Name: Crock Pot Baked Ziti Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h 30 min
Total time: 2 h 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 jars (25 ounces each) pasta sauce; 15 ounces tomato sauce; 1 pound uncooked penne pasta; 15 ounces ricotta cheese; 2 eggs; 1/3 cup fresh basil, chopped; 2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

Crock Pot Baked Ziti is a comforting, no-fuss Italian classic made easy with your slow cooker. This dish layers ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan with a rich tomato sauce and tender pasta for a hearty meal. Perfect for busy days or casual dinners with family and friends.

The image shows a close-up of a cooked baked pasta dish inside a black slow cooker. The pasta layers include rigatoni noodles covered with rich red tomato sauce mixed with ground meat, creamy white ricotta cheese, and melted white mozzarella cheese on top. The melted cheese layer looks gooey and stretches slightly as a spoon scoops into the pasta. Steam rises from the hot dish, giving it a freshly cooked appearance. The slow cooker rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 (25 ounce) jars of pasta sauce
15 oz tomato sauce
1 pound uncooked penne pasta
15 oz ricotta cheese
2 eggs
1/3 cup fresh basil, chopped
2 cups parmesan cheese, freshly grated
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, eggs, and fresh chopped basil. Stir well until smooth.
Step 2: In a large bowl, mix together both jars of pasta sauce and the tomato sauce until fully combined.
Step 3: Grate the parmesan cheese and set aside.
Step 4: Grease the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Pour 2 1/3 cups of the sauce mixture into the bottom of the slow cooker.
Step 6: Add one-third of the uncooked penne pasta evenly over the sauce. Measuring the pasta into thirds before starting helps ensure even cooking.
Step 7: Dot half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta and spread it out evenly.
Step 8: Sprinkle half of the parmesan cheese (1 cup) over the ricotta layer.
Step 9: Pour another 2 1/3 cups of sauce mixture over the cheese layer.
Step 10: Add the second third of uncooked penne pasta evenly on top.
Step 11: Spread the remaining ricotta mixture over the pasta layer.
Step 12: Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese (1 cup) evenly over the ricotta.
Step 13: Add the last third of the uncooked penne over the cheese.
Step 14: Top with the last 2 1/3 cups of sauce mixture.
Step 15: Cover and cook on high for 2 to 3 hours, or until the pasta is al dente. Check around 2 1/2 hours for doneness.
Step 16: In the last 15 to 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top and allow it to melt.
Step 17: Serve the baked ziti hot, optionally topped with red pepper flakes. It pairs perfectly with garlic bread and a fresh side salad.

Tips & Variations

Measure the pasta into thirds before layering to help ensure even cooking and texture throughout the dish.
Use fresh herbs like basil or oregano for a brighter flavor.
For a meatier version, add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage into the sauce mixture before layering.
Try substituting part of the ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter option.
If you prefer a crispier top, transfer the cooked ziti to a baking dish and broil the mozzarella for a couple minutes before serving.

Storage

Store leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a baked pasta dish in a black slow cooker. The dish has multiple layers: at the bottom, there is a bed of cooked penne pasta mixed with chunky red tomato sauce and bits of ground meat. Above that, there is a thick layer of white ricotta or cottage cheese mixed with herbs, topped with another layer of pasta and sauce. The top layer is covered with melted white mozzarella cheese that is creamy and slightly browned in spots. Steam is rising from the hot dish, and a metal spoon is lifting a portion, revealing the layered interior of the pasta, cheese, and sauce. The slow cooker is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use cooked pasta instead of uncooked?

This recipe works best with uncooked pasta to allow it to cook slowly and absorb the sauces in the slow cooker. Using cooked pasta may result in a mushier texture.

Do I need to add extra water or liquid to the crock pot?

The combined pasta sauce and tomato sauce provide enough moisture for the pasta to cook properly, so no additional water is needed.