Delicious slow cooker pasta dish with a nutritional boost from mushrooms and spinach!
Here’s another slow cooker recipe for you! My slow cooker is my BFF. I use it at least once a week, sometimes 2 or 3 times a week!
The family’s #1 favorite slow cooker recipe is my Easiest Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice. That one is a guaranteed winner, every time I make it!
Up to this point, the #2 favorite spot was held by my Crockpot Cheeseburger Casserole. But now, Slow Cooker Baked Ziti has moved into the #2 spot, bumping Crockpot Cheeseburger Casserole down to #3!
It did take me a couple of tries to get this just right. It is easy to overcook the ziti and then you are left with Pasta Mush. It is not a bad-tasting dish, but not the best aesthetic, either.
To avoid Pasta Mush, you want to start with uncooked ziti noodles. Which works out great, because it effectively eliminates a recipe step AND another pot to wash. Hooray!
The second tip is to be careful with your timing. Normally there will be a wide window of cooking time for slow cooker recipes. For this one, I found that it was done at the 4 hour mark, and if I let it go for more than 5 hours, I had Pasta Mush.
So set that timer for 4 hours, and try to serve it fairly soon after it is done for the best results!
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Slow Cooker Baked Ziti with Mushrooms and Spinach
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Slow Cooker Baked Ziti With Mushrooms and Spinach
Print RecipeIngredients
- 12 ounces ziti noodles (1 box)
- 16 ounces ricotta cheese (1 container, can be low-fat)
- 2 egg whites
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella (divided)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 48 ounces spaghetti sauce (2 jars, divided)
- 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
- 10 ounces fresh spinach (1 bag)
Instructions
- Spray the inside of the slow cooker with cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg whites, Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup mozzarella, salt, and pepper.
- Cover the bottom of the slow cooker with about half of the ziti noodles.
- Pour about 2 cups of spaghetti sauce over the top and spread evenly with a spoon.
- Distribute about half of the ricotta mixture on top of the sauce and spread evenly.
- Place the mushrooms on top of the ricotta, and then the spinach.
- Place remaining noodles on top, then spread another 2 cups of sauce, then spread the remaining ricotta cheese mixture.
- Pour the remaining sauce on top and spread evenly.
- Cook on low for about 4 hours. No more than 5!
- About 5 minutes before serving, remove lid and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over top. Replace the lid and let the cheese melt before serving.
Nutrition
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dorothy
can you cook on high for two hours instead?
Kristin King
I have not actually tried that, Dorothy. Sorry! I have only tried it on low. You could give it a shot, but just make sure you have a backup plan in case it doesn’t turn out! 🙂
Mel Farrell
what size slow cooker works best for this?
Kristin King
I use a 5 quart slow cooker. I have to kind of pack it in because the fresh spinach takes up a lot of room, but it cooks down pretty fast. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Marlene Stindle
This sounds really good, but I would add cooked Italian sausage and green pepper! Thanks
Jenny
Where the noodle supposed to be cooked when you put them into the crockpot?
Kristin King
No, the noodles should not be cooked when you put them in. If they are, they will be complete mush when done. Although it will be very tasty mush! 🙂
Sarah
Hi there! I want to add ground beef to this recipe… Has anyone done that before? Don’t want it to turn out over cooked. Thanks!
Kristin King
Hi Sarah, I have not tried that before, but definitely give it a shot, I think it will be delicious!
Alayna @AlaynasCreations
Looks great! I really want to find some more good crockpot dishes to add to our weekly menus. Life gets so busy, with school getting ready to start again it just seems like a good idea to try to use the slowcooker at least once a week.
I am co-hosting the #HomeMattersParty link party this month and would love to have you stop by for a visit. The door is open for the current party through Monday night. http://alaynascreations.co/2015/08/14/home-matters-linky-party-50/
Michele @ Alwayzbakin
Mmmmmm! That looks super yummy! I love baked ziti. What a great idea to make it in a crockpot. Pinning!
Pauline Molinari
This looks super delish! Thanks so much for sharing your yummy recipe on the Monday Funday Party!
Alli @ Tornadough Alli
This looks so good! I love my slow cooker and use it almost weekly, so I am for sure going to add this to my rotation. I would love for you to link to to tonight’s Throw Back Thursday link party!
Erica (@Erica's Recipes)
this sounds so tasty! I’ve never cooked pasta in the crockpot like this, but I think I may have to give it a go. Sounds like a great idea on a busy Saturday or Sunday when I’m around the house, but want something easy for dinner.
Bernadette
Hi Kristin. I love waking up on Friday morning and reading your post as I drink my hot tea. Your recipes are wonderful, and you are an excellent writer (A+) who makes me smile. The baked ziti is one dish I can make while running here and there and everywhere! Thanks so much for this idea.
Kristin King
Thanks Bernadette, you always make my day with your nice comments! 🙂 I hope you and the family are well and enjoying summer. I am sure there is some excitement happening around your house as you get ready for another to head off to college. Where did the time go? It seems these kids just grew up all of a sudden. Have a great weekend, and please tell your hubby we say hello! 🙂
Renee@Renee's Kitchen Adventures
Oooo…I gotta try this one. I’ve always gotten pasta mush when I’ve tried to make pasta in the slow cooker!
Cheryl
When do you put in the spinach?
Kristin King
Oh my goodness, I totally forget an entire step! I have fixed it now, thank you so much for letting me know!
Carrie @Frugal Foodie Mama
Oh, this sounds right up my alley! 🙂 LOVE using my slow cooker, but you are right- it is easy to overcook the pasta to mush when making it in a slow cooker. Can’t wait to try this recipe!
Jessica (Savory Experiments)
Beautiful photo! Our family loves anything in the slow cooker.