If you are craving a comforting, cheesy pasta dish that practically cooks itself, you have to try this Crockpot Ziti Recipe. It’s a delicious blend of tender ziti pasta, rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted cheese that comes together effortlessly in your slow cooker. Perfect for busy days when you want a hearty meal waiting for you at the end, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite and your go-to for hands-off dinner magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Crockpot Ziti Recipe calls for simple, straightforward ingredients that work together to create layers of incredible flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role from the tangy tomatoes to the luscious cheeses.
- 1 14oz can petite diced tomatoes: Adds a fresh, chunky texture and bright flavor to the sauce base.
- 2 25-ounce jars of marinara sauce: The rich, herby foundation that infuses the entire dish with classic Italian flavor.
- 1 pound ziti (or penne): The sturdy pasta that soaks up the sauce perfectly while holding its shape during slow cooking.
- 2 eggs: Helps bind the ricotta mixture for creamy, evenly distributed pockets of cheesy goodness.
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese: Adds creaminess and a mild, slightly sweet flavor to balance the tomato sauce.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to give that irresistible gooeyness everyone loves.
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese: Provides a sharp, nutty kick that deepens the flavor profile.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that brings everything together with just the right herbal note.
How to Make Crockpot Ziti Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
Start by combining the ricotta cheese, eggs, and Italian seasoning in a bowl. Stir this mixture well so everything is evenly incorporated. This blend will add a creamy texture and subtle herbiness throughout the layers.
Step 2: Combine the Sauces
In a large bowl, mix together both jars of marinara sauce with the petite diced tomatoes. This combination creates a slightly chunky, robust sauce that will infuse the pasta as it cooks slowly in the crockpot.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Blend
Grate the Parmesan cheese (if not pre-shredded) and combine it with the shredded mozzarella. Set this cheesy mixture aside—it will be layered throughout the dish to deliver pockets of melty, savory bites.
Step 4: Grease Your Slow Cooker
Lightly grease the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker to prevent the ziti from sticking. This simple step helps with cleanup and ensures those cheesy edges lift out beautifully.
Step 5: Layer the Ingredients
Start by spreading one-third (about 2 â…“ cups) of the sauce mixture on the bottom of the slow cooker. Then add a third of the uncooked ziti over the sauce layer. Dot half of the ricotta mixture evenly on top, and follow with 1 cup of the shredded cheese blend. Repeat this layering process once more with sauce, ziti, ricotta, and shredded cheese.
Step 6: Finish the Final Layer
Add the last third of uncooked ziti, then spread the remaining sauce mixture evenly over the top. Sprinkle on the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese to create a golden, bubbly top layer once cooked.
Step 7: Cook It Low and Slow
Cover and cook on high for 3 hours or on low for about 5 hours. The pasta will become tender and soak up all the delicious sauce and cheese flavors. Since slow cooker times can vary, check the pasta for doneness and adjust time as needed to achieve that perfect al dente texture.
Step 8: Serve with Love
Once cooked, serve the Crockpot Ziti Recipe warm, either as is or topped with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or fresh basil for a lovely finishing touch.
How to Serve Crockpot Ziti Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of flavor and color, try garnishing your Crockpot Ziti Recipe with freshly chopped basil or parsley. Red pepper flakes add a nice, gentle kick if you like a little heat. A light drizzle of good olive oil can also make the dish shine on the plate.
Side Dishes
This hearty Crockpot Ziti pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette, or some garlic bread on the side for soaking up delicious sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus balance out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties or special occasions, try serving the Crockpot Ziti Recipe in mini ramekins or small baking dishes for individual portions. Sprinkling fresh herbs on top just before serving makes it look extra inviting. You can even add a handful of toasted pine nuts for a delightful crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will continue to meld, making the dish even more delicious the next day. Enjoy within 3 to 4 days for the best quality.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover Crockpot Ziti Recipe for up to 2 months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, making sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or extra sauce can help keep the pasta moist and prevent it from drying out. Stir halfway through reheating for even temperature.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this Crockpot Ziti Recipe?
Absolutely! Penne works just as well, and other sturdy pasta shapes that hold sauce can be swapped in, but avoid delicate or very thin pastas that may become mushy after slow cooking.
