Save A hearty, comforting pasta dish featuring tender ziti, rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and plenty of melted cheese all made effortlessly in the slow cooker with just five simple ingredients.
I first tried making baked ziti in my slow cooker after a busy day and was amazed by how hands-off and delicious the results were. It has quickly become my go-to comfort food for family dinners.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 450 g (1 lb) uncooked ziti or penne pasta
- Sauce: 800 ml (about 28 oz) jar marinara or pasta sauce
- Ricotta cheese: 375 g (15 oz) ricotta cheese
- Mozzarella cheese: 225 g (2 cups) shredded mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan 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 cheeses:
- Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Repeat layers:
- Repeat the layers 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 and serve:
- Turn off the slow cooker and let the ziti rest, uncovered, for 10 minutes before serving.
Save This slow cooker baked ziti has become a regular Sunday favorite in our home, especially when shared around the table with a fresh green salad and garlic bread.
Variations
Add cooked ground beef, sausage, or sautéed vegetables to boost flavor and protein. Stir in fresh basil or parsley just before serving for extra richness.
Required Tools
You'll need a slow cooker (5 quart or larger), measuring cups and spoons, and a large spoon or spatula for layering and serving.
Nutrition Information
Each serving provides approximately 420 calories, 14 g total fat, 54 g carbohydrates, and 20 g protein.
Save Serve the ziti hot straight from the slow cooker for the ultimate comfort food experience. It's a family-friendly dinner that everyone will enjoy.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use different types of pasta?
Yes, ziti or penne work best due to their shape and texture, but other short pasta shapes can be substituted depending on availability.
- → How do I ensure the pasta cooks evenly in the slow cooker?
Layer the ingredients evenly and pour water over the top to allow proper hydration and even cooking throughout the dish.
- → Can I add vegetables or meat to enhance flavor?
Yes, adding cooked ground beef, sausage, or sautéed vegetables before cooking adds richness and protein to the dish.
- → What is the best way to serve this dish?
Let the baked pasta rest uncovered for 10 minutes after cooking, then serve with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- → Is it possible to make a gluten-free version?
Absolutely, simply substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs while maintaining flavor.