Slow Cooker Baked Ziti
Some crockpot recipes claim to be easy, but this one truly is. This slow cooker baked ziti only takes a few minutes to prepare (really!). Just layer the ingredients, set your slow cooker, and let it work its magic. For the best results, check the pasta periodically after 2 hours to make sure it’s perfectly al dente. Once of the easiest dinner recipes in the world.
Easy Crockpot Baked Ziti
Equipment
- Slow cooker
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta (uncooked)
- 48 ounces marinara sauce (store bought or homemade)
- 15 ounces diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella (divided)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
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Instructions
- Layer the pasta, tomatoes, and cheese. Add uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, grated Parmesan, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella to a 5-quart or larger slow cooker. Then, stir until everything is well mixed. After that, put small spoonfuls of ricotta cheese on top and gently mix it in. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella over the pasta mixture.
- Cook. Cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or until the pasta is just right for you. Check the pasta often because different machines may take different times.Serve as soon as it's done and add fresh parsley or basil if you like.
Notes
Nutrition
More Tips:
Spread the ingredients evenly in the slow cooker to ensure consistent cooking. Stir gently if needed.
Make sure your slow cooker is at least 5 quarts or larger to allow the pasta to cook evenly.
Slow cookers vary, so check the pasta’s texture after 2 hours. Overcooked pasta can become mushy.
If the pasta seems dry halfway through cooking, add a bit more marinara or water to keep it moist.
Let the ziti sit for a few minutes after turning off the slow cooker. This helps the dish set and makes serving easier.
Key Ingredients and Tools
Crockpot: A slow cooker of 5-quart or larger capacity is necessary for even cooking.
Pasta: Ziti pasta works well in the slow cooker and absorbs sauce effectively.
Ricotta cheese: This cheese contributes to a creamy texture. It can be found in the dairy section alongside other soft cheeses. Cottage cheese is a decent substitute.
Italian seasoning: You can create your own blend using oregano, basil, and thyme
Fresh parsley or basil: These optional fresh herbs provide a bright and fresh finish to the dish. They are typically available in the produce section.
With minimal prep and a few key ingredients, you’ll have a comforting dinner ready in no time.
By Katie Shaw
Katie shares simple, reliable recipes from her home in Virginia, where she lives with her husband, three daughters, a chocolate lab, and over thirty chickens.
Hi Katie – Love your blog!! When I try to open your emails now they say that your site
is not secure and that I shouldn’t open the email links. Didn’t see another way to contact you other than this. Thank you.
Hey Amy, thank you so much for your kind words and for letting me know. I’m sorry about the email issue, I’ll look into it right away. I really appreciate your patience!
Hi. Is “15 oz. diced tomatoes” canned tomatoes? Do I add the liquid, too?
yes to both 🙂
Can this be doubled and use an 8qt crockpot? Thank you
hey kate! it will be tight and the problem i see is that the big crockpots are deeper too so i don’t know if the layers will be quite right. i’d multiply by 1.5 instead. 🙂 you can do that by changing the number of servings at the bottom of the recipe card.
How many people will this serve? I’m thinking of making it for our “group” camping trip. There will be 8 hearty eaters. Thanks
It serves more like 5-6 hearty eaters in my family!
Hi Katie. I made this when my sister-in-law was in town recently. My husband has a very critical pallet and both of them gave this rave reviews! I added ground beef to the sauce as well just for some protein. Very tasty and easy to make. Thanks for all the great recipes. I work full time and it’s always a challenge to get healthy and tasty meals on the table. My son also has dietary restrictions so that makes things even more “fun” at dinner time. 😉 I look forward to trying the potato soup crockpot recipe next for my husband and me.
aw thank you, nicole! i’m so glad you and your family enjoyed it. you’ll love the potato soup!