Crock Pot Baked Ziti Recipe

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If you’re craving a comforting, crowd-pleasing Italian dish that takes all the fuss out of dinnertime, this Crock Pot Baked Ziti Recipe is going to become your new favorite go-to. Picture layers of tender, al dente pasta mingling with rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and a melty blanket of cheese, all slow-cooked to perfection in your crock pot. It’s a hands-off, hearty meal that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas and makes feeding a hungry family (or a party) effortless and truly satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple but absolutely essential for nailing that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. Each component, from the tender uncooked pasta to the fresh basil and three kinds of cheesy goodness, plays a crucial role in making this crock pot baked ziti taste like it came straight from a trattoria in Italy.

• 25-ounce jars of pasta sauce (2): Provides a rich, tomatoey base with just the right amount of herbs and spices that bring the dish to life.
• Tomato sauce (15 oz): Adds extra depth and smoothness to your sauce base, making it luscious and perfectly saucy.
• Uncooked penne pasta (1 pound): The star that absorbs all the flavors while staying firm and deliciously chewy.
• Ricotta cheese (15 oz): Gives the dish a creamy, slightly tangy texture, balancing the acidity of the tomato sauce.
• Eggs (2): Act as a binder in the ricotta mixture, helping the layers set beautifully during cooking.
• Freshly chopped basil (1/3 cup): Brings a fresh, herbaceous kick to the creamy cheese filling.
• Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (2 cups): Adds a salty, nutty punch right into the layers, intensifying the overall flavor profile.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Melts into a gooey, golden topping that’s pure cheesy bliss.

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. Give it a good stir until everything is well mixed. This creamy layer adds a fresh, herbaceous note that balances the robust tomato flavors beautifully.

Step 2: Mix the sauces

In a separate large bowl, blend the two jars of pasta sauce with the tomato sauce until smooth and consistent. This extra saucy goodness is what keeps the penne tender and packed with flavor during the slow cooking process.

Step 3: Grate the Parmesan

Grate 2 cups of Parmesan cheese fresh for the best flavor. Freshly grated Parmesan delivers a sharper, more vibrant taste than pre-grated options, intensifying every bite of this delicious dish.

Step 4: Prepare your crock pot

Lightly grease the inside of a 6-quart crock pot to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This simple step ensures your baked ziti slides out perfectly after cooking.

Step 5: Build your layers

Start by spooning about 2 1/3 cups of the sauce mixture into the bottom of the crock pot to form a flavorful base. Then add one-third of the uncooked penne pasta. Whisking a moment to portion your pasta into thirds before layering makes sure every bite is cooked evenly and infused with sauce. Next, dot half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta evenly and sprinkle on half of your Parmesan cheese (1 cup).

Repeat these layers once more in the same order: sauce, penne, ricotta, Parmesan. Finish with the last one-third of penne, then top everything with the remaining sauce mixture.

Step 6: Slow cook the ziti

Cover the crock pot and cook on high for 2 to 3 hours. The best magic happens between 2 and 2.5 hours when the pasta becomes perfectly al dente, soaking up the sauce but not a bit mushy. Keep an eye after the 2-hour mark to catch it at just the right tenderness.

Step 7: Add the mozzarella

About 15 to 30 minutes before finishing, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top. Let it melt into a bubbly, golden blanket that’ll give you that irresistible cheesy finish every baked ziti deserves.

How to Serve Crock Pot Baked Ziti Recipe

Garnishes

For a simple but stunning finish, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes or fresh basil leaves over the top. A light dusting of extra Parmesan right before serving adds a bit of salty brightness that echoes through every bite.

Side Dishes

This baked ziti shines best with classic companions like crunchy garlic bread and a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad helps cut through the richness of the cheese and sauce, while garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every last delicious morsel.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Crock Pot Baked Ziti family-style straight from the slow cooker to keep it warm and cozy. For a more elegant twist, plate single portions topped with a sprig of fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil. You can even turn leftovers into stuffed bell peppers for a fun, reimagined meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled to room temperature, transfer any leftovers into airtight containers and refrigerate. The flavors will continue to meld together nicely after a day or two, making for even tastier reheated meals.

Freezing

Looking to prep ahead? This Crock Pot Baked Ziti Recipe freezes beautifully. Layer the dish as directed in a freezer-safe container, tightly cover it, and freeze for up to three months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or oven to keep the pasta tender and the cheese melty. Cover the dish to trap moisture, and add a splash of water or extra sauce if it seems dry. Slow and low is the key to recreating that fresh-from-the-crock-pot vibe.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta instead of penne?

