Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is a hands-off recipe that’s both rich and flavorful. The creamy layers of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, combined with marinara sauce and ziti pasta, create a comforting, hearty meal. It’s great for feeding a crowd, customizable with your favorite add-ins, and makes fantastic leftovers. Plus, it’s simple to prepare and perfect for meal prep!

Ingredients

1 pound ziti pasta (uncooked)
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional add-ins: ½ pound Italian sausage (crumbled), 1 cup sliced mushrooms, ½ cup spinach, ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare Ingredients: Cook the pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside. If using sausage, brown it in a skillet and drain excess fat.
Make Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, mix ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, basil, oregano, and salt/pepper.
Assemble: Layer marinara sauce, cooked pasta, and cheese mixture in the slow cooker. Repeat layers and top with remaining mozzarella.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours until cheese is bubbly.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6-8
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
Total time: 5 hours 30 minutes

Variations

Add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
Swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option.
Add extra meats like sausage, ground beef, or meatballs.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use other pasta types?

Yes, you can substitute the ziti with penne, rigatoni, or any other short pasta.

2. Can I make this in advance?

Yes, you can prepare it the night before and cook it the next day.

3. Can I freeze baked ziti?

Yes, freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven when needed.

4. Can I use a different cheese?

Feel free to swap mozzarella with provolone or use a combination of cheeses.

5. How do I avoid overcooking the pasta?

Make sure to cook the pasta al dente since it will continue cooking in the slow cooker.

6. Is this recipe customizable?

Yes! You can add meats, veggies, or different seasonings to make it your own.

7. Can I cook on high?

Cooking on high works, but low and slow gives the best texture.

8. How do I know when it’s done?

The cheese should be melted and bubbly, and the pasta should be tender.

9. Can I use homemade marinara sauce?

Yes, you can use your favorite homemade marinara sauce for added flavor.

10. Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! It stores well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is a hands-off, comforting dish perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to prepare, customizable, and makes a crowd-pleasing meal. With gooey cheese, savory sauce, and tender pasta, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

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Author: Julia
Total Time: : 5 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 6-8 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory marinara sauce and hearty ziti pasta. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or meal prep. Enjoy a delicious, stress-free dish with all the cheesy goodness you crave!

Instructions

Prepare Ingredients: Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside. If using sausage, brown in a skillet and drain excess fat.
Make Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, mix together ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, basil, oregano, and salt/pepper.
Assemble: In the slow cooker, layer marinara sauce, cooked pasta, and cheese mixture. Repeat the layers and top with the remaining mozzarella.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until cheese is bubbly and pasta is tender.

Notes

Variations: Add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra flavor. Swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option.
Storage/Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
Freezing: Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven when needed.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: Italian