5 Ways to Make Ziti in a Crock Pot

Using a Crock Pot for dishes like ziti is not only convenient but also infuses the dish with an incredible depth of flavor. Here are five delectable ways to prepare ziti in a Crock Pot, transforming this simple pasta dish into a gourmet experience.

Crock Pot Baked Ziti

This method retains the essence of traditional baked ziti while simplifying the cooking process.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ziti pasta
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 24 oz jar of marinara sauce
• 1 cup water
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 15 oz ricotta cheese
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, cook the ground beef with onion and garlic until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Combine the beef mixture in the Crock Pot with marinara sauce, water, and Italian seasoning. Add uncooked ziti and stir to ensure pasta is submerged.
3. Add dollops of ricotta cheese over the pasta.
4. Cover and cook on high for 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. After 2 hours, top with mozzarella and parmesan. Cover and cook for another 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted.

🏠 Note: Ensure your Crock Pot has a removable liner for easy cleaning or use liners if it's non-stick.

Crock Pot Chicken Ziti

Incorporate chicken for a protein boost, and let the flavors meld in the slow cooker.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ziti pasta
• 2 large chicken breasts
• 1 jar Alfredo sauce
• 1 jar tomato basil sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• ¹⁄₂ cup parmesan
• ¹⁄₄ cup fresh basil, chopped

Instructions:

1. Season and brown the chicken in a skillet, then shred it.
2. Add the pasta, shredded chicken, both sauces, and 2 cups of water to the Crock Pot.
3. Cook on high for about 2.5 hours, stirring once or twice.
4. Sprinkle with cheese in the last 30 minutes of cooking. Garnish with fresh basil.

🔥 Note: If you like it creamier, add an extra dollop of cream cheese in the last 15 minutes of cooking.

Vegetarian Crock Pot Ziti

For a meat-free option, this ziti is packed with vegetables to satisfy both vegetarians and vegans.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ziti pasta
• 28 oz diced tomatoes
• 15 oz tomato sauce
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup spinach, chopped
• ¹⁄₂ cup vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ¹⁄₂ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• ¹⁄₂ cup vegan mozzarella (optional for topping)

Instructions:

1. Layer the ingredients in the Crock Pot, starting with pasta, then vegetables, and sauces.
2. Add seasonings and vegetable broth.
3. Cook on low for 4-5 hours, checking for doneness after 4 hours.
4. Optional: Top with vegan cheese in the last 15 minutes of cooking.

🍅 Note: Feel free to mix in other seasonal vegetables like eggplant or mushrooms for variety.

Four Cheese Crock Pot Ziti

Indulge in a rich cheese-forward ziti that oozes comfort.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ziti pasta
• 24 oz jar of marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mascarpone cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella, shredded
• ¹⁄₂ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¹⁄₄ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp basil, dried

Instructions:

1. Combine sauce, ricotta, mascarpone, and dried basil in the Crock Pot.
2. Add ziti, making sure the pasta is submerged.
3. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
4. Cook on high for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
5. Garnish with parsley before serving.

Crock Pot Spinach and Artichoke Ziti

A twist on the beloved dip, turned into a hearty pasta dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ziti pasta
• 1 jar of Alfredo sauce
• 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained
• 1 can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• ¹⁄₂ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¹⁄₄ cup cream cheese
• ¹⁄₄ cup milk
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ¹⁄₂ tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Mix Alfredo sauce, milk, cream cheese, garlic powder, and salt in the Crock Pot.
2. Add the ziti, followed by spinach and artichokes.
3. Stir to combine everything well.
4. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, adding cheese in the last hour of cooking.

Each of these methods offers a unique take on ziti, utilizing the slow cooker to enhance the flavors and simplify preparation. Whether you're catering to different dietary preferences or simply looking to try something new, these Crock Pot ziti recipes will add variety to your meal planning. Remember, cooking times can vary based on your Crock Pot model, so checking doneness earlier than suggested can prevent overcooking. Enjoy experimenting with these five different ways to enjoy ziti from your slow cooker.