Weeknight dinners don’t get much easier—or more comforting—than Slow Cooker Baked Ziti. If you’re craving cheesy, saucy pasta but don’t have the time (or energy) to pre-boil noodles and juggle multiple pots, this is the recipe you’ve been dreaming about. All it takes is layering ingredients into your crockpot and letting the magic happen.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or just want a one-dish dinner with minimal cleanup, this is your new go-to.
Why I Love This Recipe
As someone who lives for cozy, crave-worthy dinners that require almost zero effort, I fell in love with this no-boil baked ziti the moment I tried it. The pasta cooks right in the sauce, absorbing flavor and reaching the perfect tender texture without turning mushy.
This dish is especially great because:
- It’s a true dump-and-go meal.
- There’s no need to boil or drain pasta.
- It’s ultra cheesy and completely satisfying.
- The leftovers (if you have any) reheat beautifully.
Ingredients
- 1 pound uncooked ziti or penne pasta
- 3 cups marinara sauce (use your favorite jarred or homemade)
- 1 cup water or low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg (optional, helps bind ricotta)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional)
Swaps & Notes
- No ricotta? Use cottage cheese or a mix of cream cheese and sour cream.
- Want meat? Brown 1 lb of ground beef, sausage, or turkey and layer it in.
- Gluten-free? Use a certified GF pasta, but reduce liquid slightly and monitor doneness.
- Extra veggies? Add chopped spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms in layers.
Instructions
- Mix the ricotta layer
In a bowl, combine ricotta, egg (if using), garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and ¼ cup Parmesan. Set aside. - Grease your slow cooker
Spray the inside with cooking spray to prevent sticking. - Layer the ingredients
- Start with 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom.
- Add half the uncooked ziti.
- Dollop half the ricotta mixture.
- Sprinkle 1 cup mozzarella.
- Repeat: sauce → pasta → ricotta → mozzarella.
- Pour remaining sauce and water/broth evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle the rest of the Parmesan.
- Cook
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3½ to 4½ hours, or until pasta is tender.
- Avoid lifting the lid too often—trust the process!
- Finish
- Optional: Add more mozzarella in the last 10 minutes, cover until melted.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Tips for Success
- Use regular (not oven-ready) pasta for best results.
- If the sauce is very thick, add an extra splash of water.
- Resist the urge to stir mid-cooking. It cooks more evenly layered.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Serve your slow cooker baked ziti with:
- A simple green salad and garlic bread
- A chilled drink like this Blueberry Lemonade
- Need more crowd-pleasers? Try these Sheet Pan Quesadillas or this Crockpot Nacho Dip
Storage & Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Portion into freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in the microwave or oven.
- Reheat: Add a splash of water before reheating to keep it from drying out.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this easy baked ziti, you’ll love these comfort food favorites:
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is the ultimate busy-day solution—cheesy, hearty, and hands-off. It’s everything you love about traditional baked pasta with none of the hassle. Whether you’re feeding your family or bringing a dish to a potluck, this one is always a winner.
If you make this, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment or tag me @chefmaniac, and don’t forget to follow for more slow cooker favorites and easy weeknight meals.
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