Save to Pinterest 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 first tried making this for a weeknight family dinner when I wanted something easy comforting and hands-off. It quickly became a favorite for busy evenings and special gatherings alike.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 450 g 1 lb uncooked ziti or penne pasta
- Sauce: 800 ml about 28 oz jar marinara or pasta sauce
- Ricotta Cheese: 375 g 15 oz ricotta cheese
- Mozzarella Cheese: 225 g 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan Cheese: 60 g ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Water: 470 ml 2 cups water
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker:
- Lightly grease the inside of a large slow cooker with nonstick spray or a little olive oil.
- Layer pasta:
- 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.
- Spread cheese:
- Dollop and gently spread half of the ricotta cheese over the sauce.
- Add shredded 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:
- Turn off the slow cooker and let the ziti rest uncovered for 10 minutes before serving.
Save to Pinterest Every time I bring this out for a family gathering its the first dish to disappear and little hands always reach for seconds.
Required Tools
Slow cooker 56 quart measuring cups and spoons large spoon or spatula
Allergen Information
Contains wheat pasta milk ricotta mozzarella Parmesan check labels for crosscontamination risks
Nutritional Information per serving
Calories 420 total fat 14 g carbohydrates 54 g protein 20 g
Save to Pinterest Serve warm straight from the slow cooker and pair with a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes, penne or other short tubular pasta works well as they hold the sauce and cheese effectively during slow cooking.
- → How do I prevent the dish from becoming watery?
Layering ingredients evenly and adding the recommended water amount helps ensure balanced moisture and creamy texture without excess liquid.
- → Can I add meat or vegetables?
Absolutely. Ground beef, sausage, or sautéed vegetables can be mixed in before cooking for added flavor and nutrition.
- → What is the best cheese mix for this dish?
A combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan provides creaminess, meltiness, and a savory finish that complements the tomato sauce perfectly.
- → How long should I let the dish rest after cooking?
Allowing the baked ziti to rest uncovered for 10 minutes helps the sauce thicken and flavors meld before serving.