Save to Pinterest 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 first made this slow cooker baked ziti for a cozy Sunday family dinner and it quickly became a go-to comfort classic that everyone requests again and again.
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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
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Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker:
- Lightly grease the inside of a large slow cooker with nonstick spray or olive oil.
- Layer Half the Ingredients:
- Pour half of the uncooked ziti into the bottom. Spoon half of the sauce over the pasta. Dollop and gently spread half of the ricotta. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
- 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 until pasta is tender and cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve:
- Turn off slow cooker and let ziti rest uncovered for 10 minutes before serving.
Save to Pinterest My kids love to help with layering the ingredients making it a fun way to bring everyone together in the kitchen.
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Serving Suggestions
Pair with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread for a complete meal.
Customizations
Add cooked ground beef sausage or sautéed vegetables for extra flavor and protein experiment with fresh herbs for freshness.
Nutrition
Each serving has about 420 calories 14 g fat 54 g carbohydrates and 20 g protein.
Save to Pinterest 
This slow cooker baked ziti is sure to become a family favorite for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use penne instead of ziti?
Yes, penne works well as a substitute since it has a similar shape and texture that holds sauce nicely during slow cooking.
- → Should I pre-cook the pasta before layering?
No need to pre-cook; the pasta cooks directly in the slow cooker with sauce and water, absorbing flavors while softening.
- → How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?
Use the recommended water amount and avoid overcooking. Cooking on low for about 3 hours usually yields tender but not mushy pasta.
- → Can I add vegetables or meat to this dish?
Absolutely. Sauteed vegetables or browned ground meat can be layered to boost flavor and nutrition before slow cooking.
- → Is it possible to use gluten-free pasta in this dish?
Yes, gluten-free pasta can be substituted, just ensure cooking times remain similar for best texture.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
