I remember the first time I tasted baked ziti. It was at a family gathering when I was a child, and I immediately fell in love with the combination of flavors. It quickly became one of my favorite dishes, and I was always eager to try new variations.
As I grew older and started cooking for myself, I found that making baked ziti was a time-consuming and labor-intensive process. That’s why I was thrilled when I discovered this crock pot baked ziti recipe. It takes all the best elements of traditional baked ziti and simplifies the cooking process, making it an easy weeknight meal that still brings all the warmth and comfort of the classic dish.
Crock Pot Baked Ziti Recipe
Baked ziti is a classic Italian dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. It’s the perfect combination of pasta, cheese, and sauce that satisfies the soul. While traditionally baked in the oven, this recipe takes a new approach by utilizing a crock pot to simplify the cooking process. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the steps to create this delicious and easy crock pot baked ziti recipe.
Ingredients
- Ricotta cheese
- Eggs
- Salt
- Basil
- Pepper
- Parmesan cheese
- Marinara sauce
- Gluten-free penne pasta
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
How To Make Crock Pot Baked Ziti
- Spray the entire slow cooker insert with non-stick spray.
- In a large bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with two eggs, 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Cover the bottom of the slow cooker with a layer of marinara sauce.
- Layer the uncooked penne pasta on top of the sauce.
- Take 5 scoops of the ricotta mixture and drop them onto the pasta.
- Top the ricotta mixture with a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat steps 3-6 two more times, ending with a layer of marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, and grated parmesan cheese.
- Cook on high for 2 1/2 hours.
- Serve with grated parmesan cheese on top.
Cook Notes
- To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free penne pasta.
- You can use any brand of marinara sauce that you prefer, or even make your own from scratch.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes to the ricotta mixture or the marinara sauce.
Best Thing About Crock Pot Baked Ziti
What I love most about this recipe is how customizable it is. You can adjust the level of spiciness by adding red pepper flakes, or switch up the type of pasta or sauce to create your own unique version. And of course, the convenience of using a crock pot means that you can set it and forget it, allowing you to focus on other tasks while your dinner cooks itself.
Nutrition Details
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 586kcal |
Carbohydrates | 45g |
Protein | 34g |
Fat | 31g |
Saturated Fat | 18g |
Trans Fat | 1g |
Cholesterol | 152mg |
Sodium | 1722mg |
Potassium | 747mg |
Fiber | 3g |
Sugar | 8g |
Vitamin A | 1720IU |
Vitamin C | 12mg |
Calcium | 585mg |
Iron | 3mg |
So next time you’re in the mood for some comfort food, give this crock pot baked ziti recipe a try. It’s the perfect way to enjoy all the flavors of traditional baked ziti with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.
This looks amazing 🤩