Description
This Crockpot Baked Ziti brings all the comfort of classic baked pasta with none of the fuss. It’s rich, cheesy, saucy, and wonderfully simple just layer everything in your slow cooker and let it work its magic. Perfect for busy days, family dinners, or anyone craving a warm and satisfying Italian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the ziti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix the ricotta, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the crockpot.
- Add half of the cooked ziti in an even layer.
- Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta, then sprinkle on a layer of mozzarella.
- Pour half of the remaining marinara sauce over the cheese.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining ziti, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and marinara.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours, until hot, melty, and bubbly.
- Let rest for 10 minutes, sprinkle with Parmesan, and garnish with basil before serving.
Notes
- For extra richness, stir a splash of heavy cream into the marinara sauce.
- You can add browned ground beef or Italian sausage between layers for a heartier version.
- If you prefer firmer pasta, cook closer to the 4-hour mark.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes + Time: 10 minutes resting
- Cook Time: 4–6 hours
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: crockpot baked ziti, slow cooker pasta, easy family dinner