If you’re craving a cheesy, comforting pasta dish but don’t want to fuss over the oven, this Crockpot Baked Ziti with cottage cheese is exactly what your weeknight dinner menu needs. It’s creamy, hearty, and full of Italian flavors your family will love and best of all, the slow cooker does almost all the work.
This slow cooker baked ziti recipe is a regular in my house. With minimal prep, no need to boil noodles, and a hands-off cooking process, it makes dinner feel effortless. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or just feeding the family on a busy night, this easy Crockpot pasta recipe will earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Baked Ziti
You’ll love this Crockpot Baked Ziti because it’s simple, satisfying, and made with pantry staples. It’s one of the best crockpot pasta recipes for busy nights just layer, set, and walk away. The slow cooker creates perfectly tender noodles and melty cheese, giving you that classic baked ziti recipe texture without the oven. Whether you’re going meatless or adding Italian sausage or ground beef, this slow cooker baked ziti Taste of Home inspired dish will become your go-to crockpot meal.
If you’re a fan of slow cooker baked ziti Taste of Home style or just love cozy crockpot meals, this one is for you.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make this baked ziti recipe:
- 16 oz cottage cheese: Adds a creamy texture and tangy flavor
- 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best
- 1 large egg: Helps bind the cheese mixture
- 1 tsp dried parsley: Adds herby Italian flavor
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Use fresh for maximum taste
- 1/2 tsp salt + 1/2 tsp pepper: Basic seasoning for balance
- 48 oz marinara sauce: I love Rao’s or Trader Joe’s, but any favorite works
- 16 oz ziti pasta: Uncooked! No need to boil
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella: Melts into cheesy perfection
Optional Add-Ins
- Browned Italian sausage or ground beef for a meatier version
- Veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini
- Ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese for a more traditional ziti
How to Make Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti in the Slow Cooker
1: Mix the Cheese Base
In a large bowl, stir together the cottage cheese, Parmesan, egg, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2: Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Spray your 6-quart slow cooker with non-stick spray. Add 2 cups of marinara sauce to the bottom. Top with 1/3 of the uncooked ziti, then 1/3 of the cheese mixture. Repeat twice more. Finish with 1 cup of sauce on top.
3: Cook on Low
Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours.
4: Add Mozzarella
Thirty minutes before it’s done, sprinkle mozzarella on top and cook uncovered for the final 30 minutes.
5: Let it Rest
Switch the slow cooker to WARM and let the ziti sit for 15-30 minutes before serving. This helps everything set up nicely.
What to Serve With Crockpot Baked Ziti
This cheesy, saucy pasta pairs perfectly with:
- Garlic bread or garlic knots
- Steamed green beans or a fresh green salad
- A bowl of broccoli cheddar soup for extra comfort
- Dessert like fruit pizza or brownies
Want to keep it simple? Serve it with a side salad and you’re set for a perfect family dinner.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer: This is a freezer-friendly dish! Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 6 months.
Reheat: Warm in the slow cooker on LOW or use the microwave. Add a little extra sauce if it looks dry.
FAQs
Yes, absolutely! Ricotta cheese can be used in place of cottage cheese for a creamier, more traditional texture. Both work beautifully in this slow cooker baked ziti recipe just use the same amount as listed.
Nope! This recipe is designed for uncooked ziti. The pasta cooks perfectly in the marinara sauce while in the slow cooker, saving you time and dishes.
The total cooking time is about 4.5 hours on LOW. After layering the ingredients, cook covered for 4 hours, then sprinkle mozzarella on top and cook uncovered for an additional 30 minutes.
Yes! For a heartier version, add browned ground beef, Italian sausage, turkey, or chicken to your marinara sauce before layering. It’s a great way to add protein and depth of flavor.
Great veggie additions include zucchini, mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach. Just chop them small so they cook evenly in the crockpot alongside the pasta.
Definitely. You can assemble everything in the slow cooker insert, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. When ready, bring it to room temp and cook as directed. It’s perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights!
Related Recipes You’ll Love
Craving more crockpot pasta recipes and comforting slow cooker meals?
Crockpot Ground Beef Stroganoff
Creamy, hearty, and full of flavor, this slow cooker ground beef stroganoff is a family favorite that’s perfect for easy weeknight dinners.
Easy Crockpot Goulash
This comforting Crockpot goulash is packed with tender beef, noodles, and a rich tomato sauce ideal for cozy, hands-off cooking.
Crockpot Tuscan Chicken
Loaded with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and creamy garlic sauce, this Crockpot Tuscan Chicken is perfect over pasta or rice.
Creamy Crockpot Dry Ranch Dressing Chicken
This ranch-seasoned creamy chicken dish is incredibly flavorful, easy to make, and perfect for busy weeknights or weekend meal prep.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food easy, budget-friendly, and full of flavor. Whether you’re craving a baked ziti recipe with creamy cottage cheese or want a meaty slow cooker baked ziti with ground beef, this dish delivers. Add it to your go-to list of crockpot pasta recipes and weeknight crockpot meals. Inspired by slow cooker baked ziti Taste of Home classics, it’s a no-fuss dinner the whole family will devour. Don’t forget to save and share
If you try it, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment or tag me on Pinterest, and don’t forget to pin this recipe so you can find it again later.
Happy cooking, friend
Print
Crockpot Baked Ziti with Cottage Cheese
- Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A creamy, cheesy Crockpot Baked Ziti made easy with cottage cheese, marinara, and layers of flavor—all cooked right in the slow cooker.
Ingredients
- 16 oz cottage cheese
- 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 48 oz marinara sauce
- 16 oz ziti pasta (uncooked)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- Optional: browned Italian sausage or ground beef
- Optional: chopped spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini
- Optional: ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese
Instructions
- In a large bowl, stir together the cottage cheese, Parmesan, egg, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Spray your 6-quart slow cooker with non-stick spray. Add 2 cups of marinara sauce to the bottom. Top with 1/3 of the uncooked ziti, then 1/3 of the cheese mixture. Repeat twice more. Finish with 1 cup of sauce on top.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours.
- Thirty minutes before it’s done, sprinkle mozzarella on top and cook uncovered for the final 30 minutes.
- Switch the slow cooker to WARM and let the ziti sit for 15–30 minutes before serving.
Notes
No need to pre-cook the pasta! You can also assemble ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to cook.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: crockpot baked ziti, slow cooker pasta, cottage cheese, ziti, easy dinner recipe