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.
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
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.
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.