Introduction

This Crock Pot Baked Ziti is a delicious, hands-off meal perfect for busy days. Layers of creamy cheeses, savory marinara, and tender pasta come together in your slow cooker for a comforting Italian classic.

Crock Pot Baked Ziti Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

2 (24 oz) jars marinara pasta sauce
16 ounces tomato sauce
1 cup water
16 ounces uncooked ziti pasta (or penne)
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sour cream
1/2 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
1 1/2 cups freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh basil, for topping (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, sour cream, and ricotta cheese together until smooth using an electric mixer. Stir in the minced garlic and chopped basil.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine both jars of marinara pasta sauce, the tomato sauce, and water. Stir until well mixed.
Step 3: Pour 2 cups of the sauce mixture into the bottom of the slow cooker. Add about one-third of the uncooked ziti pasta on top. Spoon half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the pasta. Sprinkle with 3/4 cup of the grated parmesan cheese.
Step 4: Add another 2 cups of sauce over the cheese layer. Top with another third of the uncooked pasta. Spread the remaining ricotta mixture evenly, then sprinkle with the remaining parmesan cheese. Add the rest of the uncooked pasta and cover with the remaining sauce. Make sure the pasta is fully submerged.
Step 5: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Cover with the slow cooker lid and cook on HIGH for 2 hours, or on LOW for 3 hours, until the pasta is tender. Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil if desired.

Tips & Variations

For added flavor, sauté the garlic briefly before mixing into the cheese layer.
Swap ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter option.
Add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the sauce for a meatier version.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the added water slightly.
Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe suitable for gluten-intolerant guests.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked ziti for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

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 since the slow cooker cooks it along with the sauce and cheese. Using cooked pasta may result in a mushy texture.

Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

To make a vegan version, substitute the cheeses with plant-based alternatives and ensure the pasta and sauces are free from animal products.

Crock Pot Baked Ziti Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 51 reviews

This Crock Pot Baked Ziti recipe is a comforting and easy-to-make pasta dish that combines layers of ziti pasta, rich marinara sauce, and a creamy cheese mixture cooked slowly in a crock pot. Perfect for busy days, it requires minimal prep and delivers a hearty, cheesy meal suitable for family dinners.

Author: Tara
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours (High) / 3 hours (Low)
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (High) / 3 hours 15 minutes (Low)
Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale

Sauce Ingredients

2 (24 oz) jars marinara pasta sauce
16 oz tomato sauce
1 cup water

Pasta

16 oz uncooked ziti pasta (or penne)

Cheese Mixture

4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sour cream
1/2 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

Cheese Toppings

1 1/2 cups freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Garnish (Optional)

Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

Make Cheese Layer: In a mixing bowl, add cream cheese, sour cream, and ricotta cheese. Use an electric mixer to beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Stir in the minced garlic and chopped fresh basil until evenly combined.
Make Red Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the two jars of marinara pasta sauce, tomato sauce, and water. Mix well to create a balanced and flavorful sauce.
Assemble: Spread 2 cups of the prepared sauce at the bottom of the slow cooker. Layer approximately one-third of the uncooked ziti pasta over the sauce. Spoon half of the cheese mixture on top and gently spread it evenly. Sprinkle 3/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese over the cheese layer.
Add More Layers: Add another 2 cups of sauce over the parmesan cheese. Add another one-third of the uncooked ziti pasta. Spread the remaining cheese mixture evenly over the pasta. Sprinkle the remaining 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese. Add the last portion of the uncooked ziti on top and cover with the remaining sauce, ensuring the pasta is fully submerged for proper cooking. Finally, sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Cook: Cover the crock pot with the lid and cook on HIGH for 2 hours or on LOW for 3 hours, until the pasta is tender and the cheeses are melted and bubbly. Once cooked, garnish with fresh basil if desired and serve warm.

Notes

You can substitute ziti with penne or any similar tubular pasta.
Ensure the pasta is covered with sauce to allow it to cook properly without drying out.
Use full-fat cheeses for creamier texture and richer flavor.
Feel free to add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage for a meatier version.
Fresh basil garnish adds a lovely color and fresh flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or oven.

Keywords: Crock Pot baked ziti, slow cooker pasta, cheesy baked ziti, easy pasta dinner, creamy baked ziti