Name: Crock Pot Baked Ziti
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot), casings removed; 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce; 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes; 3 cups uncooked ziti or penne pasta; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided; 1 large egg; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 2 cloves garlic, minced; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

Craving a hearty, cheesy pasta dinner that practically cooks itself? Meet the absolutely dreamy Crock Pot Baked Ziti-the ultimate comfort food you'll want to make on repeat!

Every bite bursts with saucy, cheesy goodness layered between tender pasta and savory Italian sausage. The best part? You don't even have to boil the noodles ahead of time! Let your slow cooker do all the work while your kitchen fills with irresistible Italian aromas.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, cozy Sunday suppers, or anytime you want to feed a hungry crowd with zero fuss. It's a longtime family favorite that gets rave reviews for how easy and delicious it is.

Try it once, and it just might become your go-to pasta night classic!

A delicious, cheesy serving of Crock Pot Baked Ziti with fresh basil

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Set-it-and-forget-it convenience: The slow cooker does all the work-no stovetop juggling or oven-watching required!
Irresistibly cheesy and saucy: Every layer is loaded with gooey mozzarella, creamy ricotta, and rich marinara.
Feeds a crowd: Generously serves 6, making it perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers.
Foolproof and flexible: Works with your favorite sausage, ground beef, or keeps it vegetarian.
Great for leftovers: Tastes even better the next day and reheats beautifully.

Key Ingredients for Crock Pot Baked Ziti

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Ziti Pasta (Uncooked)

The star of the show! Uncooked ziti or penne pasta soaks up all the savory marinara as it cooks. No need to pre-boil-just toss it straight into the crock pot. If ziti isn't available, penne or rigatoni work just as well, but keep noodles tubular for that classic texture.

Marinara Sauce

A robust, flavorful marinara sets the foundation for all the other ingredients. Use your favorite store-bought sauce for convenience or homemade if you have some on hand. For a deeper flavor, look for sauces with garlic and herbs. You can even mix in a jar of tomato basil sauce for something different.

Italian Sausage

Savory Italian sausage brings tons of flavor, protein, and satisfying heartiness. Use mild or spicy, depending on your preference. Remove the casings before browning. For a lighter option, swap in ground turkey or chicken, or make it veggie by omitting meat and adding sautéed mushrooms and spinach.

Ricotta Cheese

Creamy ricotta melts into the pasta, adding luxurious pockets of richness with every bite. For best results, use whole milk ricotta. Cottage cheese is a budget-friendly substitute, though the texture will be a bit lighter.

Mozzarella Cheese

Melty mozzarella creates that classic, stretchy, cheesy topping everyone loves. Shred your own for best melt, or use pre-shredded in a pinch. For extra flavor, try a blend with provolone or a sprinkle of Parmesan on top.

Instructions for Crock Pot Baked Ziti

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Brown the Sausage

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage (with casings removed), breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess fat to avoid a greasy sauce.

Make the Ricotta Mixture

In a medium bowl, gently combine ricotta cheese, egg, ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Stir just until blended-this mixture adds creaminess and holds the dreamy cheese layers together.

Assemble the Layers in the Crock Pot

Lightly spray your crock pot insert with nonstick spray for easy cleanup. Spread about ⅓ of the marinara sauce and crushed tomatoes in the bottom, followed by half of the uncooked pasta. Dollop and gently spread half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta, then sprinkle with half the cooked sausage and ¾ cup shredded mozzarella. Repeat the layers, finishing with the remaining sauce and topping with another ¾ cup mozzarella and the rest of the Parmesan.

Cook Low and Slow

Cover and cook on LOW for 3 hours, or until the pasta is tender and the cheese is bubbling. Try not to lift the lid during cooking, as heat loss can affect the final texture. If you prefer an extra golden top, let the crock pot sit uncovered for the final 10 minutes.

Finish and Serve

Let the baked ziti rest, uncovered, for 10-15 minutes before serving. This helps everything set and makes serving easier. Garnish generously with chopped fresh basil for a burst of color and flavor.

Recipe Variations

Veggie-Loaded Ziti

Love vegetables? Add a layer of sautéed spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to boost flavor and nutrients. Just cook veggies lightly before layering to prevent excess liquid.

Make It Vegetarian

Skip the sausage and use plant-based crumbles or extra sautéed vegetables. The flavors shine just as brightly without the meat.

Gluten-Free Option

Use your favorite gluten-free ziti or penne pasta. Check for doneness at around 2.5 hours to avoid mushy noodles, as gluten-free pasta can cook more quickly.

Extra Cheesy Twist

Swap half the mozzarella for provolone or fontina for melty, bold flavor. Add extra Parmesan on top for a crispier cheese crust.

Spice It Up

Want more kick? Use hot Italian sausage and stir a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce or cheese mixture for a spicy ziti.

Serving Suggestions

Round out your Crock Pot Baked Ziti with a crisp Caesar salad or a simple green salad dressed in lemony vinaigrette. Serve warm slices of garlic bread or soft Italian rolls on the side to soak up every bit of sauce. Don't forget to sprinkle extra Parmesan and fresh basil over each serving for a beautiful finish!

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes or bake covered at 350°F until hot. The leftovers freeze beautifully-wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crock Pot Baked Ziti (FAQ)

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta instead of ziti?

A: Absolutely! Penne or rigatoni work perfectly-just choose a sturdy, tube-shaped pasta to hold up in the slow cooker.

Q: Do I need to cook the pasta before adding it to the crock pot?

A: No need to pre-boil! Use uncooked pasta. It cooks right in the sauce and soaks up all the flavors while it simmers.

Q: How do I prevent the ziti from getting mushy?

A: Be sure to layer ingredients as directed and cook on LOW, not HIGH. Check for doneness at about 3 hours, as overcooking can make the pasta too soft.

Q: Can I assemble this ahead of time?

A: Yes! You can assemble all layers in the crock pot insert the night before, refrigerate, and start cooking the next day. Just add 15-20 extra minutes to the cooking time if starting cold.

You're going to love how easy and delicious this Crock Pot Baked Ziti is! It's pure comfort on busy nights or when you're craving something cheesy and satisfying. Give it a try-then leave a comment or rating to let me know how it turned out!

Why You'll Love This Recipe