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Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

Featured in: One-Pot Comforts

This comforting dish features layers of tender ziti pasta combined with rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Prepared effortlessly in a slow cooker, it allows the flavors to meld slowly, resulting in a hearty and cheesy meal perfect for any occasion. The slow cooking process ensures the pasta is perfectly tender and the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden topping. Adding fresh herbs or vegetables can enhance the dish further, making it a versatile and satisfying option.

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Updated on Thu, 20 Nov 2025 08:59:00 GMT
Steaming slow cooker baked ziti, a cheesy, comforting Italian pasta casserole, ready to serve and enjoy. Save
Steaming slow cooker baked ziti, a cheesy, comforting Italian pasta casserole, ready to serve and enjoy. | kookycrunch.com

A hearty, comforting pasta dish featuring tender ziti, rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and plenty of melted cheese, all made effortlessly in the slow cooker with just five simple ingredients.

I love making baked ziti in the slow cooker because it lets me prepare a flavorful main dish without heating up the kitchen or fussing over multiple pots.

Ingredients

  • Pasta: 450 g (1 lb) uncooked ziti or penne pasta
  • Sauce: 800 ml (about 28 oz) jar marinara or pasta sauce
  • Cheeses: 375 g (15 oz) ricotta cheese, 225 g (2 cups) shredded mozzarella cheese, 60 g (½ cup) grated Parmesan cheese
  • Water: 470 ml (2 cups) water

Instructions

Prep Slow Cooker:
Lightly grease the inside of a large slow cooker with nonstick spray or a little olive oil
Layer First Round:
Pour half of the uncooked ziti into the bottom of the slow cooker
Add Sauce:
Spoon half of the marinara sauce evenly over the pasta
Add Ricotta:
Dollop and gently spread half of the ricotta cheese over the sauce
Add Cheeses:
Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top
Repeat Layers:
Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan
Add Water:
Pour the water evenly over the entire mixture
Cook:
Cover and cook on LOW for 3 hours, or until the pasta is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly
Rest and Serve:
Turn off the slow cooker and let the ziti rest, uncovered, for 10 minutes before serving
Melted mozzarella blankets the bubbling slow cooker baked ziti, a hearty dish perfect for dinner tonight. Save
Melted mozzarella blankets the bubbling slow cooker baked ziti, a hearty dish perfect for dinner tonight. | kookycrunch.com

My family always requests this ziti whenever we have a busy week ahead because everyone loves scooping out cheesy servings right from the slow cooker.

Pairing Suggestions

Complete your meal with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread for classic Italian comfort.

Customization Ideas

Add cooked ground beef, sausage, or sautéed vegetables for extra flavor and protein, or finish with basil for freshness.

Nutrition Information

Each serving provides approximately 420 calories, 14 g fat, 54 g carbohydrates, and 20 g protein.

Warm aroma of slow cooker baked ziti with ricotta, a delicious, cheesy pasta creation bubbling in cooker. Save
Warm aroma of slow cooker baked ziti with ricotta, a delicious, cheesy pasta creation bubbling in cooker. | kookycrunch.com

This slow cooker baked ziti is ideal for busy days and brings comfort in every cheesy bite. Enjoy leftovers reheated for a quick lunch.

Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

Tender pasta layered with tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
180 min
Complete duration
190 min
Created by Jake Peterson


Skill level Easy

Heritage Italian-American

Output 6 Portions

Diet considerations Meat-free

Components

Pasta

01 1 lb uncooked ziti or penne pasta

Sauce

01 28 fl oz jar marinara or pasta sauce

Cheeses

01 15 oz ricotta cheese
02 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
03 ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Water

01 2 cups water

Directions

Phase 01

Prepare Slow Cooker: Lightly grease the interior of a large slow cooker with nonstick spray or olive oil.

Phase 02

Layer Pasta: Place half of the uncooked ziti into the bottom of the slow cooker.

Phase 03

Add Sauce: Spread half of the marinara sauce evenly over the pasta layer.

Phase 04

Add Ricotta: Dollop and gently spread half of the ricotta cheese over the sauce.

Phase 05

Add Remaining Cheeses: Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the ricotta.

Phase 06

Repeat Layers: Layer the remaining pasta, sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan in the same order.

Phase 07

Add Water: Pour 2 cups of water evenly over the assembled layers.

Phase 08

Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 3 hours until pasta is tender and cheese is melted.

Phase 09

Rest: Turn off heat and let the baked ziti rest uncovered for 10 minutes before serving.

Necessary tools

  • Slow cooker (5–6 quart capacity)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Large spoon or spatula

Allergy details

Review each component carefully for potential allergens and consult with healthcare professionals if you're uncertain about any ingredient.
  • Contains wheat and milk products; verify ingredient labels for allergens.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 420
  • Fats: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 54 g
  • Proteins: 20 g