Description
Honeycomb Pasta Bake whisks Italian comfort into a mesmerizing culinary spectacle. Perfectly nested pasta tubes create a golden, cheesy masterpiece that promises pure deliciousness from first glance to final satisfying bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients:
- 16 ounces (450 grams) manicotti pasta
- 15 ounces (425 grams) ricotta cheese
- 8 ounces (225 grams) mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup (50 grams) parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) marinara sauce
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ shallot, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Binding Ingredient:
- 1 egg
Garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C), positioning the rack in the center for optimal cooking.
- Grate of mozzarella cheese, reserving for topping.
- Boil of salted water in a large pot, then cook pasta for 5 minutes until slightly undercooked.
- Drain pasta and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Carefully slice each noodle in half horizontally to create uniform lengths.
- In a medium mixing bowl, blend ricotta, parmesan, reserved mozzarella, minced garlic, finely chopped shallot, egg, dried oregano, garlic powder, kosher salt, and red pepper flakes until smooth and well-incorporated.
- Transfer the cheese mixture to a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with a corner snipped off for easy filling.
- Lightly coat a 9-inch (23-centimeter) springform pan with non-stick cooking spray. Spread a thin layer of pasta sauce on the bottom.
- Arrange pasta noodles vertically in the pan, creating a honeycomb-like pattern, ensuring they are tightly packed.
- Pipe the prepared cheese mixture into each pasta tube, filling them completely to the top.
- Evenly pour remaining pasta sauce over the filled pasta, covering all noodles.
- Sprinkle the reserved of mozzarella cheese on top for a golden, melted finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Carefully release the springform pan sides.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving, adding a pop of color and fresh herb flavor.
Notes
- Prepare all ingredients before starting to ensure a smooth cooking process.
- Create neat vertical pasta stacks by cutting noodles precisely for a stunning presentation.
- Use a piping bag or ziplock bag with cut corner for easy and even cheese filling distribution.
- Make sure to coat the springform pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure clean removal.
- Slightly undercook pasta initially since it will continue baking in the oven, preventing potential mushiness.
- Garnish with fresh basil just before serving to add a vibrant, aromatic finishing touch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg