Irresistible Easy Crockpot Baked Ziti Recipe for Busy Weeknights

Comfort food reaches new heights with this irresistible crockpot baked ziti that promises zero kitchen stress.

Pasta lovers rejoice as layers of cheesy goodness come together effortlessly in your slow cooker.

This foolproof recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, blending zesty marinara and rich cheeses into a crowd-pleasing meal.

Tender pasta mingles with melted mozzarella, creating a dish that feels like a warm culinary hug.

The magic happens when simple ingredients transform into a hearty, satisfying dinner that everyone will crave.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting friends, this crockpot baked ziti will become your go-to weeknight wonder.

Prepare to fall in love with the easiest, most delicious pasta dish that practically cooks itself.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of pasta in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ziti with other similar short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini. Just ensure they are similar in size and shape for even cooking.

• Is it necessary to use uncooked pasta in the crockpot?

Yes, this recipe specifically requires uncooked pasta. The liquid from marinara sauce and slow cooking process helps the pasta cook perfectly without pre-boiling.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply skip any meat ingredients and focus on the cheese and pasta. You can also add vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.

Why Crockpot Ziti Is Easy

• Toss ingredients into the crockpot without pre-cooking pasta, making this recipe incredibly simple for busy home cooks.
• Packed with cheesy goodness and classic Italian flavors, this ziti will satisfy everyone from kids to adults at family dinners.
• Let the crockpot do all the work while you enjoy stress-free meal preparation, freeing up time for other activities.
• Swap ingredients or add protein like ground beef or sausage to personalize this versatile one-pot wonder that adapts to your taste preferences.

Crockpot Ziti Ingredient List

• Ziti Pasta: A classic tubular pasta perfect for baked dishes and easy to cook in a crockpot.
• Marinara Sauce: A classic Italian tomato-based sauce that provides rich flavor and moisture to the dish.
• Ricotta Cheese: A creamy Italian cheese that adds smooth texture and mild flavor to the ziti.
• Mozzarella Cheese: A soft, melty cheese that creates a delicious stretchy cheese layer in the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: A hard, aged cheese that adds a sharp and salty flavor to the top of the ziti.

• Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning: Herbs and spices that enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

• Fresh Parsley: A bright green herb that adds color and a fresh garnish to the completed dish.
• Cooking Spray: A non-stick spray used to prevent the ziti from sticking to the crockpot.

Tools for Crockpot Ziti Night

• Crockpot: Essential for slow cooking and creating delicious one-pot meals.
• Cooking spray: Helps prevent ingredients from sticking to the crockpot.
• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
• Cheese grater: Optional for freshly grating mozzarella and Parmesan.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Useful for layering and spreading ingredients.
• Sharp knife: For chopping fresh parsley as garnish.

Steps for Baked Ziti Perfection

Step 1: Prep the Crockpot

Grab your trusty slow cooker and give it a generous spray with cooking spray to prevent any sticky situations.

Pour a hearty layer of marinara sauce across the bottom, creating a flavorful foundation for your ziti adventure.

Step 2: Create Delicious Layers

• Uncooked ziti pasta
• Creamy ricotta cheese
• Gooey mozzarella cheese

Repeat these layers to create a delicious pasta stack that will make mouths water.

Step 3: Add Flavor Boosters

Drizzle the remaining marinara sauce over the top of your layers.

• Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover your crockpot and let the magic happen.

Cook on low heat for 3-4 hours.

You’ll know it’s ready when the pasta becomes tender and the cheese transforms into a melty, bubbling blanket.

Step 5: Finish with Fresh Flair

Just before serving, shower the ziti with freshly chopped parsley.

This final touch adds a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor that will make your dish look and taste restaurant-worthy.

Crockpot Ziti Pro Tips

• Generously spray the crockpot with cooking spray to ensure easy serving and cleanup.
• Alternate ingredients evenly to distribute flavors and ensure each bite is perfectly balanced.
• Use freshly grated mozzarella and Parmesan for better melting and richer taste.
• Check pasta occasionally to prevent overcooking and maintain ideal texture.
• Add fresh parsley just before serving to boost fresh flavor and visual appeal.

Ziti Variations for Every Taste

• Gluten-Free Ziti: Replace traditional ziti with gluten-free pasta and ensure marinara sauce is gluten-free certified.
• Vegetarian Protein Boost: Substitute ground meat with plant-based crumbles or roasted vegetables like zucchini and eggplant.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower instead of pasta, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining creamy texture.
• Dairy-Free Version: Swap ricotta and mozzarella with dairy-free cheese alternatives made from cashews or almond milk, keeping similar creaminess and flavor profile.

Serving Up Crockpot Ziti

• Family Dinner Champion: Serve this ziti with a crisp garden salad and warm garlic bread for a complete meal that satisfies everyone's hunger.
• Potluck Superstar: Bring this crockpot ziti to gatherings, keeping it warm in the slow cooker and watching friends devour every cheesy bite.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Complement the rich pasta with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese, enhancing the tomato and cheese flavors.
• Leftover Magic: Store extra ziti in airtight containers for quick lunches, reheating gently to maintain the creamy texture and delicious taste.

Storing Crockpot Ziti Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer cooled ziti to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Keeps well for 2-3 months. Avoid freezing with fresh parsley garnish.
• Preheat to 350°F. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add splash of marinara to maintain moisture.
• Place portion on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Stop when steaming hot.

Easy Crockpot Baked Ziti Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Ziti emerges as a comforting Italian-American pasta dish that simmers with rich cheesy goodness. Slow cookers simplify meal preparation, delivering hearty flavors you’ll savor without extensive kitchen effort.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ziti pasta, uncooked
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Garnish:

• Parsley

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Thoroughly coat the interior of the slow cooker with non-stick spray, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
2. Create the first foundation layer by spreading marinara sauce across the bottom of the crockpot, establishing a moisture base for the pasta.
3. Construct the initial ingredient stratum by carefully arranging half of the uncooked ziti across the sauce, creating an even, uniform distribution.
4. Distribute the first portion of ricotta cheese over the ziti, spreading it gently to cover the pasta layer completely.
5. Add the initial layer of mozzarella cheese, ensuring a consistent coverage that will melt and bind the ingredients.
6. Repeat the layering process with the remaining uncooked ziti, creating a second substantial pasta foundation.
7. Apply the second portion of ricotta cheese, mirroring the previous layer’s technique for even distribution.
8. Complete the cheese layers by adding the remaining mozzarella, creating a rich, creamy texture throughout the dish.
9. Drizzle the remaining marinara sauce across the top, allowing it to seep between the layers and provide moisture.
10. Generously sprinkle Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning over the surface, adding depth of flavor and aromatic complexity.
11. Secure the crockpot lid and set to low temperature, cooking for 3-4 hours until pasta reaches perfect tenderness and cheese melts completely.
12. Once cooking is complete, garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a vibrant, fresh element before serving.

Notes

• Swap pasta types easily by using gluten-free penne or whole wheat ziti for dietary needs.
• Enhance flavor by sautéing fresh garlic and onions before adding to the crockpot for deeper taste complexity.
• Prevent dry edges by ensuring pasta is completely covered with sauce during cooking.
• Reduce cooking time to 2-3 hours if using smaller crockpot or fewer ingredients to avoid overcooking pasta.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg