Whether or not you are feeding a crowd, this pasta dish will surely impress. It's so simple to prepare and the slow cooker does all of the work for you.
2 - 25 oz. jars pasta sauce
15 oz. tomato sauce
1 lb. uncooked penne pasta, divided into thirds
15 oz. ricotta cheese
2 eggs, beaten
1/3 c. freshly chopped basil
2 c. freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 c. shredded Mozzarella cheese
crushed red pepper flakes, for serving, optional
Combine ricotta cheese, eggs and basil in a bowl; stir well.
In a large bowl, stir together jarred pasta sauce and tomato sauce.
Grate Parmesan cheese; set aside.
Spray the inside of a 6 qt. slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
Add 2 1/3 c. pasta sauce to the slow cooker; add a third of the uncooked penne; stir. Dot on half of the ricotta mixture; spread out evenly. Add 1 c. Parmesan cheese. Add 2 1/3 c. pasta sauce mixture. Add another third of the uncooked penne. Dot on remaining ricotta mixture; spread out. Sprinkle on remaining 1 c. Parmesan cheese. Add the remaining third of the uncooked penne. Top with the remaining 2 1/3 c. pasta sauce mixture.
Cover; cook on High for 2-3 hours, or until pasta is al dente.
During the last few minutes, top with Mozzarella cheese; allow to melt.
Sprinkle individual servings with crushed red pepper flakes, if desired. Served with garlic bread and a salad.
10 servings.