Honeycomb Pasta: The TikTok Dish That Is Just As Strange As It Sounds

Before the internet became what it is today, recipes could only be shared through word-of-mouth, written on the back of a notecard, clipped from a cardboard box, or found in a cookbook. And while this worked for a decent amount of time, many recipes followed traditional routes with ordinary ingredients and classic presentations. Now, we have TikTok, where everything is on the table — especially for TikToker Anna Rothfuss.

Rothfuss' reputation online is a unique one. From enclosing herself in a Coca-Cola bath filled with Mentos to waffle-ironing a trio of hot dogs (yes, with the condiments already on), Rothfuss is no stranger to unconventionality. 

One of Rothfuss' go-to items for her self-quoted "Italian" TikTok dishes is string cheese, although many beg to differ over this household ingredient. One video shows Rothfuss dicing up a loaf of bread before stuffing the unusual "pizza" with cheese sticks, pepperoni, and marinara; however, the most unwonted — and unwanted — Italian dish involving an excessive amount of cheese sticks is Rothfuss' honeycomb pasta.

Trypophobics, beware: honeycomb pasta is not for the faint of heart. This dish was posted by Rothfuss in 2021 and has since garnered over 17 million views for its intricate beehive-like design. The video shows Rothfuss inserting mozzarella sticks into vertical rigatoni noodles before layering them separately with sauce, beef, and more cheese. This odd preparation makes the dish appear more like an Italian shepherd's pie or a second attempt at Rachel Green's Thanksgiving Trifle in "Friends."

The unique part is that it is baked and served like a pie. Yes, instead of falling apart or becoming overly crispy like most baked pasta peculiarities (we still remember you, spaghetti pie), these noodles are glued together by the disproportionate amount of cheese within the dish. Still, as strange as honeycomb pasta is, this is not the first time it has been in the limelight. Tasty was the first to walk off the beaten path with their "Cheesy Rigatoni Pie" recipe in 2017. But rather than stuffing whole mozzarella sticks inside each parmesan-covered noodle, Tatsy's recipe leaves them hollow. The result is essentially a lasagna – that is, if the lasagna is baked vertically and resembles a pie or cake. 

"I made this dish, and it's definitely worth trying," commented @norawbass on Tasty's YouTube. "It tastes good, and the presentation is also nice." Unfortunately, Rothfuss' honeycomb pasta did not receive the same positive feedback.

While cheese-stuffed noodles always sound like a good idea, Rothfuss' lack of spices, seasonings, and inclusion of cheese sticks has upset some viewers — particularly those with traditional Italian ties. "My Italian grandmother is spinning in her grave," TikToker Cody Jarrett commented. Others agreed, noting that the string cheese and sauce from a jar are generally unacceptable in many Italian households. "This is an affront to every Italian chef, person, family, and dish ever created," wrote user Jim Cellini. "I wept harder watching this than a humane society ad."

But for every handful of critics, one positive user called out the Invidious Comparison Eating remarks, stating that Rothfuss' dish is fine and budget-friendly. "People complaining but people on budget and full time worker moms say thank you," wrote Angie Vaughn. "Kid friendly, quick, easy, and inexpensive," commented another. With over 33 million people struggling with food security in America, acquiring tasty, filling, and affordable meals is essential. And with honeycomb pasta, these goals can be fulfilled. 

If a springform pan is unavailable, a similar take on honeycomb pasta can be made in a classic bread pan. TikTok user @datenightcooking shows how to make pastitsio, where horizontal rigatoni noodles are layered with a meat sauce and Misko macaroni noodles. A homemade cheese sauce is delicately poured on top before being baked. The finished casserole creates a stacked honeycomb effect that is pleasing for the eyes and the mouth.