Crock Pot Baked Ziti Recipe

If you’ve ever wished for a comforting, crowd-pleasing Italian dinner without any fuss, Crock Pot Baked Ziti is about to become your new weeknight hero. Creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and heaps of savory tomato sauce layer together with pasta for a cozy baked ziti—made totally hands-off in your slow cooker! Whether you’re hosting dinner for friends or just need a hearty, satisfying dish to feed your family (with leftovers to spare!), this recipe brings cheesy, saucy magic to your table with minimal effort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in Crock Pot Baked Ziti brings something essential to the table, from creamy cheeses to perfectly textured pasta and aromatic basil. Together, they build deep, hearty flavors and create those craveable melty, cheesy layers that define a great baked ziti.

• 2 (25-ounce) jars of pasta sauce: Choose a robust marinara or your favorite variety—this is the foundation of your sauce and everything cooks in it.
• 15 oz tomato sauce: Adds extra moisture and richness, making sure your ziti stays perfectly saucy as it cooks.
• 1 pound uncooked penne pasta: Goes in straight from the box—no precooking required! Penne holds its shape beautifully during slow cooking.
• 15 oz ricotta cheese: Gives the ziti its signature creamy texture and subtle richness in every bite.
• 2 eggs: Help bind the ricotta mixture, so you get luscious, fluffy dollops in each layer.
• 1/3 cup freshly chopped basil: Brightens the entire dish with a pop of fresh, herbaceous flavor.
• 2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese: For nutty, salty flavor and that irresistible golden top.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey perfection to finish your Crock Pot Baked Ziti.

How to Make Crock Pot Baked Ziti

Step 1: Mix the Ricotta Filling

Start things off by stirring together your ricotta cheese, eggs, and fresh basil in a medium bowl. This creates a creamy, herby layer that bakes up light and flavorful. Don’t skimp on the basil—it brings sunshine to every bite!

Step 2: Blend the Sauces

Pour both jars of pasta sauce and the tomato sauce into a larger bowl and give them a good mix. Combining different sauces adds depth, and it’s always nice to use your favorite flavor or even toss in some of your own special seasonings if that’s your style.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese

Grate your Parmesan cheese ahead of time and keep it at the ready. Using real, freshly grated cheese makes a world of difference when it comes to flavor and meltiness.

Step 4: Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Grease your 6-quart crock pot well—trust me, you want that cheesy goodness to slide right out later! Start by pouring about 2 1/3 cups of your sauce mixture onto the bottom, spreading it evenly, so nothing sticks. This is the beginning of your delicious ziti stack-up.

Step 5: Add the First Layer of Pasta and Cheese

Add one-third of your uncooked penne pasta evenly over the sauce layer. Then, dot on half of the ricotta mixture, using a spoon to spread it out. Sprinkle over half of your Parmesan cheese to create that cheesy magic.

Step 6: Repeat the Layers

Add another 2 1/3 cups of sauce over the cheese layer, then the second third of uncooked penne pasta. Spread on the remaining ricotta mixture, followed by the rest of the Parmesan. Top with the last third of penne.

Step 7: Finish with Sauce and Cook

Pour over the last of your sauce mixture, smoothing it out to completely blanket the pasta. Cover and cook your Crock Pot Baked Ziti on high for 2 to 3 hours, keeping an eye on it around the 2.5-hour mark. The pasta should be perfectly al dente!

Step 8: Add the Mozzarella Topping

During the last 15 to 30 minutes of cook time, sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top and re-cover. It’ll melt into a beautiful golden layer that’s begging to be scooped.

How to Serve Crock Pot Baked Ziti

Garnishes

Scatter fresh basil or flat-leaf parsley on top before serving for added freshness and color. If you love a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can really liven things up. And don’t forget: a final dusting of Parmesan always brings the wow factor!

Side Dishes

Pair this rich, cheesy dish with crunchy garlic bread (for sopping up all that dreamy sauce) and a crisp green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness. Roasted veggies are fabulous, too, especially if you want to sneak even more color onto the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Crock Pot Baked Ziti family-style, straight from the slow cooker for ultimate coziness, or cut into neat squares for a dinner party vibe. Try layering it into individual ramekins for personal portions, or even serve as a fun baked ziti bar with different topping options—think olives, fresh tomatoes, or extra cheese!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Crock Pot Baked Ziti is a wonderful gift to your future self. Once it’s cooled completely, scoop it into airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers arguably even tastier!

Freezing

This dish is freezer-friendly, making it perfect for meal prep. Let your baked ziti cool to room temperature, then portion into freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly. It’ll keep happily in the freezer for up to three months, ready to save the day on your busiest nights.

Reheating

Warm up individual servings in the microwave until piping hot, or reheat larger portions in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, until heated through. If things look a bit dry, splash a little extra sauce or water over the top before reheating to revive that creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta in this crock pot baked ziti?

Absolutely! While penne is ideal for holding the sauce, ziti or rigatoni work great, too. Just avoid delicate pastas like spaghetti, as they can get mushy in the slow cooker.

Do I really put the pasta in uncooked?

Yes, that’s the magic of this recipe! The uncooked penne soaks up all the delicious sauce as it cooks, resulting in a perfectly tender texture with no boiling ahead of time required.

What’s the best way to keep the pasta from getting mushy?

The key is to measure your sauce and pasta in even layers, and check for doneness at the 2-hour mark. Switch off the crock pot as soon as the pasta is al dente for the best results.

Can I add meat to my Crock Pot Baked Ziti?

Definitely! Brown a pound of Italian sausage or ground beef and stir it into your pasta sauce for a heartier, meat-lover’s version. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before layering.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

It already is! Just double-check your pasta sauce ingredients to ensure there’s no hidden meat or meat-based broths for a completely vegetarian Crock Pot Baked Ziti.

Final Thoughts

I just know you’ll fall for this Crock Pot Baked Ziti—it’s cozy, cheesy comfort food at its best and couldn’t be easier to whip up. Whether you’re planning a Sunday family dinner or craving big, bold Italian flavors on a weeknight, give this slow cooker miracle a try and watch it disappear!

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