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Slow-Cooker Baked Ziti

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Slow-Cooker Baked Ziti is a comforting and cheesy pasta dish made effortlessly in the slow cooker. No need to boil the pasta—just layer uncooked noodles with rich marinara, creamy ricotta, and melty cheese for a one-pot meal everyone will love.

Ingredients

  • 16 oz uncooked ziti or penne pasta
  • 4 cups marinara or pasta sauce
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups water or broth
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
  • Nonstick cooking spray

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix ricotta cheese, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  2. Spray the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
  3. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the slow cooker.
  4. Add one-third of the uncooked pasta, followed by one-third of the ricotta mixture, a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan, and more marinara sauce.
  5. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of sauce and cheese on top.
  6. Pour water or broth evenly around the edges of the slow cooker to help the pasta cook.
  7. Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until pasta is tender and cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Let sit for 10–15 minutes before serving.
  9. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

Add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage for a meaty version.Use a vegetable-based sauce and add spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.Swap ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter version.Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.Don’t stir while cooking to maintain layered texture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookibly.com/slow-cooker-baked-ziti/