mixture thoroughly into each pasta tube, avoiding air pockets for a consistent, creamy result.
• Customize Seasonings: Adjust red pepper flakes and garlic levels to match personal taste preferences without compromising the recipe’s core flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 470
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 21 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg