Slow Cooker Baked Ziti (Printable Version)

Comforting ziti with tomato sauce and cheeses, cooked slowly for a tender, cheesy finish.

# Components:

→ Pasta

01 - 1 lb uncooked ziti or penne pasta

→ Sauce

02 - 28 fl oz jar marinara or pasta sauce

→ Cheeses

03 - 15 oz ricotta cheese
04 - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
05 - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

→ Water

06 - 2 cups water

# Method Steps:

01 - Lightly grease the interior of a large slow cooker with nonstick spray or olive oil.
02 - Place half of the uncooked pasta into the slow cooker, then spoon half of the marinara sauce evenly over it.
03 - Dollop and gently spread half of the ricotta cheese over the sauce, then sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top.
04 - Repeat the layering process with the remaining pasta, sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses.
05 - Pour the water evenly over the assembled layers.
06 - Cover and cook on LOW for 3 hours, until the pasta is tender and the cheeses are melted and bubbly.
07 - Turn off the slow cooker and let the baked pasta rest uncovered for 10 minutes before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Simple to make with minimal prep
  • Comforting and crowd-pleasing for family dinners
02 -
  • Check ingredient labels to ensure vegetarian or gluten-free options as needed
  • Letting the ziti rest before serving helps set the layers
03 -
  • Add cooked ground beef or sausage if you prefer a hearty meat addition
  • Stir in fresh basil or parsley just before serving for an herby finish
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