Why Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is a Must-Try in 2025
In 2025, slow cooker baked ziti continues to be a go-to recipe for anyone craving rich, satisfying comfort food. Not only is it easy to prepare, but its layers of cheese, pasta, and savory sauce also offer the kind of meal that brings people together.
Additionally, this version includes accurate measurements, garlic herb seasoning for depth, and tips for perfect results every time.
➡️ Looking for more Italian recipes? Try our Homemade Donut Recipe or Creamy Tuscan Chicken.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Baked Ziti
(Measurements for 6 servings)
- 450g ziti pasta
- 500g Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (10g)
- 800ml marinara sauce
- 250g ricotta cheese
- 150g shredded mozzarella cheese
- 100g grated Parmesan cheese
- 250ml heavy cream
- 5g Italian seasoning
- 10g fresh basil, chopped
- 5g salt
- 2g black pepper
- 10ml olive oil
Tip: Want ingredient substitution ideas? Visit our Healthy Cooking Substitutions Guide.
Prep Time for Slow Cooker Baked Ziti
- 15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Yield: 6 servings
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
How to Make Slow Cooker Baked Ziti
Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.
First, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and sausage, breaking it into crumbles as it browns (5–7 mins). Then, stir in garlic for another minute.
Next, in a large slow cooker, combine the browned sausage, marinara sauce, ricotta, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to blend flavors.
Then, add uncooked ziti. Ensure it’s fully coated and submerged in the sauce.
Pour heavy cream on top. Add half the mozzarella and Parmesan. Stir gently to mix.
Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, until the pasta is tender.
Before serving, sprinkle remaining cheeses. Cover again for 5 minutes until melted.
Directions
1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and Italian sausage, breaking it up as it cooks until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
2. In a large slow cooker, combine browned sausage, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
3. Add uncooked ziti pasta, ensuring it is fully submerged in the sauce. Stir to combine.
4. Pour heavy cream over the top and add half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Stir gently.
5. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or until pasta is tender.
6. Just before serving, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan over the top and cover again for a few minutes until melted.
7. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and Italian sausage, breaking it up as it cooks until it is browned and crumbles nicely, which should take about 5-7 minutes. As the aroma of the sizzling sausage fills your kitchen, add minced garlic and allow it to cook for another minute, releasing a fragrant garlicky essence.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
In a large slow cooker, combine the browned sausage and garlic with the marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well mixed, creating a flavorful foundation for your baked ziti.
Step 3: Add Ziti Pasta
Add the uncooked ziti pasta to the slow cooker, ensuring that it is fully submerged in the rich sauce. Stir gently to combine, picturing how the pasta will absorb all those delicious flavors as it cooks.
Step 4: Pour in the Cream and Cheeses
Pour the heavy cream over the top of the pasta mixture and sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses. Stir gently, allowing the cream to envelop everything with a creamy texture that promises decadence.
Step 5: Cook the Ziti
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4 hours. During this time, the pasta will become tender and soak up the sauce, filling your kitchen with an inviting aroma that beckons everyone to the table.
Step 6: Add Remaining Cheeses
Just before serving, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top. Cover again for a few minutes to let the cheese melt into a gooey topping, enhancing the ziti’s irresistible appeal.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Garnish your slow-cooked baked ziti with freshly chopped basil before serving. This final touch not only adds a burst of color but also a hint of freshness, balancing the richness of the dish.
Suggested Pairings
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Red wine (Chianti or Merlot)
📌 Explore our Corn and Bacon Side Dish for inspiration!
Storage, Reheating, and Freezing Tips for Baked Ziti
To store: Cool completely, then refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
To reheat: Use a microwave or oven at 180°C (350°F). Add a spoonful of marinara to refresh moisture.
Freezing option: Freeze portions in labeled, airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Creative Variations
- Garlic Herb Chicken Pasta: Replace sausage with shredded garlic chicken.
- Vegetarian Ziti: Add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach.
- Buffalo Chicken Ziti: Mix in shredded buffalo chicken and blue cheese.
- Pesto Ziti Bake: Substitute marinara with pesto and add sun-dried tomatoes.
🔗 Read more about pasta techniques on Serious Eats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different pasta?
Yes! Try penne, rigatoni, or rotini. Just choose shapes with similar cooking times.
How do I make this vegetarian?
Skip the sausage and add hearty vegetables or use plant-based meat alternatives.
Can I prep it ahead?
Absolutely. Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker insert, refrigerate overnight, and cook the next day.
Can I freeze it?
Yes. Freeze cooked ziti in meal-sized portions. Reheat with a bit of extra sauce.
Conclusion
The slow cooker baked ziti recipe for 2025 proves that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. With simple ingredients, creamy textures, and cheesy layers, it’s perfect for weeknights or gatherings. Because it’s so versatile, you can customize it to suit your preferences—meaty, vegetarian, or even spicy!
