Description
All the comfort of classic baked ziti, made easy in the slow cooker. This version is saucy, cheesy, and effortlessly hands-off—layered with tender pasta, marinara, and melty mozzarella, then finished with creamy ricotta dollops and fresh basil for that just-baked feel.
Ingredients
1 lb uncooked ziti or penne pasta
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
1/2 cup water or broth
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt & pepper, to taste
Optional: 1/2 lb cooked ground beef or Italian sausage
Fresh basil, for topping
Instructions
Lightly grease your slow cooker.
In a large bowl, mix uncooked pasta, marinara, water/broth, Italian seasoning, and cooked meat if using. Stir in 1 cup mozzarella and Parmesan.
Pour into slow cooker. Dot top with ricotta cheese.
Cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours or until pasta is tender.
In the last 15 minutes, sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top.
Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 - 4 hours
Nutrition
- Calories: 420 / Serving
- Fat: 18g / Serving
- Carbohydrates: 45g / Serving
- Fiber: 3g / Serving
- Protein: 20g / Serving