Crockpot Baked Ziti Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://mixitwitjoe.com/crockpot-baked-ziti-recipe/
