This easy Slow Cooker Ziti Pasta recipe is perfect to add to this week’s meal planning for your family.

Slow Cooker Ziti Pasta

When I’m craving cheesy pasta or lasagna, but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen this is my go-to pasta recipe!

It’s super easy to make, doesn’t take many ingredients, and it’s done in just one-pot.

This is one for the kids to help make too because it’s just such a simple recipe.

In fact, it’s such an easy recipe that both of girls can easily make the recipe on their own.

So, if you’re looking for an easy pasta recipe to add to your weekly meal plan, make sure to add this ziti pasta cooked in the crock pot.

Cooking Pasta In The Slow Cooker

Many would say that pasta is one of those starches that should be boiled in water, but I say otherwise.

I’ve cooked pasta recipes all in one-pot and in my slow cooker.

The end result is delicious and a simple recipe that I can make for my family to enjoy.

Plus, most importantly, it’s simple and easy for this busy mom.

The trick is to make sure you have enough liquids to allow the pasta to cook correctly.

This is the reason why you will see that I like to use 2 jars of my favorite pasta sauce.

Not only does this allow the pasta to cook all the way but it also allow my ziti pasta to not dry up.

Ingredients Needed For Ziti Pasta

This recipe is enough for our family of 4 to enjoy for dinner and have extra for lunch the next day.

• 1 box of Ziti pasta
• 2 jars of marinara sauce (we love Rao’s Marinara)
• 15 oz container of ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese, plus an extra 2 cups
• 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon of Italian seasonings
• chopped fresh basil or 1/2 tablespoon of dried basil

Tip: This recipe doesn’t fill up your slow cooker, but it’s the perfect amount for about 8 people.

How To Make Slow Cooker Ziti Pasta

This is pretty much a one-pan dump recipe after mixing your cheese mixture together.

• In a medium-size bowl, mix your ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, Italian seasonings, and basil.
• Set aside.
• Add about 1 1/2 cups of the pasta sauce as the first layer in your slow cooker.
• Sprinkle some of your ziti pasta over the sauce.
• Using a spoon, add several drops of the ricotta cheese mixture on top.
• Gently spread the cheese mixture over the pasta.
• Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the ricotta.
• Repeat until no more ingredients left, sauce, pasta, ricotta, and mozzarella cheese.
• Cook in the crockpot on high for about 3 hours and on low for about 5 hours.
• Once your ziti pasta is cooked, sprinkle the remainder of mozzarella cheese on top and allow to melt for about 10 minutes.
• Sprinkle some basil on top, optional.

Tip: My daughter is not a fan of ricotta cheese, that is why I use a small amount, but if you are a fan like me, feel free to add more to the recipe!

How To Store Ziti Pasta

The best way to store your ziti pasta is in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 2-3 days.

If you know that you will be enjoying your pasta the next day store in your slow cooker in the refrigerator.

Then simply let it heat up slow in the the crockpot.

How To Reheat Ziti Pasta

You can easily reheat your ziti pasta in the microwave or if you want you can add it back into your slow cooker as I mentioned above.

Storing pasta in the refrigerator is likely to soak up the pasta sauce, so you can definitely pour in some extra sauce before reheating.

Must-Have Kitchen Appliances For Cooking Pasta

Some of my favorite Amazon kitchen must-haves!

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Does your family enjoy pasta recipes?