Pin It A hearty, comforting pasta dish featuring tender ziti, rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and plenty of melted cheese—all made effortlessly in the slow cooker with just five simple ingredients.
I first tried making baked ziti in the slow cooker for a busy weekday dinner. It was such a hit with my family that it quickly became our go-to comfort food. The pasta always turns out tender and cheesy with hardly any effort!
Ingredients
- Pasta: 450 g (1 lb) uncooked ziti or penne pasta
- Sauce: 800 ml (about 28 oz) jar marinara or pasta sauce
- Cheeses: 375 g (15 oz) ricotta cheese; 225 g (2 cups) shredded mozzarella cheese; 60 g (½ cup) grated Parmesan cheese
- Water: 470 ml (2 cups) water
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker:
- Lightly grease the inside of a large slow cooker with nonstick spray or a little olive oil
- Layer Ingredients:
- Pour half of the uncooked ziti into the bottom of the slow cooker
- Add Sauce:
- Spoon half of the marinara sauce evenly over the pasta
- Add Ricotta:
- Dollop and gently spread half of the ricotta cheese over the sauce
- Add Cheeses:
- Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top
- Repeat Layers:
- Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan
- Add Water:
- Pour the water evenly over the entire mixture
- Cook:
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3 hours, or until the pasta is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly
- Rest:
- Turn off the slow cooker and let the ziti rest, uncovered, for 10 minutes before serving
Pin It This slow cooker baked ziti reminds my family of weekend gatherings at our grandmother's house, where cheesy pasta always brought us together.
Required Tools
You'll need a slow cooker (5 quart or larger), measuring cups and spoons, and a large spoon or spatula for assembling and serving the dish.
Allergen Information
This dish contains wheat and milk. Always check ingredient labels for cross-contamination risks if preparing for those with allergies.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 420 calories, 14 g total fat, 54 g carbohydrates, 20 g protein.
Pin It Serve with garlic bread and a green salad for a satisfying meal. This easy recipe will quickly become a family favorite!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use a different pasta type?
Yes, penne or similar tubular pasta works well as alternatives, holding sauce and cheese nicely.
- → How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?
Lightly greasing the slow cooker and layering ingredients evenly helps keep the pasta from sticking during cooking.
- → Is it possible to add protein or vegetables?
Absolutely, cooked ground beef, sausage, or sautéed vegetables can be added for extra flavor and nutrition.
- → Can I make a gluten-free version?
Using gluten-free pasta and checking sauce ingredients allows for a gluten-free variation of this dish.
- → What is the best way to serve this dish?
Pairing with a green salad and garlic bread makes for a balanced and flavorful meal.