Crock Pot Baked Ziti Recipe

Introduction

Crock Pot Baked Ziti is a comforting, hands-off meal perfect for busy days or cozy dinners. This slow cooker version combines layers of uncooked pasta, rich tomato sauce, and creamy cheese for an easy, flavorful dish that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 2 (25 ounce) jars of pasta sauce
• 15 ounces tomato sauce
• 1 pound uncooked penne pasta
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 2 eggs
• 1/3 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 2 cups parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, eggs, and chopped fresh basil. Stir well until fully mixed.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mix both jars of pasta sauce with the tomato sauce until combined.
3. Step 3: Grate the parmesan cheese and set it aside.
4. Step 4: Grease the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker to prevent sticking.
5. Step 5: Pour about 2 1/3 cups of the pasta sauce mixture into the bottom of the slow cooker.
6. Step 6: Divide the uncooked penne into three equal parts. Add one third of the pasta over the sauce layer.
7. Step 7: Spoon half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta and spread evenly.
8. Step 8: Sprinkle half of the parmesan cheese (1 cup) over the ricotta layer.
9. Step 9: Add another 2 1/3 cups of sauce mixture on top.
10. Step 10: Add the second third of the uncooked penne pasta.
11. Step 11: Dot on the remaining ricotta mixture and spread out evenly.
12. Step 12: Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese (1 cup) on top.
13. Step 13: Add the final third of the uncooked penne pasta.
14. Step 14: Pour the last 2 1/3 cups of sauce mixture over the pasta.
15. Step 15: Cover and cook on high for 2 to 3 hours, or until the pasta is al dente; about 2.5 hours is ideal.
16. Step 16: During the last 15–30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top and let it melt.
17. Step 17: Serve warm, optionally topped with red pepper flakes and accompanied by garlic bread and a side salad.

Tips & Variations

• Measure the pasta into thirds before assembling to ensure even cooking throughout.
• For added flavor, stir some red pepper flakes into the ricotta mixture before layering.
• Use fresh mozzarella instead of shredded for a creamier topping.
• Vegetables like spinach or mushrooms can be added between layers for extra nutrition.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or covered in the oven until warmed through. To keep baked ziti moist, add a splash of water or extra sauce when reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use cooked pasta instead of uncooked pasta in this recipe?

It’s best to use uncooked pasta as the slow cooker softens it perfectly while absorbing flavors. Using cooked pasta may result in a mushy texture.

What size slow cooker works best for this recipe?

A 6-quart slow cooker is ideal to accommodate the layers and allow the pasta to cook evenly. Smaller slow cookers may overflow or not cook the pasta through.

Crock Pot Baked Ziti Recipe

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4.6 from 108 reviews

This Crock Pot Baked Ziti is a comforting and easy slow cooker meal that layers uncooked penne pasta with a rich blend of ricotta, parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses, all smothered in a flavorful tomato sauce. Perfect for busy days, this dish requires minimal prep and delivers a cheesy, hearty dinner with the convenience of a slow cooker.

• Author: Natalie
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

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Sauce

• 2 (25 ounce) jars of pasta sauce
• 15 ounces tomato sauce

Pasta

• 1 pound uncooked penne pasta

Cheese Mixture

• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 2 eggs
• 1/3 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 2 cups parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare the ricotta mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, eggs, and freshly chopped basil. Stir well until smooth and fully incorporated.
2. Combine sauces: In a large bowl, mix together both jars of pasta sauce and the tomato sauce until evenly blended.
3. Grate parmesan cheese: Freshly grate the parmesan cheese and set it aside for layering.
4. Grease the slow cooker: Lightly grease the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker to prevent sticking.
5. First layer: Pour 2 1/3 cups of the sauce mixture into the bottom of the slow cooker to create the first layer.
6. Add first portion of pasta: Measure and add one third of the uncooked penne pasta evenly over the sauce.
7. Layer ricotta mixture: Dot half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the pasta and spread it out evenly.
8. Add parmesan cheese: Sprinkle half of the grated parmesan cheese (about 1 cup) over the ricotta layer.
9. Second sauce layer: Spoon another 2 1/3 cups of the sauce mixture evenly over the cheese.
10. Second pasta layer: Add the next third of the uncooked penne pasta evenly over the sauce.
11. Layer remaining ricotta: Dot the remaining ricotta mixture over the pasta and spread evenly.
12. Sprinkle remaining parmesan: Add the remaining parmesan cheese (1 cup) on top of the ricotta.
13. Final pasta layer: Add the last third of the uncooked penne pasta evenly over the cheese layer.
14. Top with sauce: Pour the remaining 2 1/3 cups of sauce mixture over the final layer of pasta.
15. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours, checking at around 2.5 hours for al dente pasta.
16. Add mozzarella: In the last 15 to 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top and allow it to melt.
17. Serve: Serve warm, optionally topped with red pepper flakes, alongside garlic bread and a fresh side salad for a complete meal.

Notes

• Make sure to evenly measure the pasta into thirds before layering to ensure consistent cooking.
• Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker; check pasta doneness after 2 hours to avoid overcooking.
• Freshly grated parmesan provides the best flavor compared to pre-grated options.
• This dish can be made a day ahead and reheated gently in the slow cooker or oven.
• To add protein, consider adding cooked Italian sausage or ground beef to the sauce mixture.

Keywords: Crock Pot Baked Ziti, slow cooker pasta, baked ziti recipe, easy crock pot meals, cheesy pasta, Italian comfort food