Crock Pot Baked Ziti Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty dish that practically cooks itself while filling your home with irresistible aromas, this Crock Pot Baked Ziti Recipe is an absolute winner. Combining layers of rich tomato sauces, creamy ricotta, perfectly al dente pasta, and a melty cheese topping, it transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing meal that’s cozy and fuss-free. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends, this recipe brings warmth, flavor, and convenience together, promising a baked pasta experience you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but essential for capturing that perfect balance of taste, texture, and color in your Crock Pot Baked Ziti Recipe. Each component plays a role—from the fresh basil that brightens the flavors, to the layers of cheese that add richness and gooeyness, to the pasta absorbing every bit of savory sauce as it cooks slowly to perfection.

• Two 25-ounce jars of pasta sauce: Provides a flavorful, saucy base that’s both tangy and sweet for your baked ziti layers.
• 15 ounces tomato sauce: Adds richness and depth, enhancing the tomato flavor without overpowering the dish.
• One pound uncooked penne pasta: Use penne for its shape and texture, which holds sauce beautifully during slow cooking.
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese: Brings creamy, mild richness that balances the acidic tomato sauces perfectly.
• Two eggs: Help bind the ricotta mixture for smooth, luscious layers.
• 1/3 cup fresh basil, chopped: Brightens the dish with a fresh herbal note that lifts the hearty flavors.
• Two cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds savory sharpness and a slightly nutty flavor that deepens each layer.
• One cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts on top to give your baked ziti that irresistible gooey, bubbly finish.

How to Make Crock Pot Baked Ziti Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

Start by combining the ricotta cheese, eggs, and freshly chopped basil in a bowl. Stir everything together well until smooth and evenly blended. This creamy herb mixture will add moisture and flavor throughout the ziti layers.

Step 2: Mix the Sauces

In a large bowl, pour together both jars of pasta sauce and the tomato sauce. Giving them a good stir helps meld their flavors for a rich, tangy base that infuses each bite.

Step 3: Get Your Parmesan Ready

Freshly grate the Parmesan cheese and set it aside. The sharp, slightly nutty notes in Parmesan are crucial for that authentic baked ziti taste, giving the dish layers of flavor depth.

Step 4: Prep the Crock Pot

Generously grease the inside of your 6-quart slow cooker to prevent sticking. This simple step keeps cleanup easy and lets your baked ziti slide out beautifully when it’s time to serve.

Step 5: Layer the Ingredients

Begin by adding about 2 1/3 cups of the sauce mixture to cover the bottom of the slow cooker. Then, carefully add one-third of the uncooked penne pasta, making sure it’s spread evenly for consistent cooking.

Step 6: Add Ricotta and Parmesan Layers

Dot half of your ricotta mixture over the pasta, spreading it out gently. Sprinkle half of your Parmesan cheese, about 1 cup, evenly on top.

Step 7: Repeat the Layers

Pour another 2 1/3 cups of the sauce mixture over every layer, followed by the next third of uncooked penne. Add the remaining ricotta mixture, then the other half of the Parmesan cheese. Finish with the last third of uncooked penne and top with the remaining sauce.

Step 8: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover your Crock Pot Baked Ziti Recipe, then cook on high for 2 to 3 hours. The pasta will absorb all the wonderful sauce flavors while getting perfectly tender. Aim for around 2.5 hours for an ideal al dente texture.

Step 9: Add the Mozzarella Finish

During the final 15 to 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Allow it to melt and bubble, creating that iconic golden, gooey topping that takes this baked ziti over the top.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Your Crock Pot Baked Ziti is now ready to be served! You can enjoy it as a hearty, standalone meal or dress it up with your favorite garnishes and sides.

How to Serve Crock Pot Baked Ziti Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkling some red pepper flakes over the top adds just the right amount of heat to cut through the creamy richness. Fresh basil leaves garnish beautifully and add a pop of color and aroma that invites everyone to dig in.

Side Dishes

This baked ziti pairs wonderfully with garlicky breadsticks or classic garlic bread, perfect for scooping up every last bit of sauce. A crisp, fresh side salad balances the richness and adds a crisp, refreshing bite that complements each mouthful.

Creative Ways to Present

Presenting this dish in your slow cooker on the table not only keeps it warm but makes for a cozy, inviting centerpiece. You can also scoop individual portions into mini ramekins for a charming, personalized touch that’s perfect for dinner parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen beautifully after a day, so leftovers often taste even better!

