Hello, welcome to my beautiful world! My name is Prisca Bush. I am a food lover; I enjoy writing about my favorite recipes.

Introduction

If I had to pick one dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, it would be baked ziti. There’s just something about tender pasta, rich marinara sauce, gooey cheese, and hearty meat that hits all the comfort food notes perfectly. But let’s be honest—traditional baked ziti can take a while to prepare, with multiple steps like boiling pasta, layering, and baking.

That’s why I fell in love with this Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe—it gives you all the cozy, cheesy goodness of oven-baked ziti with none of the hassle. No need to boil the pasta first, no endless dishes to wash—just layer everything in your slow cooker, let it work its magic, and enjoy a perfectly cooked, melty, saucy pasta dish that tastes like it came straight out of a family-run Italian restaurant.

I still remember the first time I tried this Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe. It was a busy weekday, and I had a craving for baked pasta but zero energy to preheat the oven or hover over the stove. I tossed uncooked pasta, marinara, and cheese into the slow cooker and hoped for the best. When I lifted the lid a few hours later, the smell alone told me it was a winner—cheesy, savory, and bubbling with rich tomato sauce. One bite in, and I was hooked.

Since then, this Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe has become a family favorite. It’s perfect for busy nights, lazy weekends, or when you need an easy meal that feeds a crowd.

Do you want more recipes?

Salisbury Steak Meatballs in Mushroom Gravy Recipe

Short Ribs with Red Wine and Vegetables Recipe

Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe (2025)

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe

You’ll need just a few simple, pantry-friendly ingredients to make this cozy Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe.

For the Pasta Layers:

1 lb (450g) uncooked ziti pasta (or penne or rigatoni)
4 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
2 teaspoons garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Optional for a Meaty Version:

1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced

Tip: You can make it vegetarian or meaty — the recipe works perfectly either way!

Equipment Needed

6-quart slow cooker or crockpot
Skillet (if cooking meat)
Mixing bowls and spoons
Measuring cups and spoons

How to Prepare Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe

This Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe is incredibly simple—just layer, set, and forget! Here’s how to make it step-by-step.

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce (If Adding Meat)

If you’re making the meaty version:

Heat a skillet over medium heat.
Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
Add diced onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant and soft, about 3 minutes.
Drain excess fat, then stir in 4 cups of marinara sauce.
Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

If you’re going vegetarian, you can skip this step and use plain marinara.

Step 2: Mix the Cheeses

In a bowl, combine:

Ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella
¼ cup Parmesan cheese
Garlic powder, salt, and pepper

Mix until creamy and well combined. This cheesy mixture will give your baked ziti that signature creaminess.

Step 3: Layer the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Lightly grease your slow cooker with cooking spray or olive oil. Then layer as follows:

Sauce: Spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom.
Pasta: Add a layer of uncooked ziti (about ⅓ of the pasta).
Cheese mixture: Spoon dollops of the ricotta mixture over the pasta.
Repeat: Continue layering (sauce → pasta → cheese) until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of sauce on top.
Finish with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.

Tip: Make sure the top layer is well-covered in sauce to prevent the pasta from drying out.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Cover and cook:

On low for 4–5 hours, or
On high for 2½–3 hours

Check around the 4-hour mark (on low). The pasta should be tender but not mushy, and the cheese should be melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once done, turn off the slow cooker and let the ziti rest for 10–15 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and makes it easier to serve.

Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top, and get ready to dig in!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe

This Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe is so hearty that it can easily stand on its own—but it’s even better with some classic sides!

Serving Ideas:

With garlic bread: Perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
With a side salad: A simple green salad or Caesar salad adds freshness.
With roasted vegetables: Try roasted zucchini, asparagus, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrients.
As a party dish: Serve right from the crockpot at gatherings — it stays warm for hours!

