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Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

Featured in: Dinner Winners

This dish brings together tender ziti pasta with layers of tangy marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. Prepared effortlessly in a slow cooker, the ingredients meld into a comforting, cheesy meal. After a three-hour cook time on low heat, the ziti becomes soft and infused with rich flavors. Perfect for easy, hearty feeding, it can be customized with herbs, extra vegetables, or proteins. Let it rest briefly before serving to enhance the taste and texture.

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Updated on Thu, 20 Nov 2025 16:32:00 GMT
Steaming slow cooker baked ziti with bubbly mozzarella and a rich, red tomato sauce. Save
Steaming slow cooker baked ziti with bubbly mozzarella and a rich, red tomato sauce. | tastybattle.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 remember making this slow cooker baked ziti for my family on a chilly weekend and the aroma filled our entire home making everyone excited for dinner.

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.
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.
Slow 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.
A close-up of cheesy, bubbling slow cooker baked ziti, ready to be served hot. Save
A close-up of cheesy, bubbling slow cooker baked ziti, ready to be served hot. | tastybattle.com

We often enjoy this ziti together for a cozy family dinner and it disappears fast whenever friends drop by unexpectedly.

Required Tools

Slow cooker (5 quart or larger) measuring cups and spoons large spoon or spatula for serving

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (pasta) and milk (ricotta mozzarella Parmesan) always check ingredient labels for allergy warnings and cross contamination risks.

Nutritional Information

Per serving Calories 420 Total Fat 14 g Carbohydrates 54 g Protein 20 g

Hearty slow cooker baked ziti, a comforting Italian meal swimming in melted cheese. Save
Hearty slow cooker baked ziti, a comforting Italian meal swimming in melted cheese. | tastybattle.com

This simple slow cooker baked ziti brings everyone together and makes dinner truly easy and delicious.

Recipe Questions

→ Can I use penne instead of ziti?

Yes, penne works well as a substitute and will yield similar texture and cooking results.

→ How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?

Greasing the slow cooker beforehand and layering sauce evenly helps avoid sticking during cooking.

→ Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta to accommodate gluten-free dietary needs.

→ Is it possible to add protein or vegetables?

Yes, cooked ground meats or sautéed vegetables can be added for extra flavor and nutrition.

→ Should I stir the dish during cooking?

It’s best to avoid stirring to maintain the layered texture and prevent breaking up the pasta.

Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

Tender ziti with tomato sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, all cooked slowly for a creamy finish.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
180 min
Complete duration
190 min
Created by Alex Ramirez


Skill level Easy

Heritage Italian-American

Output 6 Portions

Nutritional specifications 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 5–6 quart slow cooker with nonstick spray or olive oil.

Phase 02

Layer Pasta: Place half of the uncooked ziti evenly in 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: Spoon and gently spread half of the ricotta cheese atop the sauce.

Phase 05

Add Mozzarella and Parmesan: Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the ricotta.

Phase 06

Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process with the remaining pasta, sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.

Phase 07

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

Phase 08

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

Phase 09

Rest Before Serving: Turn off heat and let stand uncovered for 10 minutes before serving.

Necessary tools

  • 5–6 quart slow cooker
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Large spoon or spatula

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional healthcare advice if uncertain.
  • Contains wheat from pasta and milk from ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses.
  • Check labels for possible allergen cross-contamination.

Nutrient breakdown (each portion)

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