Print

Crock Pot Baked Ziti Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

Find it online: https://www.cheftara.com/crock-pot-baked-ziti-recipe/