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–+ servings
Crock Pot Baked Ziti

Savory Crock Pot Baked Ziti That Kids Will Devour

This kid-friendly Crock Pot Baked Ziti features tender pasta in a creamy tomato-basil sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 1 box Dry Penne or Ziti Pasta Can substitute with fusilli or macaroni
For the Sauce
  • 28 ounces Crushed Tomatoes Can use fresh tomatoes with adjusted cooking time
  • 2 cups Water Can substitute with broth for added flavor
  • 1 tablespoon Granulated Sugar Taste before adding
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Fresh minced garlic can be used
  • 1/2 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes Optional for spice
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt Adjust to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper Can use white pepper for milder flavor
For Creaminess
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Can substitute with half-and-half or milk
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Basil Freeze-dried basil can be used
For the Cheesy Topping
  • 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese Can use dairy-free cheese
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Can use grated vegan parmesan

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Combine dry ziti pasta, crushed tomatoes, water, garlic powder, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes in a slow cooker.
  2. Cover and cook on high for approximately 2 hours or on low for about 4 hours.
  3. Stir in heavy cream and chopped fresh basil, followed by half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  4. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top, cover, and let it cook for an additional 20–30 minutes on high until melted.
  5. Serve hot, garnished with extra basil if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 20gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Adjust cooking time according to pasta tenderness and taste sauce before adding sugar for balance.

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