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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://nataliereeve.com/crock-pot-baked-ziti-recipe/