Save A hearty, comforting pasta dish featuring tender ziti, rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and plenty of melted cheese made effortlessly in the slow cooker with just five simple ingredients.
I remember the first time we made slow cooker baked ziti for a busy weeknight. It quickly became a favorite because it felt like a special meal with almost no hands-on time. The cheesy aroma filled the house and everyone gathered around eager to dig in.
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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
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Instructions
- Grease Slow Cooker:
- Lightly grease the inside of a large slow cooker with nonstick spray or a little olive oil.
- Layer Pasta:
- 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 Mozzarella and Parmesan:
- Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Repeat Layers:
- Repeat 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.
Save This baked ziti has become our go-to comfort dinner for cozy Sunday evenings. Watching everyone scoop generous portions straight from the slow cooker always creates an atmosphere of warmth and togetherness.
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Allergen Information
Contains wheat and milk. Always check ingredient labels for cross-contamination risks, especially when serving guests.
Required Tools
You will need a 5 to 6 quart slow cooker, measuring cups and spoons, and a large spoon or spatula for layering and serving.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 420 calories, 14 g fat, 54 g carbohydrates, 20 g protein.
Save 
Serve your slow cooker baked ziti with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for the ultimate comfort meal. Enjoy leftovers as they taste just as delicious reheated.
Common recipe questions
- → Can I use different pasta types?
Yes, penne or rigatoni work well as substitutes. Choose shapes that hold sauce for the best texture.
- → How do I prevent pasta from sticking?
Layering sauce and cheeses evenly and adding water helps keep pasta moist and prevents sticking during slow cooking.
- → Can I add vegetables or meat?
Absolutely. Sautéed vegetables or browned sausage enhance flavor and add texture to the dish.
- → What cheese combinations work best?
Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan provide a creamy, melty, and flavorful balance that enriches the dish.
- → How long should the dish rest before serving?
Letting it rest uncovered for 10 minutes allows the layers to settle and enhances flavor melding.
