• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Forks and Folly

Food. Fun. Fun with your Food.

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

  • Home
  • About
  • Food
  • Folly
    • Crafting
    • Decor
    • Fitness
    • Lifestyle
  • F&F Series
    • Kitchen Stories
    • 52 Weeks of Sweets
    • F&F Around the World
  • Collaborate
  • Contact

May 1, 2017 F&F Featured Posts

Spring Pasta Verticale: Weekend Cooking Recipe

Ready for a lazy day in the kitchen whipping up a divine comfort food recipe?  Meet Spring Pasta Verticale (or honeycomb pasta as the cool kids would call it) – a grown-up version of mac ‘n cheese – oversized Paccheri pasta filled with cheese, bacon and spring veggies.  

Ready for a lazy day in the kitchen whipping up a divine comfort food recipe? Meet Spring Pasta Verticale - a grown-up version of mac 'n cheese - oversized Paccheri pasta filled with cheese, bacon and spring veggies.

On this blog, I almost always share recipes that are easy. Super quick. And amazing.  The recipe I’m sharing today is definitely amazing and relatively easy to make.  But quick it is not.  Let’s call this Spring Pasta Verticale perfect for Weekend Cooking.  Maybe you’re entertaining, maybe it’s just a lazy day.  You feel like spending a little quiet time in the kitchen making something fabulous.  If that’s the case, this recipe is for you.

Ready for a lazy day in the kitchen whipping up a divine comfort food recipe? Meet Spring Pasta Verticale - a grown-up version of mac 'n cheese - oversized Paccheri pasta filled with cheese, bacon and spring veggies.

What exactly is a pasta verticale?  Besides perfection?  It just means that we’re layering the noodles vertically… the ideal position for pouring in the sauce and letting the cheese drip down into every piece of pasta.  And, if like me, you go for the crunchy bits of a casserole, this ensures that every noodle gets that perfect golden crust.  Worth every minute of laying down the pasta noodle by noodle.

Spring Pasta Verticale (aka Honeycomb Pasta)

Ready for a lazy day in the kitchen whipping up a divine comfort food recipe? Meet Spring Pasta Verticale - a grown-up version of mac 'n cheese - oversized Paccheri pasta filled with cheese, bacon and spring veggies.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook noodles until just tender (about 3 minutes less than cooked through).  Drain, lightly drizzle with olive oil and set aside.  I do this in a colander that sits over the cooking pot so that it doesn’t make a mess on my countertops.

Ready for a lazy day in the kitchen whipping up a divine comfort food recipe? Meet Spring Pasta Verticale - a grown-up version of mac 'n cheese - oversized Paccheri pasta filled with cheese, bacon and spring veggies.

In a large skillet, cook bacon until golden.  Drain bacon crumbles on paper towels and remove all but two tablespoons of bacon grease.

Ready for a lazy day in the kitchen whipping up a divine comfort food recipe? Meet Spring Pasta Verticale - a grown-up version of mac 'n cheese - oversized Paccheri pasta filled with cheese, bacon and spring veggies.

Return the skillet to medium heat and add the chopped spring onions.  Stir occasionally, and once translucent (about 5 minutes) add the garlic.  Cook until fragrant, then add the spinach.  Stir until the veggies are all mixed together well.

Ready for a lazy day in the kitchen whipping up a divine comfort food recipe? Meet Spring Pasta Verticale - a grown-up version of mac 'n cheese - oversized Paccheri pasta filled with cheese, bacon and spring veggies.

Add the broth and cream cheese, stirring until smooth.  Add in the heavy cream and bacon crumbles and remove from heat.

Pour half of the veggie mixture into the bottom of the cast iron skillet.  Dollop half of the ricotta cheese over top.

Ready for a lazy day in the kitchen whipping up a divine comfort food recipe? Meet Spring Pasta Verticale - a grown-up version of mac 'n cheese - oversized Paccheri pasta filled with cheese, bacon and spring veggies.

