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Super-Easy Crockpot Baked Ziti

Just a few minutes of mixing and layering is all it takes for this cheesy, delicious baked ziti. A fuss-free dinner the whole family loves

This easy-to-make dish is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s made with simple ingredients and the cheesy goodness of this dish will be sure to please even the pickiest eaters in your family. Best of all, there’s just one pot!

slow cooker baked ziti being served.

❤️ Why you’ll love this recipe

  • It’s easy to prepare. Really! Just mix all the ingredients together in a slow cooker and let it cook while you go about your day
  • Picky family approved. Simple flavors and plenty of melty cheese make this a crowd favorite.
  • Budget-friendly. A whole meal that’s super affordable.


This is an overview of the ingredients. You’ll find the full measurements and instructions in the printable recipe at the bottom of the page.

ingredients in bowls lald out on counter.

Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy weeknight dinner:

  • ziti pasta, uncooked
  • marinara, store-bought or homemade
  • diced tomatoes
  • Italian seasoning
  • grated parmesan cheese
  • shredded mozzarella
  • ricotta cheese

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slow cooker (5 quarts or larger)

🍴Instructions

Step One: mix

uncooked pasta with sauce and parmesan mixed in.

To a 5 quart or larger slow cooker, add the uncooked pasta, marinara, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, grated parmesan, and 1 cup of mozzarella. Mix until everything is fully incorporated. If you’d like to add cooked meat, do so now.

Step Two: layer

slow cooker with ricotta layered on top of pasta and mozzarella cheese on top layer.

Dot the ricotta cheese on top. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella over the pasta mixture.

Step three

finished dish with parsley on top.

Cook for 2-3 hours on HIGH or until the pasta is done cooking. Al dente means that the pasta is cooked but still has a little bite to it.

🥫 Storage instructions

Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat in the microwave.

🔍 FAQs


Will uncooked pasta get soft in the slow cooker?

It sure will! Just be sure to test it every so often because the time will vary based on your slow cooker.

Does slow cooker baked ziti freeze well?

I don’t like to freeze any cooked pasta, personally. This is so easy to make there’s no need to do so anyway.

Can I add meat?

Yes! You can add raw ground beef as long as it’s 85% to 90% lean. Just stir it well to break it up before cooking. You can also add cooked, crumbled ground beef or sausage on top of the sauced pasta in step one.

👩🏻‍🍳 Expert tips

If you don’t have an Italian seasoning blend, use a combination of oregano, thyme, and basil instead.

For more flavor, add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and/or crushed red pepper

Penne or rigatoni pasta can be used in place of the ziti. 

📘 Related Recipes

🍽 Serve it with

plate of finished ziti with fork.

📖 Here’s the recipe

close up view of baked ziti being scooped donut of slow cooker
5 from 1 vote

Easy Crockpot Baked Ziti

Print Recipe
Just a few minutes of mixing and layering is all it takes for this cheesy, delicious baked ziti. A fuss-free dinner the whole family loves
Prep Time:5 minutes
Cook Time:3 hours
Total Time:3 hours 5 minutes
Click here to grab a free seasonal e-cookbook!

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

  • To a 5 quart or larger slow cooker, add the uncooked pasta, marinara, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, grated parmesan and 1 cup of mozzarella. Mix until everything is fully incorporated. Dot in the ricotta cheese and lighty mix it in. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella over the pasta mixture.
  • Cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or until the pasta is al dente or cooked to your liking.
  • Serve immediately and garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

Penne or rigatoni pasta can be used in place of the ziti.
Start checking your pasta for doneness at the 2-hour mark.  Once you are familiar with how fast your slow cooker works, you won’t need to do this again.
We do not add additional salt to this. because of the saltiness of the parmesan and the marinara recipe we use.  If your marinara sauce is on the bland side, add 1/2 teaspoon salt at the beginning.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian- American
Keyword: crockpot baked ziti, slow cooker pasta recipes
Author: Katie Shaw
Did you make this recipe?If you loved it, please leave a review!

2 thoughts on “Super-Easy Crockpot Baked Ziti”

  1. 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.

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