Crock Pot Baked Ziti: 4 Easy Steps

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I get it—weeknights can feel like a marathon of juggling work, errands, maybe even little ones. That’s why this Crock Pot Baked Ziti isn’t just a recipe—it’s your weeknight hero. Crock Pot Baked Ziti brings that familiar pasta-bake comfort while letting your slow cooker do the heavy lifting. You’ll feel like a kitchen rockstar, without breaking a sweat.

Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Baked Ziti

Set-it-and-forget-it ease: Load everything, hit “start,” and carry on with life.
Heartwarming comfort food: Gooey cheese, hearty sauce—like a delicious hug on a plate.
Picky-eater friendly: Pasta and cheese are a crowd-pleaser, every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this Crock Pot Baked Ziti to life:

Jarred pasta sauce (or your own homemade favorite)
Uncooked ziti or penne pasta
Ricotta cheese
2 eggs
¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
Mozzarella cheese
Fresh basil (chopped or torn)
Salt and pepper
Non-stick spray for the Crock Pot insert

How To Make Crock Pot Baked Ziti

Okay, friend—this is where the magic happens. But don’t worry, this Crock Pot Baked Ziti doesn’t require culinary wizardry. If you can layer lasagna, you can master this recipe in your sleep (though maybe don’t actually cook in your sleep).

Think of it like assembling a warm, cheesy casserole hug, one scoop at a time.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Give your slow cooker some love.
Start by spraying the inside of your slow cooker insert with non-stick spray. This step is not optional—you’ll thank yourself when it’s time to serve and the cheesy goodness lifts out like a dream.
Whip up your ricotta mixture.
In a big mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with the two eggs, ¼ cup of freshly grated Parmesan, chopped basil, a good pinch of salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Mix it until it’s creamy and smooth—this is the creamy layer that’ll melt hearts.
Start with a saucy foundation.
Pour just enough pasta sauce to coat the bottom of your slow cooker. You’re laying the foundation here—no dry bites allowed.
Add your pasta.
Grab your uncooked ziti or penne (yes, uncooked! No need to boil—we’re letting the Crock Pot handle it) and layer it evenly over the sauce.
Dollop the ricotta like a boss.
Take five heaping spoonfuls of your ricotta mixture and drop them right over the pasta. No need to be precious—just scatter them around.
Sprinkle that mozzarella like it’s snowing cheese.
Add a generous layer of shredded mozzarella over everything. This is what makes it gooey and glorious.
Repeat the layers—twice.
Go back to step 3 and do it all again: sauce, pasta, ricotta, mozzarella. Then one more time. Each layer is a little love letter to your future self.
Top it off like a pro.
For the grand finale, finish with one more layer of sauce, a hearty sprinkle of mozzarella, and a final dusting of Parmesan. Think of it as your crispy-cheesy crown.
Cover and cook.
Set your Crock Pot to HIGH and let it work its magic for about 2½ hours. When time’s up, you’ll have a bubbling, cheesy, golden beauty waiting for you.
Serve it up hot.
Scoop into bowls, top with extra Parmesan (because more cheese is always the right answer), and garnish with a little fresh basil if you’re feeling fancy.

Cooking Tips (aka slow‑cooker secrets)

If your sauce seems thick before cooking, don’t worry—it’ll loosen up beautifully as the pasta absorbs those flavors.
In a hurry? You can start on LOW and cook for about 4–5 hours instead—just check that the pasta is tender.
Feeling fancy? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your sauce for a gentle kick—optional, but delightful.

A Little Story from My Kitchen

There was a week I juggled Zoom meetings, a cranky toaster, and sticky toddler art on the fridge—not to mention my own tired brain. I threw this Crock Pot Baked Ziti together in ten minutes, set it, and didn’t worry about dinner until the house filled with that cheesy aroma. Lifesaver, I tell you.

A cheesy serving of Crock Pot Baked Ziti being lifted from a slow cooker with melted mozzarella stretching. — This Crock Pot Baked Ziti is loaded with gooey mozzarella and hearty sauce—just look at that cheesy pull!

FAQs About Crock Pot Baked Ziti

Can I use other pasta shapes?

Yep! Uncooked penne or rigatoni work just as well. Just watch that cook time—if pasta seems too firm after 2½ hours on HIGH, give it a few more minutes.

How do I store leftovers?

Let it cool, then pop it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven with a splash of sauce if it seems dry.

Can I skip the eggs?

You can, but the eggs help the ricotta layer stay luscious and not watery—totally worth it if you can swing it.

Cozy Comfort Served on a Plate

Here’s to Crock Pot Baked Ziti being your new weeknight best friend: comfy, delicious, and ready when you are. Because with crumbling to-do lists and real life all around, you deserve a dinner that feels like a warm hug—and lets the slow cooker do the doing.

Happy cooking (and relax—you’ve got this)!

Craving More Cozy Crock Pot Favorites?

If this Crock Pot Baked Ziti hit the spot, you’re going to love diving into more slow-cooked comfort! Here are a few handpicked favorites to add to your weeknight dinner rotation:

For another cheesy classic that layers flavor just like ziti, don’t miss this ultra-comforting recipe for Slow Cooker Stuffed Shells with Meat. It’s pasta-night magic—without turning on the oven.
Craving something creamy and indulgent with a Southern twist? You’ll fall for this easy Crock Pot Cajun Chicken Pasta, packed with bold spices and silky sauce.
If you want a heartier option for the colder months, this French Onion Soup Pasta brings the flavors of the iconic soup into a pasta form that’s rich, savory, and beyond satisfying.
And for a true family favorite that always brings smiles, check out this soul-warming Crockpot Chicken, Potatoes, and Green Beans. It’s a full meal in one pot—simple, wholesome, and stress-free.

These slow cooker meals are proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. Add them to your meal plan and enjoy more delicious downtime!