Crock Pot Baked Ziti Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of a comforting pasta dish that practically makes itself while you go about your day, then you’re going to adore this Crock Pot Baked Ziti Recipe. It combines the hearty goodness of perfectly cooked pasta with layers of rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted cheese, all slow-cooked to perfection in your crock pot. This recipe is a brilliant weeknight lifesaver or a crowd-pleaser for family dinners, delivering all those classic Italian flavors with minimal effort and maximum warmth.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the secret behind this comforting casserole. Each ingredient plays a starring role, from the tangy pasta sauce that infuses every bite with robust flavor, to the creamy cheeses that give luscious texture and richness. These essentials come together beautifully without overwhelming your prep time or pantry.

• Pasta sauce (2 jars, 25 ounces each): The rich base that brings vibrant tomato flavor and herbs to the dish.
• Tomato sauce (15 ounces): Adds extra moisture and depth, keeping the ziti irresistibly saucy.
• Uncooked penne pasta (1 pound): Using uncooked pasta lets it soak up the sauce as it cooks slowly, creating perfect tenderness.
• Ricotta cheese (15 ounces): Brings creaminess and subtle tang, balancing the acidity of the tomato sauce.
• Eggs (2): Help bind the ricotta mixture so it spreads smoothly in every layer.
• Fresh basil (1/3 cup, chopped): Adds a burst of fresh, herbal brightness, lifting the whole dish.
• Parmesan cheese (2 cups, freshly grated): For that savory, nutty punch and beautiful golden top.
• Mozzarella cheese (1 cup, shredded): Melts into gooey, dreamy layers that you’ll find yourself craving.

How to Make Crock Pot Baked Ziti Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Ricotta Filling

Start by combining the ricotta cheese, eggs, and freshly chopped basil in a bowl. Stir them together until you have a smooth, creamy mixture. This blend is key to giving your baked ziti that rich, velvety texture that will tie all the layers together beautifully.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce Mixture

Pour both jars of pasta sauce and the tomato sauce into a large bowl, stirring until everything is evenly combined. This sauce medley will soak into the penne as it cooks, infusing each bite with a deep tomato flavor balanced by herbs and spices.

Step 3: Grate the Parmesan Cheese

Freshly grate your Parmesan cheese now and set it aside. Using freshly grated Parmesan adds a lovely nutty sharpness and melts into layers that enrich every forkful of your baked ziti.

Step 4: Prepare Your Slow Cooker

Grease the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker thoroughly. This step is crucial to prevent sticking and to make clean-up a breeze, ensuring your layers slide out perfectly when serving.

Step 5: Build Your Layers

Spread about 2 1/3 cups of the sauce mixture evenly on the bottom of the slow cooker. Then add one-third of the uncooked penne pasta, measured beforehand for even cooking. Dollop half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta and spread gently. Sprinkle half of the Parmesan cheese (1 cup) on top. Repeat by adding another 2 1/3 cups of sauce, another third of pasta, the remaining ricotta mixture, and the last cup of Parmesan. For the final layer, add the last third of pasta and top with the remaining 2 1/3 cups of sauce. The layering method ensures each bite has a perfect balance of pasta, sauce, and creamy cheese.

Step 6: Cook Low and Slow

Cover the crock pot baked ziti and cook on high for 2 to 3 hours. Check around 2.5 hours for al dente perfection. Uncooked pasta slowly absorbs all the delicious sauce and melds with the cheese, coming out tender without mush.

Step 7: Add the Mozzarella

During the last 15 to 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top. Cover again and let it melt into a bubbly, golden layer that transforms this dish from tasty to downright irresistible.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Your Crock Pot Baked Ziti Recipe is ready to be served! Scoop it out warm, and consider topping with red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Garlic bread and a crisp salad make perfect companions to this hearty meal.

How to Serve Crock Pot Baked Ziti Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley on top for added color and freshness. A dusting of extra Parmesan cheese and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes elevate the flavor and presentation, making every serving special.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is a must-have for mopping up all the delicious sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables add balance and nutrition.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins for a charming plated presentation. You can also layer baked ziti in a casserole dish and carefully lift portions using a spatula for a rustic family-style service. Either way, this dish looks as good as it tastes!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer leftovers into airtight containers and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making next-day meals even tastier.

