Fabulous! I swear my hubby requests this from me often!

There's something about the comfort of a hearty Italian meal that just brings the family together, and Slow Cooker Baked Ziti is like a warm hug in the form of pasta. Originating from the beautiful regions of Italy, this dish has made its way into hearts worldwide, and it’s easy to see why. It’s delicious, filling, and a perfect choice when you're in need of a meal that feels like home without having to spend all evening in the kitchen. With the slow cooker doing the heavy lifting, you'll have more time to enjoy with your loved ones, whether it's helping with homework, playing games, or just catching up on the day's events.

When I serve up this Slow Cooker Baked Ziti, I love to pair it with a crisp green salad tossed with vine-ripened tomatoes and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. For those extra special touches, you can also serve some warm, garlicky breadsticks or a side of steamed veggies – because getting in those greens is important, even on pasta night!

Slow Cooker Baked Ziti
Servings: Serves 6 to 8

- 1 (16-ounce) package of ziti pasta, uncooked
- 1 (24-ounce) jar of your favorite marinara sauce
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup water
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Optional: Add ground sausage if you want meat!

1. In a large bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, garlic, egg, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined. Optional: Brown some ground sausage and add this in at this step.

2. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the slow cooker.

3. Place a layer of uncooked ziti pasta over the sauce.

4. Spoon half of the cheese mixture over the ziti, then top with another layer of sauce. Repeat the layers, ending with a layer of sauce.

5. Pour the water around the edges of the slow cooker to help the pasta cook evenly.

6. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the pasta is tender.

7. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top and let it melt.

8. Once done, let it stand for 10 minutes to set. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired before serving.

- For a meatier dish, add some browned ground beef or Italian sausage to the marinara sauce.
- If you have picky eaters who aren’t big on ricotta, you can substitute with cottage cheese that's blended smooth.
- Sneak in extra nutrients by adding a layer of chopped spinach or zucchini in with the cheese mixture.
- If you're pressed for time, no-boil noodles can be used to speed up the process.
- Remember to grease your slow cooker lightly with cooking spray or olive oil to make serving and clean-up a breeze!
- Always let the baked ziti rest after cooking; this allows everything to settle and makes for that perfect, sliceable portion we all adore.

There you have it, a scrumptious Slow Cooker Baked Ziti that is sure to be a hit at your family table. Dive in, share the love, and savor every bite!