Looking for a new slow cooker favorite? Pasta night just got simpler with this Slow-Cooker “Baked” Ziti recipe.
Quick Dinner Recipes
Easy, reliable dinner recipes are a lifesaver. A single go-to meal can free up more time for family rather than rushing to finish dinner. I’ve been collecting recipes that let me spend evenings with my family, and this slow-cooker baked ziti is one of the best additions. It’s fast to prep, comforting, and consistently pleasing to both kids and adults.
Easy Slow Cooker Recipes
When cooler weather arrives, the slow cooker becomes my go-to. I appreciate appliances that simplify dinnertime: load, set, and forget. This recipe ranks high among those effortless meals. It requires minimal hands-on time and delivers a cozy, satisfying pasta dinner that’s perfect for weeknights.
Easy Baked Ziti Recipe
We tried this Slow-Cooker Baked Ziti for a busy weeknight and it was an instant hit. The preparation took only about 10 minutes: just combine the ingredients in the slow cooker, set the timer, and return a few hours later to a hot, flavorful meal. This approach lets you focus on family time instead of spending the afternoon in the kitchen.
Slow-Cooker ‘Baked’ Ziti Ingredients
This dish uses simple, familiar ingredients: one package of ziti pasta, shredded mozzarella (reserve ½ cup for topping), a jar of pasta sauce, ricotta cheese, a can of diced tomatoes, reduced-sodium chicken broth, and fully cooked Italian chicken sausage links. These pantry-friendly items make the recipe easy to assemble any night of the week.
How to Make Slow-Cooker ‘Baked’ Ziti
Pasta night is now effortless. Start by spraying the slow cooker with cooking spray. Add the ziti pasta and most of the shredded mozzarella, reserving ½ cup for later. Stir in the pasta sauce, ricotta, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and sliced cooked Italian chicken sausage. Mix gently to combine, cover, and cook on low for three to four hours. If you need it faster, cook on high for two to three hours. When the pasta is cooked through, sprinkle the reserved mozzarella over the top and cook on high for an additional 10 minutes to melt the cheese. Serve warm.
Pasta Night
Dinner doesn’t have to be complicated. Pasta nights are a family favorite because they’re comforting and easy to prepare. This slow-cooker baked ziti gives you more time with your kids and less time in the kitchen. Our family loved it, and we’ll be making it again—perhaps topped with fresh basil or extra parmesan next time. If you try it, consider what small tweaks you’d add to make it your own.