Crockpot Pasta Recipe
This Crockpot Pasta recipe is a simple and comforting meal featuring layers of uncooked ziti pasta, creamy ricotta, rich mozzarella, and tangy marinara sauce cooked slowly to perfection. It’s an easy, hands-off dish perfect for busy days, delivering a cheesy, flavorful dinner with minimal effort.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 to 4 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes to 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 lb ziti pasta, uncooked
- 3 cups marinara sauce
Cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Seasonings and Garnish
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Parsley, to garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot: Spray the crockpot with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom to create a flavorful base and prevent the pasta from drying out.
- Layer Ingredients: Add half of the uncooked ziti pasta over the sauce, then spread half of the ricotta cheese. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella evenly on top. Repeat this layer once more with the remaining pasta, ricotta, and mozzarella to build the dish.
- Add Final Toppings: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top layer. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning evenly across the surface for added flavor.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours. The pasta will absorb the sauce and the cheese will melt beautifully, resulting in a creamy, tender dish.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top as a bright and fresh garnish. Serve warm and enjoy your effortless cheesy crockpot pasta.
Notes
- Use uncooked dry pasta as it softens nicely during slow cooking.
- Do not lift the crockpot lid frequently, as it will increase cooking time.
- Adjust cooking time slightly depending on your crockpot model and desired pasta texture.
- For extra flavor, add cooked Italian sausage or sautéed vegetables in layers.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: Crockpot pasta, slow cooker pasta, cheesy pasta, easy dinner, ziti pasta recipe, vegetarian crockpot meal
Find it online: https://topreci.com/crockpot-pasta-recipe/
