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Crock Pot Baked Ziti Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 114 reviews
  • Author: Thomas
  • Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x

Description

This Crock Pot Baked Ziti is an easy and comforting Italian-American dish made with layers of uncooked penne pasta, ricotta cheese mixed with eggs and fresh basil, plenty of tomato sauce, Parmesan, and melted mozzarella cheese. Prepared in a slow cooker, this baked pasta casserole is perfect for hands-off cooking and yields a creamy, cheesy, flavorful meal without heating up your oven.

Ingredients

Scale

Sauces

  • 2 jars (25 ounces each) pasta sauce
  • 15 ounces tomato sauce

Pasta

  • 1 pound uncooked penne pasta

Cheese Mixture

  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/3 cup fresh basil, chopped

Cheeses

  • 2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare ricotta mixture: In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, eggs, and freshly chopped basil. Stir well to blend evenly.
  2. Mix tomato sauces: In a large bowl, combine the two jars of pasta sauce and the tomato sauce; mix thoroughly.
  3. Grate Parmesan cheese: Freshly grate the Parmesan cheese and set aside.
  4. Prep slow cooker: Grease the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
  5. Layer bottom sauce: Pour 2 1/3 cups of the sauce mixture into the bottom of the slow cooker, spreading evenly.
  6. Add first pasta layer: Measure one-third of the uncooked penne pasta and add it evenly over the sauce layer.
  7. Add half ricotta mixture: Dot half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the pasta and spread it out evenly.
  8. Add half Parmesan: Sprinkle one cup (half) of the grated Parmesan cheese over the ricotta layer.
  9. Add second sauce layer: Spoon another 2 1/3 cups of the sauce mixture evenly over the Parmesan cheese.
  10. Add second pasta layer: Add the second third of the uncooked penne pasta, spreading it out evenly over the sauce.
  11. Add remaining ricotta mixture: Dot and spread the remaining ricotta cheese mixture on top of the pasta layer.
  12. Add remaining Parmesan: Sprinkle the remaining one cup of Parmesan cheese over the ricotta.
  13. Add final pasta layer: Add the remaining third of uncooked penne pasta over the cheese layer.
  14. Top with sauce: Pour the remaining 2 1/3 cups of sauce evenly over the pasta.
  15. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 2 to 3 hours, checking for al dente doneness around 2.5 hours.
  16. Add mozzarella: In the last 15–30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top and let it melt.
  17. Serve: Serve warm alone or topped with red pepper flakes, paired with garlic bread and a side salad for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Measuring and dividing the penne pasta into three equal parts before layering ensures even cooking.
  • Using uncooked pasta allows the slow cooker to cook the pasta directly in the sauce, making prep easier.
  • Check pasta doneness around 2.5 hours; cooking times may vary depending on slow cooker model.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese enhances flavor and melts better than pre-grated cheese.
  • Feel free to customize by adding cooked ground meat or vegetables if desired.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: crock pot baked ziti, slow cooker pasta recipe, easy baked ziti, slow cooker Italian, baked pasta casserole, ricotta pasta bake

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Find it online: https://mealmagicplace.com/crock-pot-baked-ziti-recipe/