Description
Crockpot Baked Ziti is a simple and comforting one-pot dish featuring layers of tender pasta, rich marinara, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this hassle-free recipe brings all the flavor of traditional baked ziti with minimal effort. Pair with garlic bread for a crowd-pleasing meal!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 lb ziti pasta (uncooked)
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot:
- Spray the inside of your Crockpot with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of the Crockpot.
- Layer the Ingredients:
- Add half of the uncooked ziti pasta as an even layer.
- Top with half of the ricotta cheese and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layers: ziti, ricotta, and mozzarella.
- Top and Season:
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook:
- Cover the Crockpot with the lid and cook on low for 3–4 hours, or until the pasta is tender and the cheese is melted.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once cooked, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
- Serve warm with crispy garlic bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Pasta: No need to pre-cook the pasta—the Crockpot will do all the work!
- Variations: Add cooked ground beef, sausage, or veggies like spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and heartiness.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