Freezing

You can freeze Crock Pot Baked Ziti Recipe in portions or as a whole casserole. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags and consume within 2 to 3 months for best quality. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a microwave or oven until warmed through. Cover with foil or a microwave-safe lid to keep moisture in. Adding a sprinkle of mozzarella on top before reheating can help restore that fresh-from-the-crock-pot cheesiness.

FAQs

Can I use different pasta instead of penne?

Absolutely! While penne holds up very well in the slow cooker, rigatoni or ziti are great alternatives that also trap sauce in their ridges and tubes. Avoid very small pasta shapes as they may overcook.

Do I need to precook the pasta?

Nope! That’s the beauty of this Crock Pot Baked Ziti Recipe. The pasta cooks perfectly in the slow cooker, soaking up all the sauce and keeping the dish wonderfully moist.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, this recipe is naturally vegetarian friendly as is, focusing on cheeses and tomato sauces. Just be sure your pasta sauce doesn’t contain meat or animal-based broths.

How do I know when the pasta is done?

Check the texture around 2 hours of cooking; the pasta should be tender but still have a slight bite, or al dente. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your crock pot.

Can I add meat to this dish?

Definitely! Brown some Italian sausage or ground beef and layer it between the sauces for added protein and flavor. Just drain the fat before adding to keep the sauce from becoming greasy.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a pasta recipe that’s as effortless as it is delicious, this Crock Pot Baked Ziti Recipe will soon become one of your favorites. Its hands-off cooking and rich, comforting flavors make it the perfect dish for busy days or cozy nights at home. So go ahead, pull out your slow cooker and give this a try—you’ll be delighted by how easy and rewarding homemade baked ziti can be!

Crock Pot Baked Ziti Recipe

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This Crock Pot Baked Ziti is a comforting, hands-off Italian-American classic made by layering uncooked penne pasta with a rich combination of pasta sauces, creamy ricotta, fresh basil, and a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses in a slow cooker. Perfectly cooked after a few hours on high, it delivers an easy, cheesy, and hearty meal that pairs wonderfully with garlic bread and a fresh side salad.

• Author: Paula
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 10 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Sauce

• 2 (25 ounce) jars 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

Cheese Toppings

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

Instructions

1. Prepare Ricotta Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, eggs, and freshly chopped basil. Stir well until smooth and evenly mixed.
2. Mix Sauces: In a large bowl, blend both jars of pasta sauce and the tomato sauce together thoroughly to create a uniform sauce mixture.
3. Grate Parmesan: Grate the Parmesan cheese fresh if not pre-grated and set aside for layering.
4. Grease Slow Cooker: Lightly grease the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker to prevent sticking during cooking.
5. Layer Sauce: Pour 2 and 1/3 cups of the sauce mixture into the bottom of the slow cooker, spreading it evenly.
6. Add Pasta: Divide the uncooked penne pasta into three equal parts. Add the first third of the pasta evenly over the sauce layer.
7. Add Ricotta: Dot half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the pasta and spread it gently to cover evenly.
8. Add Parmesan: Sprinkle half of the grated Parmesan cheese, about 1 cup, evenly over the ricotta layer.
9. Layer Sauce Again: Add another 2 and 1/3 cups of the sauce mixture on top of the cheese layers.
10. Second Pasta Layer: Add the second third of the uncooked penne pasta, spreading evenly.
11. Dot Remaining Ricotta: Distribute the remaining half of the ricotta mixture across the pasta and smooth out evenly.
12. Add Remaining Parmesan: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of Parmesan cheese over the ricotta layer.
13. Final Pasta Layer: Add the last third of the uncooked penne pasta evenly over the cheese.
14. Top with Sauce: Pour the final 2 and 1/3 cups of sauce mixture on top to cover the pasta layer.
15. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 2 to 3 hours, stirring is not necessary. Check around 2 hours 30 minutes for perfectly al dente pasta.
16. Add Mozzarella: In the last 15 to 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top and allow it to melt fully.
17. Serve: Serve the baked ziti alone or topped with red pepper flakes. It pairs beautifully with garlic bread and a fresh side salad for a complete meal.

Notes

• Measuring the pasta into three equal parts ensures even cooking and proper layering.
• Use a 6-quart slow cooker for optimal results; smaller sizes may overflow, larger sizes may affect cooking time.
• Cooking time may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model, so check doneness around 2.5 hours.
• For a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes on top before serving.
• If preferred, fresh mozzarella can be used instead of shredded for a different texture.
• Do not stir during cooking to preserve the layered texture and prevent breaking down the pasta.