Name: Crock Pot Baked Ziti Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 2 h 30 min
Total time: 2 h 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 jars (25 ounces each) pasta sauce; 15 ounces tomato sauce; 1 pound uncooked penne pasta; 15 ounces ricotta cheese; 2 eggs; 1/3 cup fresh basil, chopped; 2 cups Parmesan cheese, freshly grated; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

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Introduction

Crock Pot Baked Ziti is a comforting, hands-off meal perfect for busy days. This slow cooker version layers uncooked pasta with rich tomato sauces and creamy cheeses for an easy, cheesy dinner everyone will love.

The image shows a close-up of a slow cooker filled with baked pasta, which has three visible layers: the bottom layer is rigatoni pasta coated with red tomato sauce mixed with chunks of ground meat; the middle layer consists of creamy white ricotta cheese with a slightly crumbly texture; the top layer is melted white mozzarella cheese, soft and slightly browned in some parts; steam rises gently from the hot dish, and a serving spoon is scooping out a portion, revealing the layers clearly inside the black slow cooker, all set on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 (25 ounce) jars of pasta sauce
15 ounces tomato sauce
1 pound uncooked penne pasta
15 ounces ricotta cheese
2 eggs
1/3 cup fresh chopped basil
2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, eggs, and fresh basil. Stir well until smooth.
Step 2: In a large bowl, mix together both jars of pasta sauce and the tomato sauce.
Step 3: Grate the Parmesan cheese and set aside.
Step 4: Grease the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker thoroughly.
Step 5: Pour 2 1/3 cups of the sauce mixture into the bottom of the slow cooker.
Step 6: Add one-third of the uncooked penne pasta evenly over the sauce. Measuring the pasta into three parts before starting helps ensure even cooking.
Step 7: Dot half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta and spread it out evenly.
Step 8: Sprinkle half of the Parmesan cheese (1 cup) over the ricotta layer.
Step 9: Pour another 2 1/3 cups of sauce mixture on top.
Step 10: Add the second third of uncooked penne pasta.
Step 11: Spread the remaining ricotta mixture evenly over the pasta.
Step 12: Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese (1 cup) on top.
Step 13: Add the final third of uncooked penne pasta.
Step 14: Top with the last 2 1/3 cups of sauce mixture.
Step 15: Cover and cook on high for 2 to 3 hours, or until the pasta is al dente. Check around 2.5 hours for perfect texture.
Step 16: During the last 15 to 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top and allow it to melt.
Step 17: Serve warm, optionally topped with red pepper flakes, alongside garlic bread and a fresh side salad.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh basil for vibrant flavor, or substitute with 1 teaspoon dried basil if needed.
For a spicy kick, add crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce layers.
Try adding cooked Italian sausage or ground beef between the layers for extra protein.
Make sure not to overfill your slow cooker to allow even cooking and prevent overflow.

Storage

Store leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in a 350°F oven until heated through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

This image shows a close-up of baked pasta in a black slow cooker. The dish has several layers starting with penne pasta coated in red tomato sauce at the bottom, mixed with crumbled white cheese. On top is a thick layer of melted white cheese that is slightly browned in some places. The pasta looks soft and is covered evenly in sauce and cheese. There is a black spatula scooping some pasta out, showing the layers clearly. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use cooked pasta instead of uncooked?

It’s best to use uncooked pasta for this recipe because the slow cooker will cook the pasta perfectly while blending the flavors. Using cooked pasta could result in a mushy texture.

What size slow cooker should I use?

A 6-quart slow cooker is ideal to fit all the layers without overcrowding. Using a smaller slow cooker may cause uneven cooking or overflow.