Description

Baked ziti is always a hit, but sometimes you just don't have the time to bake it in the oven. Try making it in your slow cooker instead and go about your day. It's comfort food that is easy to put together and comes out cheesy and delicious. Serve with a

Ingredients

• 2- 24 oz. jars favorite marinara sauce
• 16 oz. tomato sauce
• 1 c. water
• 16 oz. ziti or penne pasta, uncooked
• 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 c. sour cream
• 1/2 c. ricotta or cottage cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 c. fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1 1/2 c. freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 c. shredded Mozzarella cheese

Steps

1. Add cream cheese, sour cream and ricotta cheese to a mixing bowl; beat with an electric mixer until smooth; stir in garlic and basil.
2. Place a slow cooker liner in the crock of a slow cooker for easy clean up, if desired.
3. In a large bowl, combine marinara sauce, tomato sauce and water. Pour 2 c. marinara sauce in the bottom of a 6 qt. or larger slow cooker. Top with ⅓ of the uncooked penne pasta. Dollop on half of the ricotta mixture, gently spreading it out evenly. Top with 3/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese. Add 2 c. sauce. Top with ⅓ of the uncooked penne. Add remaining ricotta mixture; spread out evenly. Sprinkle on the remaining 3/4 c. Parmesan cheese. Add the remaining uncooked penne. Top with the remaining marinara sauce.* Cover; cook on HIGH for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, or on LOW for 3 1/3 to 4 hours or until pasta is tender.