Crockpot Baked Ziti Recipe

Introduction

Crockpot Baked Ziti is a comforting, cheesy pasta dish that’s perfect for busy days. Using a slow cooker makes preparation easy and hands-off, delivering tender pasta and rich flavors with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ziti pasta, uncooked
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Parsley, to garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Spray the crockpot with cooking spray. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: Layer half of the uncooked ziti pasta over the sauce. Dollop half of the ricotta cheese and sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella evenly on top.
3. Step 3: Repeat the layers with the remaining ziti, ricotta, and mozzarella.
4. Step 4: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
5. Step 5: Cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours, or until the pasta is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Step 6: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving to add a pop of color and freshness.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture, but reduce the amount slightly as fresh mozzarella is more moist.
• Add cooked Italian sausage or ground beef for a heartier meal.
• Stir in chopped spinach or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer the marinara for 10 minutes before layering.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta suitable for slow cooking.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through, adding a splash of water or sauce if needed to keep the pasta moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for crockpot baked ziti?

Yes, pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni work well. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if needed, as some shapes may cook faster or slower.

Do I need to pre-cook the pasta before adding it to the crockpot?

No, the pasta cooks in the crockpot along with the sauce and cheese. Using uncooked pasta saves time and allows it to soak up the flavors as it cooks.

Crockpot Baked Ziti Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 70 reviews

This Crockpot Baked Ziti is a convenient and comforting Italian-American dish made by layering uncooked ziti pasta with marinara sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, slow-cooked to perfection in a crockpot. It offers a hands-off approach to a classic baked pasta meal with rich flavors and a cheesy, tender finish, ideal for busy days or family dinners.

• Author: Joe
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 to 4 hours
• Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes to 4 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Pasta
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Primary Ingredients

• 1 lb ziti pasta, uncooked
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Seasonings & Garnish

• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Parsley, to garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crockpot: Spray the inside of the crockpot with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of the crockpot to form a flavorful base layer.
2. Layer Ingredients: Add half of the uncooked ziti pasta over the sauce layer. Then spoon and dollop half of the ricotta cheese evenly on top, followed by sprinkling half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the process by layering the remaining uncooked ziti, ricotta, and mozzarella on top of the first layer.
3. Add Seasonings and Final Sauce: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the layered pasta and cheeses. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning evenly over the top layer for additional flavor.
4. Cook the Ziti: Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low heat. Allow the baked ziti to cook for 3 to 4 hours until the pasta is tender and the cheese has fully melted and melded into the dish.
5. Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, garnish the baked ziti with fresh parsley before serving to add a pop of color and freshness to the creamy, cheesy pasta.

Notes

• Use cooking spray to prevent the pasta from sticking to the crockpot.
• Uncooked pasta can be directly layered without pre-cooking, as the long slow cook time will tenderize it.
• Adjust the cooking time based on your crockpot’s low heat setting; some models may need closer to 3 hours or up to 4 hours.
• For a spicier twist, add red pepper flakes to the sauce or seasoning mix.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or oven.

Keywords: crockpot baked ziti, slow cooker pasta, baked ziti recipe, cheesy baked pasta, easy crockpot dinner