Pro Tip: Add an extra sprinkle of Parmesan right before serving for that irresistible cheesy crust.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe

Use uncooked pasta: The moisture from the sauce perfectly cooks the noodles—no need to pre-boil!
Don’t overcook: Check your ziti around the 4-hour mark on low to prevent mushy pasta.
Use enough sauce: Pasta absorbs liquid as it cooks — generous sauce keeps everything moist and flavorful.
Layer evenly: This ensures every bite gets a perfect balance of pasta, sauce, and cheese.
Add a cheesy finish: Sprinkle extra mozzarella and Parmesan in the last 30 minutes for a golden, melty top.
Rest before serving: Letting it sit helps everything firm up slightly and makes it easier to scoop.

Variations

One of the best things about this Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few delicious ways to make it your own:

1. Meaty Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

Use ground beef, Italian sausage, or a mix of both for a heartier version. For a leaner option, ground turkey works beautifully.

2. Vegetarian Baked Ziti

Skip the meat and add veggies instead—sautéed spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers add great texture and flavor.

3. Creamy Alfredo Ziti

Swap marinara for Alfredo sauce or mix half Alfredo and half marinara for a creamy pink sauce.

4. Spicy Ziti

Add red pepper flakes or spicy Italian sausage for a kick of heat.

5. Three-Cheese Ziti

Use ricotta, mozzarella, and provolone for a super cheesy, stretchy version.

6. Gluten-Free Ziti

Use gluten-free pasta and check your sauce ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free.

7. Vegan Ziti

Use plant-based cheese and a dairy-free ricotta alternative (like cashew or tofu ricotta). Be sure your pasta and sauce are vegan too.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Freezing Tips

This Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe is great for meal prep and leftovers—it reheats beautifully!

To Store:

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

To Freeze:

Cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers.
Freeze for up to 3 months.

To Reheat:

Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm larger portions in the oven (covered) at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Bonus Tip: Add a splash of water or sauce before reheating to keep it from drying out.

FAQs

1. Do I need to cook the pasta before adding it to the slow cooker?

No! The beauty of this recipe is that the pasta cooks right in the slow cooker. Just make sure there’s enough sauce to cover it.

2. Can I use penne instead of ziti?

Absolutely. Penne, rigatoni, or any short tubular pasta works perfectly.

3. How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?

Don’t overcook. Check your ziti at 4 hours on low or 2½ hours on high. Each slow cooker runs differently, so keep an eye on it the first time.

4. Can I make this Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe without ricotta?

Yes! You can substitute cottage cheese or use a mixture of cream cheese and mozzarella for creaminess.

5. Can I double this recipe?

If your slow cooker is large enough (7–8 quarts), yes! Just make sure to increase the sauce slightly to prevent dryness.

6. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the layers in your slow cooker insert (without cooking) and refrigerate overnight. Cook the next day as directed.

7. How can I make it healthier?

Use whole wheat pasta, part-skim ricotta, and reduced-fat mozzarella. You can also sneak in veggies like spinach or kale.

8. What if my sauce is too thick?

Add ¼ cup of water or broth to thin it slightly—remember, the pasta will absorb some liquid as it cooks.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per Serving)

(Serves 6–8)

Calories: 520
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 54g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 4g
Sodium: 880mg

Nutrition values may vary based on ingredients and portion size.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few ingredients, a little layering, and the magic of your slow cooker, you can have a rich, cheesy, homemade pasta dinner ready with minimal effort.

Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe is the perfect meal for busy weeknights, Sunday suppers, or when you just need a big bowl of something cozy and satisfying. Whether you make it meaty or meatless, classic or creamy, one thing’s for sure—your kitchen will smell amazing, and everyone will be coming back for seconds.

So the next time you’re craving classic Italian comfort food but don’t want to turn on the oven, dust off your crockpot and try this Slow Cooker Baked Ziti Recipe. It’s simple, satisfying, and absolutely delicious—a true set-it-and-forget-it dinner that tastes like a labor of love.

Bon appétit!

pinterest