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Over the years, I’ve shared a lot of recipes on this blog. Some of them have become family favorites- not just of my own family, but of yours as well. One of the most popular recipes- ever since it was published in 2016- has been my Easy, Cheesy Baked Ziti recipe.
Something else that I’ve noticed you guys love? Slow cooker recipes! I totally get why- you just throw some ingredients in a pot in the morning and in the evening dinner’s basically made for you. Whether you’ve spent the day chasing a toddler or in boardroom meetings, it’s nice to clear up a little time in the evening to relax.
The most recent time that I was pulling my Baked Ziti out of the oven, I had an epiphany- why not combine the two? And thus, this Slow Cooker Baked Ziti recipe was born!
Now, this recipe is pretty simple but you might have a few questions. I’ll answer those below, but if you’re ready to get to work go ahead and scroll down for the recipe.
Do you have to use Ziti pasta?
No! In fact, I often use Penne pasta when making Baked “Ziti”- it’s more readily available at my grocery store. You can use any similar type of pasta, just make sure you aren’t using fresh pasta from the refrigerated section because that wouldn’t hold up in this particular recipe. {But it does pair well with this pasta sauce!}
What kind of slow cooker do I need?
If you already have one, then that one! If you don’t, I love slow cookers with programmable timers. It gives you more flexibility, just in case you know you aren’t going to be home in the exact amount of time that this cooks in. While there are many great brands out there, I do use Crock-Pot brand.
If you’re in the market, I have this Crock-Pot and this one; there’s also this cute Pixar Crock-Pot or Mickey Mouse slow cooker!
Can this be made in a Pressure Cooker {Instant Pot}?
Probably! But I don’t know the settings, so if you’re an Instant Pot wizard you’ll have to comment below and let us all know the conversion. I love using my instant pot as much as the next gal, but I haven’t tried this particular recipe in it just yet. I’ll let you know if I do! {In the meantime, here’s my favorite Instant Pot Chicken recipe!}
Why do you have to cook the pasta first?
When it comes down to it, the slow cooker just doesn’t provide enough heat, time, or moisture for it to fully cook the pasta without making everything else soggy unless you do a little bit of pasta prep first. But it just takes a few minutes {plus the time to boil water- half a pot should be enough though so it should boil fast!} and it’s so worth it, I promise!
If you won’t have time the day you’re making this, just make it the night before while prepping that dinner.
Where’s the recipe?
Just below! I hope you love it- if you try it, leave me a comment below and let me know how it went!
Slow Cooker Baked Ziti
Is there anything more comforting than a delicious, warm Baked Ziti with Ricotta? This Slow Cooker Baked Ziti recipe is made using a crockpot so it’s ready when you are, and best of all it’s super easy! This version is Vegetarian, but if you’re not into meatless you can always add to it!
Ingredients
- 16 oz. ziti pasta
- 16 oz. ricotta cheese
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella
- 1 jar of pasta sauce
- ¼ cup fresh basil
- Shredded parmesan (optional)
Instructions
- Cook pasta until slightly softened, about 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, mix ricotta cheese, ½ cup mozzarella and ⅛ cup chopped basil.
- Spray the inside of the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add half of the pasta in a single layer in the slow cooker. Top with a layer of sauce.
- Drop half the ricotta mixture in spoonful-sized dollops on top of the sauce. Spread slightly with the back of your spoon. Sprinkle with a pinch of basil and a layer of mozzarella.
- Next, create another layer adding pasta, marinara, ricotta, and mozzarella.
- Cook, covered, on high for 2 hours, until the cheese and pasta are melted together.
- Serve with basil and grated Parmesan {optional} sprinkled on top.
Looking for more slow cooker recipes? Check out these Crock-Pot recipes below, or follow my Recipes: Slow Cooker board on Pinterest!
- Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup
- Slow Cooker Grown-Up Chicken Soup
- Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
- Slow Cooker BBQ Pork Sandwiches
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