Begin to layer the noodles upright until you fill up the cast iron skillet.  You want enough space that sauce can drizzle between and through the noodles, but you don’t want too much space that the noodles can fall over.

Ready for a lazy day in the kitchen whipping up a divine comfort food recipe? Meet Spring Pasta Verticale - a grown-up version of mac 'n cheese - oversized Paccheri pasta filled with cheese, bacon and spring veggies.

Once filled, pour the remaining sauce over top.  If you’re in a generous mood, pour a little more heavy cream over the noodles and sauce.

Ready for a lazy day in the kitchen whipping up a divine comfort food recipe? Meet Spring Pasta Verticale - a grown-up version of mac 'n cheese - oversized Paccheri pasta filled with cheese, bacon and spring veggies.

Then, dollop the remaining ricotta cheese over the sauce, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Bake for 35-45 minutes – until golden and bubbly.

Take a few peeks in the oven to see how things are cooking up…. it smells fantastic!!!!!

Ready for a lazy day in the kitchen whipping up a divine comfort food recipe? Meet Spring Pasta Verticale - a grown-up version of mac 'n cheese - oversized Paccheri pasta filled with cheese, bacon and spring veggies.

Once you’ve reached pasta-perfection, allow the Spring Pasta Verticale to cool 5-10 minutes before serving.

Ready for a lazy day in the kitchen whipping up a divine comfort food recipe? Meet Spring Pasta Verticale - a grown-up version of mac 'n cheese - oversized Paccheri pasta filled with cheese, bacon and spring veggies.

Spring Pasta Verticale

Yield: 6-8 servings

Ready for a lazy day in the kitchen whipping up a divine comfort food recipe?  Meet Spring Pasta Verticale - a grown-up version of mac 'n cheese - oversized Paccheri pasta filled with cheese, bacon and spring veggies.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds Paccheri pasta (or less depending on the size of your cast iron skillet.  You could also use a large rigatoni pasta)
  • 12 oz. thick-cut bacon, thinly sliced
  • 3 large spring onions (or one bunch of scallions), chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 9 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed of excess liquid
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken stock
  • 1/2 cup (or more to taste) heavy cream
  • 1 1/4 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.  Coat a large cast iron skillet with cooking spray and set aside.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook noodles until just tender (about 3 minutes less than cooked through).  Drain, lightly drizzle with olive oil and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, cook bacon until golden.  Drain bacon crumbles on paper towels and remove all but two tablespoons of bacon grease.  Return to medium heat and add the chopped spring onions.
  4. Stir occasionally, and once translucent (about 5 minutes) add the garlic.  Cook until fragrant, then add the spinach.  Stir until the veggies are all mixed together well.  
  5. Add the broth and cream cheese, stirring until smooth.  Add in the heavy cream and bacon crumbles and remove from heat.  
  6. Pour half of the veggie mixture into the bottom of the cast iron skillet.  Dollop half of the ricotta cheese over top.
  7. Begin to layer the noodles upright until you fill up the cast iron skillet.  You want enough space that sauce can drizzle between and through the noodles, but you don't want too much space that the noodles can fall over.
  8. Once filled, pour the remaining sauce over top.  If you're in a generous mood, pour a little more heavy cream over the noodles ands sauce.  Then, dollop the remaining ricotta cheese over the sauce, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
  9. Bake for 35-45 minutes - until golden and bubbly.  Allow to cool 5-10 minutes before serving.  
© Katie

Pin me!

Ready for a lazy day in the kitchen whipping up a divine comfort food recipe? Meet Spring Pasta Verticale - a grown-up version of mac 'n cheese - oversized Paccheri pasta filled with cheese, bacon and spring veggies.

 

More from my site

  • Southern Cookin': Salmon Stew from DeniseSouthern Cookin': Salmon Stew from Denise
  • The Last Hurrah – Thanksgiving LeftoversThe Last Hurrah – Thanksgiving Leftovers
  • Got Milk? Shakes?
  • Is your name on the list? Giveaway winners announced!

