Crock Pot Baked Ziti

5 days ago

A rich and cheesy baked ziti recipe that comes together effortlessly in your slow cooker. With layers of tender pasta, creamy ricotta, and gooey melted cheese, this dish is perfect for a comforting family dinner.

Ingredients

1 pound ziti pasta
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
1 can (15 oz) ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the crock pot.
4. Layer half of the cooked ziti over the sauce, followed by half of the ricotta mixture, and then half of the mozzarella cheese.
5. Repeat the layers with the remaining ziti, ricotta mixture, and marinara sauce. Top with the remaining mozzarella and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Once cooked, let it sit for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Notes

To avoid overcooking, check the pasta after 4 hours when cooking on low.
Feel free to customize with additional vegetables or cooked ground beef for added flavor.

Helpful Tips

1. Cook Pasta Just Until Al Dente

Cooking the pasta to al dente ensures it holds its shape during the long cooking process in the crock pot. If overcooked initially, the pasta may become mushy. Check the pasta a minute or two before the package instructions suggest, as it will continue to cook slightly in the sauce while in the slow cooker.

2. Use High-Quality Marinara Sauce

The flavor of the marinara sauce greatly impacts the overall taste of this dish. Opt for a high-quality store-bought marinara or use homemade sauce for the best results. If using a jarred sauce, taste it first and consider adding a pinch of sugar or additional spices to enhance the flavor.

3. Layer Carefully for Even Cooking

Layering the ingredients evenly ensures that every bite is perfectly balanced with pasta, cheese, and sauce. Spread each layer gently to avoid compressing the pasta, which could lead to uneven cooking.

Serving Suggestions for Crock Pot Baked Ziti

1. Pair with a Fresh Green Salad

A light, crisp green salad is the perfect complement to the rich and cheesy baked ziti. Consider a simple mix of arugula, spinach, or romaine, tossed with cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onions, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. The salad adds a refreshing contrast to the dish and balances the meal with added texture and nutrients.

2. Add Garlic Bread or Breadsticks

Warm, buttery garlic bread or soft breadsticks are ideal for soaking up the extra marinara sauce on your plate. You can make garlic bread easily by spreading garlic butter over slices of French bread and baking them until golden. Sprinkle with Parmesan and parsley for an extra touch of flavor.

3. Include a Side of Steamed Vegetables

Steamed or roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus, provide a healthy and colorful side dish. Season the vegetables lightly with olive oil, salt, and pepper, or toss them with a squeeze of lemon juice and Parmesan to enhance their flavors.

Substitutions and Variations for Crock Pot Baked Ziti

1. Swap Ziti for Another Pasta

If you don’t have ziti on hand, you can substitute it with penne, rigatoni, or even rotini. These pastas have similar shapes and textures, which hold up well in the slow cooker and allow the sauce and cheese to cling to their ridges or spirals. Avoid thinner pasta like spaghetti, as it may overcook and lose its structure.

2. Use a Different Cheese Blend

While mozzarella and ricotta are classic, you can experiment with other cheeses. Try using provolone or fontina for a creamier texture, or add sharp cheddar for a more robust flavor. Goat cheese can be mixed with ricotta for a tangy twist, and Asiago or Pecorino Romano can replace Parmesan for added depth.

3. Make It Meatier

Add cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or shredded rotisserie chicken to the layers for a heartier dish. Brown the meat with garlic and onions before layering it into the crock pot for extra flavor. This variation is perfect for meat lovers or those looking for additional protein.

5 days ago