Honeycomb Pasta Cake Bake (Print Version)
Rigatoni and creamy ricotta fill this golden baked pasta, finished with rich tomato sauce and melted cheese.
# Components:
→ Pasta
01 - 1 pound rigatoni
→ Cheese Filling
02 - 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
03 - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
04 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
05 - 1 large egg
06 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
→ Sauce
09 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
10 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
11 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
12 - 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
13 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
14 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
15 - 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
16 - 1/2 teaspoon sugar
17 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ To Assemble
18 - 2 tablespoons olive oil, for greasing and brushing
19 - Additional chopped parsley, for garnish
20 - Additional grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush a 9-inch springform pan with olive oil and line the base with parchment paper.
02 - Boil rigatoni in a large pot of salted water until just al dente, about 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain and toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil.
03 - Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook onion until translucent, 3 to 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning as needed.
04 - In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
05 - Arrange cooked rigatoni upright in the prepared pan. Using a piping bag or spoon, fill each piece of rigatoni with cheese mixture.
06 - Pour tomato sauce evenly over the pasta, allowing it to seep between tubes. Sprinkle remaining 1 cup mozzarella over the top.
07 - Cover loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking 15 minutes, until cheese is golden and bubbling.
08 - Let stand 10 minutes before releasing springform pan. Garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan. Slice and serve.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Eye-catching centerpiece for gatherings
- Creamy, cheesy, and satisfying with every bite
02 -
- Rigatoni is ideal because its shape stands upright and holds filling well
- Pasta must be very al dente or it will become too soft while baking
03 -
- Use a piping bag for easy and tidy filling of rigatoni
- Let the cake rest before slicing for neater portions