Effortless Crock Pot Baked Ziti: The Ultimate Slow Cooker Pasta for Crowd-Pleasing Meals
Discover the magic of this incredibly easy Crock Pot Baked Ziti recipe, designed to be a lifesaver when feeding a crowd or simply enjoying a hearty family meal. Its beauty lies in its simplicity: minimal assembly, maximum flavor, and best of all, the pasta cooks directly in your slow cooker, eliminating an extra pot and simplifying your kitchen routine!
The Best Easy Baked Ziti – A Weeknight Hero!
Imagine a delicious, comforting baked ziti that requires almost no effort. This recipe is exactly that! It’s incredibly simple to prep, making it perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any occasion where you need to feed a large group without spending hours in the kitchen. Forget boiling pasta separately; with this method, even the uncooked penne pasta softens and cooks perfectly right in the slow cooker, soaking up all the rich flavors of the sauce and cheeses.
What truly sets this baked ziti recipe apart is how the slow cooker takes over most of the work. Typically, when preparing a flavorful pasta dish, you might find yourself spending extra time meticulously dicing onions and garlic, sautéing them to build a deep, aromatic base. However, for this crock pot baked ziti, we keep it wonderfully straightforward. Aside from the bright pop of fresh basil, you won’t need an elaborate spice rack to achieve an incredibly satisfying meal. The beauty of slow cooking allows the simple, quality ingredients to meld together, creating a depth of flavor that tastes like you spent all day cooking!
Are you ready to see just how effortless it is to bring this rave-reviewed dish to your table? I’ll walk you through each step, making sure you have all the tips and tricks for a perfect outcome every single time. (Remember, full ingredient amounts and a printable recipe card are conveniently located at the bottom of this post.)
Key Ingredients & Important Notes for Your Slow Cooker Ziti
Crafting a delicious Crock Pot Baked Ziti starts with selecting the right ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why each component is essential for that perfect, comforting taste:
- Jarred pasta sauce: This is your flavor foundation, so don’t skimp on quality! A good, robust pasta sauce will elevate the entire dish. Choose your favorite brand or a variety with added herbs for an extra layer of taste.
- Tomato sauce: A plain tomato sauce adds an essential liquid component and pure tomato flavor, helping the pasta cook evenly and preventing the dish from becoming too thick or dry. It also helps to mellow out the richness of the pasta sauce.
- Uncooked penne pasta: This is the secret ingredient for hands-off cooking! Yes, the pasta goes in completely raw. There’s absolutely no need to boil it first, which saves you a significant amount of prep time and cleanup. Penne works wonderfully because its tube shape holds the sauce and cheese beautifully.
- Ricotta cheese: Creamy ricotta is a classic baked ziti component, providing a luscious, mild counterpoint to the rich tomato sauce. It adds moisture and a delicate texture to the layers.
- Eggs: Mixed with the ricotta, eggs act as a binder, helping the cheese layer set slightly during cooking and preventing it from becoming too watery. They contribute to the structure and creaminess of the ricotta mixture.
- Freshly chopped basil: This ingredient is non-negotiable for authentic, vibrant flavor. Fresh basil provides a fragrant, slightly sweet, and peppery note that brightens the entire dish. Do not be tempted to omit it or substitute with dried basil; the difference is truly remarkable.
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese: Grating your own parmesan cheese makes a huge difference in flavor and melt. It adds a sharp, salty, umami depth that complements the other cheeses and sauce.
- Mozzarella cheese: For that irresistible gooey, stretchy, golden-brown topping. Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully and creates a comforting, cheesy crust that everyone loves.
By using quality ingredients and following these guidelines, you’re set for a spectacularly easy and delicious slow cooker baked ziti!
How to Make Crock Pot Baked Ziti: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
Get ready to assemble one of the easiest and most delicious pasta dishes you’ll ever make. This layering technique ensures every bite is packed with flavor and perfectly cooked pasta.
Step 1: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the entire 15 oz container of ricotta cheese with 1/3 cup of freshly chopped basil and 2 large eggs. Use a spoon or spatula to mix these ingredients thoroughly until they are well incorporated and the mixture looks smooth and creamy, as pictured below. The fresh basil is crucial here – its aromatic freshness truly elevates the flavor profile of the ricotta layer, so resist the urge to skip it!
Step 2: Next, prepare your sauces and pasta. In a large bowl, whisk together the two 25 oz jars of pasta sauce and the 15 oz can of tomato sauce until thoroughly combined. This creates your rich, flavorful tomato base. Then, take your 1 pound of uncooked penne pasta and divide it into three roughly equal portions. Having these ready will make the layering process smooth and efficient.