Absolutely! While penne holds sauce beautifully in this recipe, other pasta shapes like ziti, rigatoni, or even shells work great. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times slightly if needed and keep the pasta uncooked when layering.

Do I need to pre-cook the pasta before adding it to the crock pot?

Nope! The magic of this Crock Pot Baked Ziti Recipe is that the uncooked pasta cooks perfectly in the sauce as it slowly simmers. This saves time and cleanup without sacrificing texture.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

To make it vegetarian, just ensure your pasta sauce is free from meat products. For a vegan twist, swap ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella with plant-based cheese alternatives and use flax eggs or another egg substitute in the ricotta mixture.

How do I know when the baked ziti is done?

The ziti is ready when the pasta is tender but still has a bit of bite (al dente) and the sauce is bubbling around the edges. Usually, that’s between 2 and 2.5 hours on high in the crock pot.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes, but be mindful of your crock pot size. This recipe fits well in a 6-quart slow cooker. For more servings, use a larger crock pot or cook in two batches to ensure even cooking.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a hearty, flavorful, and fuss-free meal to warm up any day, you really can’t go wrong with this Crock Pot Baked Ziti Recipe. It’s an unbeatable blend of ease, comfort, and classic Italian charm wrapped up in one slow cooker. Give it a try—you might just find it becomes a staple in your dinner rotation, as it has in mine!

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Crock Pot Baked Ziti Recipe

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This Crock Pot Baked Ziti is a comforting, easy-to-make Italian-American dish that combines uncooked penne pasta with layers of ricotta, parmesan, mozzarella, and a rich tomato sauce, all slow-cooked to perfection in a crock pot. It’s perfect for a busy day when you want a hearty, warm meal waiting for you without much active cooking.

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

Ingredients

Sauce

• (2) 25 ounce jars of pasta sauce
• 15 oz tomato sauce

Pasta

• 1 pound uncooked penne pasta

Cheese Mixture

• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 2 eggs
• 1/3 cup freshly chopped basil
• 2 cups freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, eggs, and freshly chopped basil. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
2. Combine Sauces: In a large bowl, mix together both jars of pasta sauce and the tomato sauce thoroughly to create a unified sauce mixture.
3. Prepare Parmesan Cheese: Grate the Parmesan cheese freshly if not already grated and set it aside for layering.
4. Grease Slow Cooker: Lightly grease the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker with non-stick spray or a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
5. First Layer of Sauce: Pour 2 1/3 cups of the combined pasta sauce into the bottom of the slow cooker, spreading it evenly.
6. First Layer of Pasta: Add one-third of the uncooked penne pasta evenly over the sauce layer. It is helpful to pre-measure the pasta into three equal portions for consistent layering.
7. First Ricotta Layer: Dot half of the ricotta mixture across the pasta layer and spread it evenly for good coverage.
8. First Parmesan Layer: Sprinkle 1 cup (half) of the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the ricotta layer.
9. Second Sauce Layer: Add another 2 1/3 cups of the combined sauce mixture over the cheese layer.
10. Second Pasta Layer: Add the second third of uncooked penne pasta evenly on top of the sauce.
11. Second Ricotta Layer: Dot with the remaining ricotta mixture and spread it out evenly.
12. Second Parmesan Layer: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the ricotta.
13. Final Pasta Layer: Add the last one-third of uncooked penne pasta evenly over the top.
14. Top with Sauce: Pour the remaining 2 1/3 cups of sauce mixture over the final pasta layer, spreading to cover all the pasta.
15. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook the baked ziti on high for 2 to 3 hours, checking around 2.5 hours for al dente pasta. The pasta should be tender but not mushy.
16. Add Mozzarella Cheese: During the last 15 to 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the baked ziti and allow it to melt and become bubbly.
17. Serve: Serve the crock pot baked ziti hot, either on its own or topped with red pepper flakes, accompanied by garlic bread and a fresh side salad for a complete meal.

Notes

• Do not pre-cook the pasta; it cooks perfectly in the crockpot.
• Ensure even layers for balanced flavor and texture in every bite.
• If the pasta is too firm at 3 hours, you can continue cooking until desired tenderness is achieved.
• Freshly grated cheeses make a big difference in flavor.
• Use a 6-quart slow cooker for best results; smaller cookers may cause overflow or uneven cooking.
• Adding the mozzarella near the end prevents it from overcooking and becoming rubbery.
• Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the microwave or oven.

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