Easy Crockpot Baked Ziti Recipe: A Weeknight Dinner Family Favorite
This easy crockpot baked ziti is an easy-to-make dish perfect for busy weeknights. It’s made with simple ingredients, and the cheesy goodness of this dish surely please even the pickiest eaters in your family.
It also only takes a few minutes to prepare – 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.
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
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
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
You’ll need these essential tools and ingredients to successfully make this dish:
- Crockpot: A slow cooker of 5-quart or larger capacity is necessary for even cooking and to prevent overcrowding.
- 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.
- Italian seasoning: This herb blend adds a burst of flavor. It can be found in the spice aisle.
- 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.
Using the correct tools and ingredients will definitely make the final dish a success.
If you don’t have these ingredients, you can use these instead:
- Ziti pasta: If you can’t find ziti, you can use penne or rigatoni.
- Ricotta cheese: If you don’t have Ricotta cheese, you can try using cottage cheese.
- Parmesan cheese: Try using grated Pecorino Romano instead.
- Mozzarella cheese: Replace it with provolone or Monterey Jack.
- Italian seasoning: You can create your own blend using oregano, basil, and thyme
These changes might make the recipe a little different, but you’ll still end up with something tasty!
This Easy Crockpot Baked Ziti is a simple, delicious meal that the whole family will love. With minimal prep and a few key ingredients, you’ll have a comforting dinner ready in no time. Don’t forget to pair it with your favorite sides and enjoy a fuss-free, flavorful dish.
By Katie Shaw
Katie lives in Virginia with her husband, three daughters, a chocolate lab, and over thirty chickens. She loves creating simple tutorials for sourdough, bread, and soap. Her recipes, articles, and YouTube videos reach millions of people per year.