Categories: F&F Featured Posts

About Katie

Katie Harding has been blogging since 2010. What originally started out as a platform to discuss new parenthood, her blogging now focuses on her passion for cooking: creating recipes and sharing tips for entertaining friends and family of all ages. Outside of the kitchen you’ll find her with her family (three boys, one husband, multiple exchange student daughters, and Hank the pup), or gallivanting around the world with her fork in tow.

Subscribe & Receive my Free "Cook Once, Eat Twice" Cookbook

Load up on new recipes, exclusive goodies + more. I pinky promise to keep it awesome! We don't do spam.

Previous Post: « One Pot Pasta with Sausage & Basil
Next Post: Secret Ingredient Carrot Fries Recipe »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Welcome!

Welcome to Forks and Folly! It's time to have some fun in the kitchen. Forks and Folly is about enjoying the process of cooking and entertaining. No complicated recipes. No stress. It's back to basics with easy, make ahead food, and fabulous hosting tips.

In addition to contributions on this blog, you'll find me behind the scenes working with my favorite brands through my marketing agency b2k Media Marketing.

Have a question or want to work with me? Drop me an email anytime.

♥, Katie

Subscribe & Receive my Free “Cook Once, Eat Twice” Cookbook.

Load up on new recipes, exclusive goodies + more. I pinky promise to keep it awesome! We don't do spam.

Search

What’s for Dinner?

Chili Crisp Yakisoba - Pan fried noodles with bok choy and chili crisp fried egg.

How to Make Chili Crisp for the best ever Pan Fried Yakisoba

Popular Posts

Freezer-Friendly Pancake Muffins Recipe
DIY Pup Paw Salt Dough Ornaments
Hibachi-Style Sesame Ginger Zucchini
Soul-Warming Mushroom and Wild Rice Soup
Yummy Thai Peanut Veggie Rice Bowls
Lemon Springerle Cookies: #52WeeksofSweets, Week 30
Make This: Cranberry Spiced Holiday Punch
Sparkling Cranberry Ginger Cocktail Recipe for your Holiday Gathering

Party Time!

The 'Winter in the South' Coffee Cocktail will warm up your hands and your soul this holiday season.  Easy to make and requiring just a few ingredients, this warm coffee cocktail will keep the party going on cool winter evenings.

Winter in the South, a Southern Coffee Cocktail

Find me on Instagram

Who knew we all would look so fabulous in hair net Who knew we all would look so fabulous in hair nets? Awesome afternoon volunteering with @nochildhungry_ to support #hurricanehelene relief in WNC. ❤️
Another #vegansupper win! Perfect for cooler night Another #vegansupper win! Perfect for cooler nights (we'll get those eventually, right?), a creamy vegan parm sauce is folded into baked barley and shiitake 🍄 

Topped with arugula dressed with EVOO and lemon. 💯🎉❤️
Back to school photo time! 4th, 8th, 11th grades.. Back to school photo time! 4th, 8th, 11th grades... plus back to school brunch & a little porch sitting with #hankharding waiting for the 🚌
Me: I think I’m good on travel for a bit. Jon: Me: I think I’m good on travel for a bit.

Jon: I have to go to New York for a work meeting on Monday.  Wanna come?

Me: Obviously.

📷 recap:
1: @flyblade transport to the city
2: Views from our ride
3: First night show, Oh Mary
4: Inside the Lyceum Theater
5: Art along the High Line
6: Observation deck at @EdgeNYC
7: Down on the ground, looking up at the observation deck
8: View from the top of the Edge, Hudson Yards
9: ✔️ Bucket List item checked off, dinner at @elevenmadisonpark 
10: ✔️✔️Double check when we got invited for a private wine cellar tour with a bottle of champagne  #dreamsdocometrue
11: Last day lunch @jajajamexicana (#veganmexican)
12: Plant based nachos = the only way to move past the world’s best dinner the night before
Follow on Instagram
logo
Food Advertising by

Grab a Badge

Forks & Folly
Forks & Folly

Forks and Folly © 2025 · Privacy Statement · Built with and Genesis Framework by Bellano Web Studio