Save A hearty, comforting pasta dish featuring tender ziti, rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and plenty of melted cheese, all made effortlessly in the slow cooker with just five simple ingredients.
I love making baked ziti in the slow cooker because it lets me prepare a flavorful main dish without heating up the kitchen or fussing over multiple pots.
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Ingredients
- Pasta: 450 g (1 lb) uncooked ziti or penne pasta
- Sauce: 800 ml (about 28 oz) jar marinara or pasta sauce
- Cheeses: 375 g (15 oz) ricotta cheese, 225 g (2 cups) shredded mozzarella cheese, 60 g (½ cup) grated Parmesan cheese
- Water: 470 ml (2 cups) water
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Instructions
- Prep Slow Cooker:
- Lightly grease the inside of a large slow cooker with nonstick spray or a little olive oil
- Layer First Round:
- Pour half of the uncooked ziti into the bottom of the slow cooker
- Add Sauce:
- Spoon half of the marinara sauce evenly over the pasta
- Add Ricotta:
- Dollop and gently spread half of the ricotta cheese over the sauce
- Add Cheeses:
- Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top
- Repeat Layers:
- Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan
- Add Water:
- Pour the water evenly over the entire mixture
- Cook:
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3 hours, or until the pasta is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly
- Rest and Serve:
- Turn off the slow cooker and let the ziti rest, uncovered, for 10 minutes before serving
Save My family always requests this ziti whenever we have a busy week ahead because everyone loves scooping out cheesy servings right from the slow cooker.
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Pairing Suggestions
Complete your meal with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread for classic Italian comfort.
Customization Ideas
Add cooked ground beef, sausage, or sautéed vegetables for extra flavor and protein, or finish with basil for freshness.
Nutrition Information
Each serving provides approximately 420 calories, 14 g fat, 54 g carbohydrates, and 20 g protein.
Save 
This slow cooker baked ziti is ideal for busy days and brings comfort in every cheesy bite. Enjoy leftovers reheated for a quick lunch.
