A slow-cooker baked ziti recipe is a convenient and delicious way to enjoy this classic Italian-American dish with minimal effort. Here’s a simple recipe to try:
Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound (16 oz) ziti or penne pasta
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (or your favorite pasta sauce)
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/2 pound cooked Italian sausage or ground beef (for a meaty version)
- Optional: Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the ziti or penne pasta according to the package instructions, but reduce the cooking time by 1-2 minutes (it will finish cooking in the slow cooker). Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large bowl, mix the marinara sauce, tomato sauce, water, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. If using cooked meat, stir it into the sauce.
- Layer the Ingredients:
- Lightly grease the slow cooker with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add half of the cooked pasta, followed by half of the remaining sauce, half of the mozzarella cheese, and dollops of ricotta cheese.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, sauce, mozzarella, and ricotta.
- Sprinkle the top with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours or on high for 1-1.5 hours, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Avoid overcooking, as the pasta can become mushy.
- Serve: Let it sit for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Tips
- For a creamier texture, mix 1/2 cup of heavy cream or cream cheese into the sauce.
- If you prefer a crispy top, transfer the ziti to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle with extra cheese, and broil for a few minutes before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Enjoy your hearty, cheesy slow-cooker baked ziti! 🍝
