Crock Pot Baked Ziti Recipe

Are you looking for a mouthwatering dish that requires minimal effort? Look no further than crock pot baked ziti! This classic Italian recipe is not only incredibly delicious, but it’s also a breeze to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a hearty and satisfying meal that will impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into the details of this delectable dish!

To start, gather all the necessary ingredients. You’ll need ricotta cheese, eggs, salt, basil, pepper, parmesan cheese, marinara sauce, gluten-free penne pasta, and shredded mozzarella cheese. These ingredients come together to create a harmonious blend of flavors that will leave you craving for more.

Layering the Flavors

Begin by spraying the entire slow cooker insert with non-stick spray. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with the eggs, parmesan cheese, basil, salt, and pepper. This mixture will provide a creamy and cheesy base for the baked ziti.

Next, cover the bottom of the slow cooker with a layer of marinara sauce. This rich and savory sauce will infuse the pasta with incredible flavor. Then, layer the uncooked penne pasta on top of the sauce. The slow cooker will work its magic, cooking the pasta to perfection.

Now, it’s time to add the ricotta mixture. Take five scoops of the mixture and drop them onto the pasta. This will create pockets of creamy goodness throughout the dish. Top the ricotta mixture with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese. The cheese will melt and become beautifully golden as the ziti cooks.

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.

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

1. Spray the entire slow cooker insert with non-stick spray.
2. In a large bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with two eggs, 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, basil, salt, and pepper.
3. Cover the bottom of the slow cooker with a layer of marinara sauce.
4. Layer the uncooked penne pasta on top of the sauce.
5. Take 5 scoops of the ricotta mixture and drop them onto the pasta.
6. Top the ricotta mixture with a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.
7. Repeat steps 3-6 two more times, ending with a layer of marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, and grated parmesan cheese.
8. Cook on high for 2 1/2 hours.
9. 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.