Do I need to precook the pasta before adding it to the crockpot?
Nope! The magic of this recipe is that the uncooked pasta cooks perfectly in the slow cooker along with the sauce. Just be sure to keep an eye on it toward the end of cooking to reach your preferred pasta tenderness.
Can I add meat or vegetables to this Crockpot Ziti Recipe?
Definitely! Browned ground beef, Italian sausage, or sautéed vegetables like mushrooms and peppers can be mixed into the sauce to customize the dish to your taste and make it heartier.
How do I prevent the cheese from sticking to the sides of the slow cooker?
Greasing the slow cooker well before layering helps the dish release more easily. You can also try spraying the sides lightly with non-stick spray. Serving promptly after cooking helps avoid sticking too.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?
For a dairy-free or vegan version, substitute ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan with plant-based cheese alternatives that melt well, and use eggs replacers as needed. Also, ensure your marinara is free of animal products.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Ziti Recipe is one of those rare gems that combines simplicity, comfort, and incredible flavor all in one pot. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want a fuss-free meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Give it a try soon—you’re going to fall in love with how easily this crowd-pleasing classic comes together!
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Crockpot Ziti Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Crockpot Ziti recipe is a comforting and easy-to-make pasta dish featuring layers of uncooked ziti, tangy marinara sauce, creamy ricotta mixture, and a blend of gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Prepared effortlessly in a slow cooker, this meal is perfect for busy days and yields a flavorful, cheesy pasta baked to perfection without the need for boiling.
Ingredients
Cheese Mixture
- 15 ounces Ricotta cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Sauce
- 1 14-ounce can petite diced tomatoes
- 2 25-ounce jars marinara sauce
Pasta
- 1 pound ziti or penne pasta (uncooked)
Instructions
- Prepare the ricotta mixture: In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, eggs, and Italian seasoning. Stir thoroughly until the ingredients are well mixed and the mixture is smooth.
- Mix sauces: In a large bowl, mix together both jars of marinara sauce and the can of petite diced tomatoes to create a combined sauce base.
- Mix shredded cheeses: Grate the Parmesan cheese if not pre-shredded, then combine it with the shredded mozzarella cheese. Set aside this cheese blend for layered assembly.
- Prepare slow cooker: Grease the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking during cooking.
- Layer sauce: Pour about one third (approximately 2 and 1/3 cups) of the sauce mixture into the bottom of the slow cooker, spreading it evenly.
- Add pasta layer: Add one third of the uncooked ziti (about 1/3 pound) over the sauce layer, distributing the pasta evenly.
- Add ricotta mixture: Dot half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta layer. Use a spoon to gently spread it out evenly for consistent flavor across the layer.
- Add shredded cheese: Sprinkle one cup of the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese mixture evenly over the ricotta layer.
- Add more sauce: Pour another 2 and 1/3 cups of the sauce mixture over the cheese layer, spreading carefully to cover.
- Second pasta layer: Add the next third of uncooked ziti (about 1/3 pound) evenly over the sauce.
- Add remaining ricotta mixture: Dot the remaining ricotta mixture evenly over this pasta layer and spread it out gently.
- Add shredded cheese: Sprinkle another cup of the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese mixture evenly over the ricotta layer.
- Final pasta layer: Add the last third of the uncooked ziti (about 1/3 pound) on top.
- Top with sauce and cheese: Pour the remaining 2 and 1/3 cups of sauce mixture over the pasta and finish by sprinkling the last cup of shredded cheese on top.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3 hours or low for about 5 hours. Cook until the pasta is al dente; monitor during the final stages as slow cooker times can vary.
- Serve: Spoon the cooked ziti onto plates and serve alone or topped with optional red pepper flakes and fresh basil leaves for added flavor. Enjoy your creamy and cheesy crockpot ziti!
Notes
- Since the pasta cooks uncooked in the slow cooker, cooking times may vary slightly depending on your appliance; check the pasta texture near the end of cooking.
- Feel free to substitute penne pasta if ziti is not available.
- For added heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes before serving.
- Fresh basil makes a great garnish and adds brightness to the dish.
- Greasing the slow cooker well will prevent sticking, making serving and cleanup easier.
- If you prefer a lower-fat version, try part-skim ricotta and mozzarella cheeses.
