Hot Honey Meat Lovers Pasta
Spicy, cheesy, loaded with meat, and finished with a heavy-handed hot honey drizzle. The first recipe in my Hot Honey Series and one of the most comforting pasta bakes I’ve made.
Stuck mid-recipe?
Chefadora AI has the answer - timers, swaps, step-by-step help.
Ingredients
rigatoni, cavatappi, or penne1lb
links hot Italian sausage (casings removed)4
pepperoni slices1/2cup
yellow or white onion, diced1/2
garlic, minced3clove
marinara or your favorite red sauce24oz
ricotta cheese1cup
shredded mozzarella2cups
grated parmesan1/2cup
fresh parsley
red chili flakes1/2tsp
Italian seasoning2tbsp
salt & pepper
hot honey6tbsp
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
610.0kcal (30.5%)
Protein
28.3g (56.66%)
Carbs
58.3g (21.21%)
Sugars
8.3g (16.66%)
Healthy Fat
11.8g
Unhealthy Fat
13.5g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
How to make Hot Honey Meat Lovers Pasta
- Step 1
Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Step 2
Remove sausage from casings and brown in a hot pan.
- Step 3
Add diced onion, garlic, chili flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until softened.
- Step 4
Boil pasta in salted water until just under al dente. Drain.
- Step 5
Add marinara to the sausage mixture and simmer for 8–10 minutes.
- Step 6
Stir in ½ cup ricotta and 3 tbsp hot honey. Mix well.
- Step 7
In a greased baking dish, layer pasta, dollops of ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, pepperoni, and parsley. Repeat layers.
- Step 8
Top with more cheese and pepperoni.
- Step 9
Bake uncovered for 16-18 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Step 10
Drizzle with hot honey and finish with fresh herbs. Serve hot.
Nutrition (per serving)
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
610.0kcal (30.5%)
Protein
28.3g (56.66%)
Carbs
58.3g (21.21%)
Sugars
8.3g (16.66%)
Healthy Fat
11.8g
Unhealthy Fat
13.5g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
Tips & Tricks
For extra spice, add more red chili flakes or use spicy marinara sauce.
Let the pasta rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the layers to set.
Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture.
FAQS
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or cavatappi for this recipe.
What is hot honey, and where can I find it?
Hot honey is honey infused with chili peppers. You can find it in most grocery stores or make your own by mixing honey with chili flakes.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it. Bake it just before serving.
Can I substitute ricotta cheese?
Yes, you can use cottage cheese or mascarpone as a substitute for ricotta.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled dish before baking. Thaw it in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
Loading reviews...
Carly's Cookbook
(@carlyscookbook)
I’ve got your dinner plans! 🍋healthy(ish), simple recipes for every home cook I’ve got your dinner plans! 🍋healthy(ish), simple recipes for every home cook...
Marnirni-apinthi Building, Lot Fourteen,
North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, 5000
Australia