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this dish later, freeze it in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw the baked ziti overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the microwave or oven at 350°F until warmed through. Adding a small splash of water or extra sauce before reheating helps keep the pasta moist and prevents drying out.

FAQs

Can I use cooked pasta instead of uncooked in Crock Pot Baked Ziti Recipe?

Using uncooked pasta works best because it slowly absorbs all the flavors in the sauce as it cooks. If you use cooked pasta, it might become mushy or overcooked during the slow cooking process.

Is it necessary to use fresh basil for this recipe?

Fresh basil really brightens the flavor and gives that fresh herbal note. While dried basil can be used in a pinch, it won’t impart quite the same vibrant taste in this slow-cooked dish.

Can I customize the cheeses in this recipe?

Absolutely! While the combination of ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella provides the classic texture and flavor, you could experiment adding provolone or fontina for a different twist.

What if I don’t have a 6-quart slow cooker?

A smaller slow cooker might be too cramped for this recipe’s volume, and a larger one might affect cooking times. It’s best to use one close to 6 quarts for optimal results.

How do I know when the baked ziti is done?

The pasta should be tender but still hold its shape (al dente) after about 2 to 3 hours on high. If it’s still too firm, cook a little longer but keep an eye to avoid overcooking.

Final Thoughts

This Crock Pot Baked Ziti Recipe is the ultimate comfort food made easy, perfect for busy days or relaxed weekends when you want a delicious dinner without constant tending. Once you try it, you’ll love how effortlessly it fills your home with warmth and your table with smiles. Give it a go, and get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with a meal that’s as satisfying as it is simple.

Crock Pot Baked Ziti Recipe

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This Crock Pot Baked Ziti is a comforting and easy-to-make Italian-inspired dish that layers uncooked penne pasta with a rich blend of pasta sauces, creamy ricotta cheese, fresh basil, Parmesan, and melted mozzarella. Cooked slowly in a crock pot, this recipe yields a hearty, cheesy pasta casserole perfect for family dinners or gatherings with minimal effort.

• Author: Paula
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
• Yield: 10 servings
• Category: Pasta
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Pasta and Sauces

• 2 (25 ounce) jars of pasta sauce
• 15 ounces tomato sauce
• 1 pound uncooked penne pasta

Cheese Mixture

• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 2 eggs
• 1/3 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 2 cups Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare Ricotta Mixture: In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, eggs, and freshly chopped basil. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
2. Mix Sauces: In a large bowl, combine both jars of pasta sauce with the tomato sauce, stirring to blend evenly.
3. Grate Parmesan: Grate the Parmesan cheese if not already grated and set aside for layering.
4. Prepare Slow Cooker: Grease the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker to prevent sticking and ease serving.
5. First Sauce Layer: Pour 2 1/3 cups of the combined pasta sauce mixture into the bottom of the slow cooker, spreading evenly.
6. First Pasta Layer: Add one-third of the uncooked penne pasta over the sauce layer, making sure it’s distributed evenly.
7. First Ricotta Layer: Dot half of the ricotta mixture on top of the pasta, spreading it out gently for coverage.
8. First Parmesan Layer: Sprinkle one cup of Parmesan cheese evenly over the ricotta layer.
9. Second Sauce Layer: Pour another 2 1/3 cups of the pasta sauce mixture over the Parmesan cheese, spreading it out.
10. Second Pasta Layer: Add another one-third of the uncooked penne pasta evenly on top.
11. Second Ricotta Layer: Dot the remaining ricotta mixture over the pasta and spread evenly.
12. Second Parmesan Layer: Sprinkle the remaining one cup of Parmesan cheese over the ricotta layer.
13. Final Pasta Layer: Add the last one-third of the uncooked penne pasta to the dish.
14. Final Sauce Layer: Top the pasta with the remaining 2 1/3 cups of pasta sauce mixture, spreading evenly.
15. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 2 to 3 hours, or until the pasta becomes al dente. The recipe finds about 2.5 hours works perfectly for tender but firm pasta.
16. Add Mozzarella: During the last 15–30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly on top and allow it to melt fully.
17. Serve: Serve hot, optionally garnished with red pepper flakes. This baked ziti pairs wonderfully with garlic bread and a fresh side salad.

Notes

• Measure the penne pasta into three equal parts before assembling to ensure even cooking throughout the dish.
• Cooking time may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model; check pasta doneness starting at 2 hours to avoid overcooking.
• Fresh basil can be substituted with dried basil, but use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free penne pasta.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or oven.