Recipe Tip: Prep Your Slow Cooker First!
Before you start layering, always remember to generously spray the inside of your crock pot with cooking spray. This simple step is a game-changer for cleanup, preventing the cheese and sauce from sticking to the sides and bottom.
Step 3: Now, let’s begin the layering! Pour 2 and 1/3 cups of your combined pasta and tomato sauce mixture into the bottom of your greased slow cooker, spreading it evenly to cover the base. This provides a crucial moist foundation for the pasta to cook in. Next, take one of the three portions of uncooked penne pasta you prepared earlier and spread it in an even layer over the sauce. I’ve tried eyeballing this in the past and often ended up with uneven layers, which can affect cooking. Trust me, taking that extra minute to divide the pasta into three bowls beforehand is well worth it for a perfectly cooked dish.
Step 4: Carefully add half of your ricotta/egg/basil mixture over the pasta layer. You can either place small dollops of the ricotta mixture across the pasta, or gently spread it into a relatively even layer. This creamy layer will melt and infuse into the pasta as it cooks.
Step 5: Sprinkle half of the freshly grated parmesan cheese evenly over the ricotta layer. This adds another dimension of salty, cheesy goodness that will bake into the dish.
Step 6: Now, you’ll repeat the layering process to build the next level of your baked ziti. Add another 2 and 1/3 cups of the sauce mixture, spreading it out as evenly as possible. Follow this with another 1/3 of the uncooked penne pasta. Then, distribute the remaining ricotta mixture over the pasta, and finally, sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese over everything. These repeated layers are key to ensuring a rich, moist, and well-balanced dish.
To complete the layering, add the very last 1/3 of your uncooked penne pasta on top of the parmesan. And finally, pour the rest of your sauce mixture over the pasta. It’s crucial to spread this final layer of sauce out as evenly as you possibly can, ensuring that all the noodles on top are submerged or at least well-covered. This guarantees that every piece of pasta cooks properly and absorbs all that wonderful flavor, rather than ending up dry or crunchy.
Step 7: With all the layers in place, securely put the lid onto your crock pot. Cook the baked ziti on the HIGH setting for approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. Based on extensive testing, this timeframe consistently yields perfectly tender, “al dente” pasta without it becoming overly soft or mushy. After this initial cooking period, your dish should look wonderfully saucy and the pasta should be cooked through, as shown in the image below, ready for its final cheesy touch.
Step 8: The grand finale! Now it’s time to add the mozzarella cheese. Evenly sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella over the top of the hot ziti. If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to use what you have on hand, I’ve successfully used both asiago and mozzarella, and both resulted in equally delicious, bubbly tops. Essentially, any good melting Italian cheese will work wonderfully here! Once the cheese is added, replace the lid and allow it to cook for an additional 15-30 minutes, or until the mozzarella is completely melted, gooey, and slightly golden. Many readers have shared their successful substitutions, proving this step is quite flexible. The result will be an absolutely incredible, melted cheese topping that makes this dish truly irresistible.
And there you have it – it’s time to eat! This recipe is generously sized to feed a crowd, so ensure you’re using a 6-quart or larger slow cooker to accommodate all the delicious layers.
The flavor of this crockpot pasta is truly out of this world. If you’ve never ventured into making pasta in a slow cooker before, this Crock Pot Baked Ziti is the perfect recipe to start with. It’s so forgiving and consistently delivers incredible results. This dish has become a steadfast family favorite in our home, and I can always rely on it turning out perfectly, receiving rave reviews every single time I make it. I’ve tested and perfected this recipe, ensuring it’s foolproof for you!
Serving Ideas & What to Pair With Your Ziti
This hearty baked ziti is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides to create a complete and balanced dinner. We love serving ours alongside roasted veggies and a crusty piece of garlic bread. My absolute favorite pairing is with my oven-roasted frozen broccoli – it’s super simple to prepare and creates a delicious, healthy counterpoint to the rich pasta with barely any extra cooking. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette would also be excellent to cut through the richness. For drinks, a robust red wine like a Chianti or a crisp non-alcoholic sparkling cider would be lovely.
The carefully constructed layers of pasta and cheese are simply divine. Each spoonful offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors, with tender pasta, gooey melted cheese, and pockets of fresh ricotta and fragrant basil. Because the noodles cook directly in the savory sauce, they truly soak up every ounce of that yummy flavor, making for an incredibly satisfying and deeply flavored dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Substitute Ricotta Cheese in Baked Ziti?
