Slow-Cooker Baked Ziti

If you’re looking for a convenient meal prep recipe, you should definitely try this slow-cooker baked ziti recipe. It’s a simple and delicious dish that can be prepared with minimal hands-on time. Simply combine the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it cook for you. After about two hours, this satisfying and comforting pasta dish will be ready to eat. Serve it with warm breadsticks or a refreshing salad.

Slow-Cooker Baked Ziti Ingredients

• Ziti: This pasta shape is perfect for dishes like baked ziti. Its tubular shape clings to the cheese and sauce, delivering a perfectly saucy bite with every forkful.
• Ricotta mixture: A combination of ricotta, eggs and dried basil adds a creamy texture and bold flavor to baked ziti. Add crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat, or leave them out if your eaters are sensitive to spice.
• Meatless pasta sauce: Store-bought sauce is a real time-saver for weeknight dinner recipes. Use the best jarred pasta sauce or pull out a can of homemade canned spaghetti sauce.
• Cheese: Baked ziti gets its cheesy consistency from shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
• Fresh basil: Top this slow-cooked pasta dish with fresh basil to give it an aromatic finish.

Directions

Step 1: Layer the baked ziti in the slow cooker

KRISTINA VANNI FOR TASTE OF HOME

In a small bowl, stir together the ricotta cheese, egg, basil and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour the pasta sauce into a 5-quart slow cooker. Evenly top the sauce with uncooked ziti, and pour water over the top. Drop heaping tablespoons of the ricotta cheese mixture over the pasta. Sprinkle the dish with mozzarella cheese.

Step 2: Slow-cook on high

KRISTINA VANNI FOR TASTE OF HOME

Cook, covered, on high until heated through and the pasta is tender, 2 hours to 2 hours and 30 minutes. Top the dish with fresh basil and, if desired, Parmesan cheese and additional red pepper flakes. Serve immediately.

KRISTINA VANNI FOR TASTE OF HOME

Recipe Variations

• Make it meaty: To create a heartier baked ziti, add ground beef or sausage links to make baked ziti with sausage. Brown the meat in a skillet, and layer it in the slow cooker with the pasta sauce.
• Add pesto: Drop dollops of pesto into the slow cooker alongside the ricotta cheese mixture to create pockets of cheesy, nutty bites.

How to Store Slow-Cooker Baked Ziti

Allow slow-cooker baked ziti to cool slightly. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate the leftovers for up to four days.

Can you make this recipe for slow-cooker baked ziti ahead of time?

You can make this slow-cooker baked ziti recipe several days ahead of time. Prepare it as a meal prep recipe and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it in the microwave when you’re ready to eat.

Can you freeze slow-cooker baked ziti?

You can freeze cooked pasta recipes like slow-cooker baked ziti for up to three months. Store the pasta in individual portions in freezer-safe containers so it’s easy to reheat a single serving. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in the microwave.

Slow-Cooker Baked Ziti Tips

KRISTINA VANNI FOR TASTE OF HOME

Can you put uncooked pasta in the slow cooker?

You can put uncooked pasta in the slow cooker, but you have to make sure the recipe was developed with enough liquid to rehydrate the dry, uncooked pasta. Many of our favorite slow-cooker pasta recipes don’t require cooking the noodles ahead of time, either.

What other pasta shapes can you use to make baked ziti in a slow cooker?

Most short pasta shapes make a great substitute for ziti. Try elbow macaroni, rigatoni, penne, radiatore or casarecce.

What should you serve with slow-cooker baked ziti?

Slow-cooker baked ziti is a comforting dinner that tastes fantastic with garlic bread, homemade bread rolls or a toasted piece of a baguette. You can also pair it with vegetables like a bright salad or easy sauteed spinach.