Creamy Slow Cooker Three-Cheese Ziti Recipe
Introduction
This Slow Cooker Three-Cheese Ziti is a comforting and easy meal perfect for busy days. Creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, and sharp Parmesan combine with tomato sauce and tender pasta for a delicious, hands-off dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cups tomato sauce
Instructions
- Step 1: Add half of the tomato sauce to the slow cooker. Layer half of the ziti pasta on top, followed by half of the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses.
- Step 2: Repeat the layers with the remaining sauce, pasta, and cheeses.
- Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, or until the pasta is tender and the sauce is creamy.
- Step 4: Stir gently before serving to combine the cheeses and sauce evenly.
Tips & Variations
- Use no-boil pasta to save time and simplify the layering process.
- Add cooked Italian sausage or sautéed vegetables for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Sprinkle extra Parmesan on top before serving for a cheesy crust.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of water or sauce if the pasta seems dry.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any short pasta like penne or rigatoni works well in this recipe.
Do I need to pre-cook the pasta before layering?
No, the pasta cooks perfectly in the slow cooker while it simmers with the sauce and cheese.
PrintCreamy Slow Cooker Three-Cheese Ziti Recipe
This Slow Cooker Three-Cheese Ziti is a comforting, creamy pasta dish combining ziti pasta with ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, simmered in rich tomato sauce. Perfect for an easy, hands-off meal that delivers cheesy goodness with minimal effort.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound ziti pasta
Cheeses
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Sauce
- 4 cups tomato sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker: Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker to prevent sticking before adding ingredients.
- Layer ingredients: Spread half of the uncooked ziti evenly on the bottom of the slow cooker. Dollop half of the ricotta cheese, sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, then pour half of the tomato sauce over the layers. Repeat the process with the remaining ziti, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and tomato sauce to create two layers.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the pasta is tender and the sauce is thick and creamy.
- Stir and serve: Before serving, gently stir the pasta to combine the layers into a creamy consistency. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh basil or additional Parmesan.
Notes
- For best results, use uncooked ziti pasta so it absorbs the flavors during slow cooking.
- You can customize the dish by adding sautéed vegetables or cooked Italian sausage.
- If the sauce is too thick near the end of cooking, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Keywords: slow cooker pasta, three cheese ziti, slow cooker ziti, creamy pasta, Italian slow cooker recipe
