Creamy Cottage Cheese “Baked” Ziti in the Slow Cooker
This Cottage Cheese “Baked” Ziti is a creamy, comforting pasta dish made effortlessly in a slow cooker. With layers of marinara sauce, uncooked ziti, and a cheesy cottage cheese mixture, it delivers hearty flavors perfect for busy weeknights. Topped with melted mozzarella, it’s a family-friendly favorite that’s easy to customize with meat or veggies. Simple ingredients and minimal prep make this recipe a go-to for pasta lovers. Perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep!
Ingredients:
16 ounces cottage cheese
2 Tablespoons Parmesan cheese (shaved or shredded)
1 large egg
1 teaspoon dried parsley
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
1 clove garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon dried garlic)
48 ounces marinara sauce (two 24-ounce jars of your favorite)
16 ounces ziti, uncooked
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded or grated
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, salt, pepper, and garlic. Mix until fully incorporated.
2. Spray a 6-quart slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. Pour about 2 cups of marinara sauce into the bottom of the slow cooker.
3. Layer 1/3 of the uncooked ziti over the marinara sauce.
4. Spread 1/3 of the cottage cheese mixture over the ziti.
5. Repeat the layers twice more, ending with about 1 cup of marinara sauce on top.
6. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours.
7. Thirty minutes before the cook time ends, remove the lid and evenly sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top. Continue cooking, uncovered, for 30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Once finished, switch the slow cooker to WARM and let the ziti rest for 15–30 minutes to set before serving.
Tips for Success:
Make it meaty: Add browned ground beef, turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage to the marinara sauce for a hearty twist.
Customize the sauce: Use your favorite marinara, like Rao’s or Trader Joe’s, and feel free to use up to 60 ounces for a saucier dish.
Add veggies: Toss in zucchini, mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrition.
Substitutions: Penne pasta works well instead of ziti, and ricotta cheese can replace cottage cheese.
Cooking variations: Every slow cooker is different, so adjust the cooking time based on your appliance.
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Enjoy this easy, creamy, and cheesy slow cooker “baked” ziti for a comforting dinner that everyone will love!
