Crock Pot Baked Ziti
+5 photos

Crock Pot Baked Ziti

8 servings
This Crock Pot Baked Ziti is the ultimate cheesy comfort food.  This crazy simple family dinner comes together with just 10 minutes of prep work - no need to pre-boil the noodles - and then cooks in your slow cooker.  This cozy combination of penne pasta, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and marina sauce makes the perfect vegetarian family dinner.

Ingredients

  • ricotta cheese
    32 oz
  • eggs
    2
  • grated parmesan cheese

    divided

    ½ c
  • italian seasoning
    2 tsp
  • salt
    ½ tsp
  • pepper
    ¼ tsp
  • pasta sauce
    48 oz
  • penne pasta
    16 oz
  • shredded italian cheese blend
    14 oz

Directions

  1. 1

    Spray a large crock pot with cooking spray.

  2. 2

    In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, eggs, 1/4 cup of the parmesan cheese, Italian Seasoning, and salt and pepper.

    Step 2
  3. 3

    Add a thin layer of marinara sauce to the bottom of the crock pot.

    Step 3
  4. 4

    In another layer, add 1/3 of the pasta.

    Step 4
  5. 5

    Next, add 1/3 of the ricotta cheese mixture.

    Step 5
  6. 6

    Finish with 1/3 of the mozzerella cheese.

    Step 6
  7. 7

    Repeat the layers 2 more times for a total of 3 layers. On the top layer, sprinkle some extra Italian Seasoning and the rest of the parmesan cheese.

  8. 8

    Cook on high for 2-2/12 hours until the pasta is tender.

    Step 8
Crock Pot Baked Ziti
+5

Crock Pot Baked Ziti

130 min8 servings524 cal

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About this Recipe

Craving a hearty, cheesy dinner without the fuss and a mountain of dishes? This Crock Pot Baked Ziti is your ultimate answer, bringing comforting flavors and incredible convenience to your table.

Why This Recipe Works

The true magic of this recipe lies in its remarkable simplicity: a mere 10 minutes of prep and absolutely no need to pre-boil the noodles. Your slow cooker becomes your culinary assistant, transforming raw penne pasta into a tender, cheesy masterpiece by slowly absorbing the rich marinara sauce and melting into a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. It's truly a hands-off approach to classic baked ziti.

What to Expect

Prepare for a deeply satisfying experience. You'll find perfectly tender penne pasta swimming in a savory marinara, all enveloped by a luxurious, gooey blanket of ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan. Each forkful delivers a warm, comforting blend of textures and robust Italian flavors. This dish is designed to be a quintessential, cozy family dinner, effortlessly rich, and naturally vegetarian, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Customization & Variations

While the recipe is perfect as written, you can easily adjust the cheese to your liking; consider a sharper aged Parmesan or a different Italian cheese blend for subtle flavor shifts. For an extra aromatic kick, feel free to slightly increase the Italian seasoning to suit your taste. You could also experiment with different marinara sauces to find your family's favorite profile.

Serving & Context

This Crock Pot Baked Ziti is the ideal solution for a busy weeknight or a relaxed family gathering. Its generous yield of 8 servings makes it perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or ensuring you have delicious, comforting leftovers. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad and some crusty bread to complete a truly satisfying meal.

Frequently Asked Questions