Viral Honeycomb Pasta with Pesto Bechamel and Sausage Ragu

Ingredients

• 1.5 lb rigatoni pasta (cooked al dente; use only intact tubes)
• 2 cup pesto garlic bechamel sauce (homemade cream sauce with pesto and garlic)
• 3 cup sausage ragu (made with Italian sausage and red pepper flakes)
• 2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided for border and top)

Steps

1. 1

   Cook the rigatoni in salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside, ensuring you select only the tubes that are not broken or 'busted'.

2. 2

   In a springform pan, stand the rigatoni tubes upright, packed tightly together to create a honeycomb pattern across the entire base of the pan.

3. 3

   Prepare a pesto garlic bechamel cream sauce. Slowly pour the sauce over the upright pasta, using a spoon or spatula to encourage the sauce to fill the inside of each tube.

4. 4

   Spread a layer of sausage ragu (prepared with Italian sausage and red pepper flakes) over the top of the bechamel-filled pasta. Use enough to cover the surface, though some will naturally sink into the tubes.

5. 5

   Cover the springform pan tightly with aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet to catch any potential leaks.

6. 6

   Bake in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 15 minutes.

7. 7

   Remove the foil. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese around the edges to create a border and then across the top of the ragu.

8. 8

   Return to the 400°F (200°C) oven for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

9. 9

   Remove from the oven and let the pasta rest for 15 minutes. This rest period is crucial for the structure to set so the 'soldiers' stay standing when the pan is removed.

10. 10

    Carefully release the springform latch and lift the ring away. Slice into wedges and serve.

Notes

The creator emphasizes the importance of the pesto bechamel sauce for flavor. If you have leftover ragu, it can be frozen or served on toasted focaccia with fresh mozzarella. The 15-minute rest time is mandatory to prevent the pasta tower from collapsing immediately upon release.

Nutrition per serving

• main course
• pasta
• baked
• viral recipe
• honeycomb pasta
• dinner
• cheesy