Slow Cooker Baked Ziti

Baked ziti in a black oval slow cooker with handles.

Make this crowd-pleasing Italian classic, crockpot baked ziti, without heating up the oven! Our simple crock pot recipe for delicious baked ziti with ricotta and Italian sausage is just what you need for a hearty weeknight meal. Try it tonight!

4.67 from 3 votes

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Author Kori

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 3 30

Total Time 3 45

Course Slow Cooker Pork Recipes

Cuisine American

Servings

Calories 537 kcal

Equipment

6-quart crock pot

Ingredients

▢ 2 eggs
▢ 8 ounces whole milk ricotta (cottage cheese may also be used)
▢ 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
▢ 64 ounces marinara sauce
▢ 16 ounces dry penne pasta
▢ 16 ounces cooked italian sausage (cooked, crumbled, and drained)
▢ 16 ounces mozzarella cheese (shredded)
▢ ½ cup parmesan cheese (finely shredded)
▢ optional: fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

In a medium sized bowl beat eggs, the stir in ricotta and Italian seasoning.
Coat the inside of the crock pot with nonstick spray. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce over the bottom.
Place ⅓ of the dry penne pasta in a single layer. Pour ⅓ of the remaining marinara sauce, then spread ⅓ of the ricotta egg mixture over the top of the sauce. Sprinkle in ⅓ of the cooked sausage, ⅓ of the mozzarella, then ⅓ of the parmesan cheese. Repeat with 2 more layers, ending with mozzarella on the top of the final layer.
Cover and cook on high for 2 to 4 hours or until the pasta is tender in the middle.

Video

Notes

Don't miss all of our helpful hints, substitution ideas, cooking tips, and other delicious recipes that can be found in our post. Check it out!
VARIATIONS: Use mild, spicy or sweet Italian sausage. Ground beef and pepperoni can be used in place of the sausage if preferred. Use any favorite marinara sauce.
TIP: The outside will cook faster than the inside and it will begin to brown, this is okay. The pasta should be tender but not gluey when done. For a saucier ziti, omit the eggs.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Serve with extra marinara sauce if desired. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and extra cheese if desired. Pairs well with a caesar salad and breadsticks.

Nutrition

Calories: 537kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 26gFat: 31gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 78mgSodium: 1160mgPotassium: 544mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 701IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 329mgIron: 2mg

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