Absolutely! While ricotta is traditional, there are excellent substitutes if you don’t have it on hand or prefer a different texture. Cottage cheese is a very common and effective substitute for ricotta in baked ziti, as it offers a similar creamy texture and mild flavor. Just be sure to drain any excess liquid from the cottage cheese before mixing it with the eggs and basil. You could also try using softened cream cheese for an extra rich and tangy twist. As reader Dee wisely commented, “Cottage cheese works just fine, the eggs act as a binder. Cream cheese also works well. I’ve made this recipe many times and had great results with both!”
How to Store & Reheat Leftover Crock Pot Baked Ziti
One of the best things about making a large batch of Crock Pot Baked Ziti is the delicious leftovers! Any remaining baked ziti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. To reheat, simply place individual portions in the microwave until heated through, or cover a larger dish with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly and hot. If the pasta seems a little dry, you can add a splash of water or extra pasta sauce before reheating.
Can I Add Meat to This Recipe?
Yes, absolutely! While this recipe is fantastic as a vegetarian option, you can easily add your favorite ground meat. Brown 1 pound of ground beef, Italian sausage, or a combination of both in a skillet on the stovetop. Drain any excess fat, then stir the cooked meat into your pasta sauce mixture before layering. This will infuse the entire dish with a rich, savory flavor.
Can I Prepare Crock Pot Baked Ziti Ahead of Time?
You can certainly do some prep work ahead of time. You can mix the ricotta, eggs, and basil, and combine the pasta sauces the day before. Store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, simply assemble the layers in the slow cooker and proceed with the cooking instructions. I don’t recommend assembling the entire dish with the uncooked pasta too far in advance, as the pasta can absorb too much liquid and become mushy before cooking.
Can I Freeze Leftover Baked Ziti?
Baked ziti freezes wonderfully! Once completely cooled, transfer individual portions or the entire leftover dish (if you have a freezer-safe container) into airtight, freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in the oven or microwave as described above. You might want to add a little extra sauce or a sprinkle of water before reheating to restore moisture.
More Irresistible Pasta Recipes to Explore
If you’re a fan of comforting pasta dishes, especially those that are easy to prepare, you’ll love exploring these other fantastic recipes. From rich baked delights to flavorful vegetarian options, there’s something for every pasta lover!
- Million Dollar Baked Ziti
- Roasted Vegetable Pasta
- Three Cheese Baked Ziti
- Veggie Lover’s Baked Rigatoni
- Vegetarian Baked Spaghetti
- Cauliflower Alfredo Pasta Bake
- Three Cheese Lasagna
- One Pot Sweet Potato and Spinach Pasta
Crock Pot Baked Ziti
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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 basil, freshly chopped
- 2 cups parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
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In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, eggs, and fresh basil and stir well until fully incorporated. Set aside.
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In a large bowl, combine both jars of pasta sauce and the tomato sauce together, mixing thoroughly.
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Grate the Parmesan cheese if not already grated and set aside. Divide the uncooked penne pasta into three equal portions.
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Grease the inside of a 6 qt (or larger) slow cooker generously with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
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Pour 2 1/3 cups of the combined pasta sauce mixture into the bottom of the slow cooker and spread evenly.
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Add 1/3 of the uncooked penne pasta over the sauce. Spreading it evenly helps ensure consistent cooking.
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Dot on half of the ricotta mixture and gently spread it out to form a layer.
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Add half of the Parmesan cheese (approximately 1 cup) in an even layer over the ricotta.
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Add another 2 1/3 cups of sauce mixture, spreading it out.
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Add an additional 1/3 of the uncooked penne pasta.
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Dot on the remaining ricotta mixture and spread out evenly.
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Sprinkle on the remaining parmesan cheese (approximately 1 cup).
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Add the last 1/3 of the uncooked penne pasta.
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Top with the remaining 2 1/3 cups of sauce mixture, spreading it as evenly as possible to cover the noodles completely.
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Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours, or until the pasta is tender and al dente. My tests show 2.5 hours is typically perfect for this amount of pasta and sauce.
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During the last 15-30 minutes of cooking, uncover and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Replace the lid and continue cooking until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
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Serve hot, either on its own or garnished with fresh basil, red pepper flakes, and accompanied by garlic bread and a crisp side salad. Enjoy!
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