Name: Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti – Crockpot Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 16 ounces cottage cheese; 2 Tablespoons Parmesan cheese, shaved or shredded; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1 clove minced garlic or 1 teaspoon dried garlic; 48 ounces marinara sauce (two 24-ounce jars); 16 ounces uncooked ziti pasta; 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded or grated

Jump to Recipe·5.2 from 6 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate comfort food that’s as easy as it is satisfying, look no further than this Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti – Crockpot Recipe! Imagine layers of cheesy goodness, tender ziti pasta, and rich marinara melding together in your slow cooker, all with minimal fuss. This crowd-pleasing dish is weeknight-friendly and perfect for feeding a hungry family or pleasing a potluck crowd—you simply pile in the ingredients and let the slow cooker work its magic. Every forkful is tasty, cheesy, and so cozy, you’ll want to make it again and again.

Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti - Crockpot Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients to deliver all the melty, saucy flavor you crave. Each element brings something special—creamy, tangy, savory, or golden—to this Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti – Crockpot Recipe. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

Cottage Cheese: Adds rich creaminess and a slight tang, keeping the baked ziti moist and flavorful.
Parmesan Cheese (shaved or shredded): Brings a nutty, salty depth—choose the best quality you can for maximum flavor impact.
Large Egg: Helps bind the cheese mixture so every bite holds together beautifully.
Dried Parsley: Lends an herby, fresh note without overpowering the star flavors.
Salt and Pepper: Essential basics for drawing out every bit of flavor in the cheese and sauce.
Minced Garlic or Dried Garlic: Infuses the dish with a subtle aromatic warmth (fresh if you have it, dried in a pinch).
Marinara Sauce (two 24-oz jars): The foundation of every cozy baked ziti! Use your favorite brand for a personalized touch.
Ziti (uncooked): The classic pasta shape for this recipe, soaking up all those saucy flavors as it cooks.
Mozzarella Cheese (shredded or grated): Guarantees a gooey, golden topping everyone loves.

How to Make Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti – Crockpot Recipe

Step 1: Mix Up the Creamy Cheese Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, dried parsley, salt, pepper, and garlic. Stir until everything is thoroughly blended. This magic mixture is what gives the Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti – Crockpot Recipe its signature creaminess and flavor in every bite.

Step 2: Prep Your Slow Cooker

Generously coat the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick spray—no one wants a stuck ziti surprise! Pour in about 2 cups of marinara sauce to cover the bottom. This keeps the pasta from sticking and adds a punch of sauciness right from the start.

Step 3: Layer Up the Goodness

Bring out your inner lasagna chef: scatter about a third of the uncooked ziti noodles evenly over the sauce. Spoon a third of the cottage cheese mixture across the noodles. Repeat these layers two more times, ending with a generous ladle of marinara over the very top. It’s all about building up flavors and textures here!

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Set your slow cooker to LOW and let it work its cozy magic for 4 hours. The aroma will be so inviting, you’ll be tempted to lift the lid early (resist if you can). Each noodle gets perfectly tender and every layer melds into cheesy bliss.

Step 5: Add that Cheesy Finish

About 30 minutes before serving, lift the lid and evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the entire surface. Replace the lid loosely or leave it off, and let cook for another 30 minutes, just until the cheese is irresistibly melty and golden around the edges.

Step 6: Rest & Set

Once your cooking time is up and the cheese is melted to perfection, switch your slow cooker to the WARM setting. Let the finished Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti – Crockpot Recipe sit for 15 to 30 minutes. This resting period is the secret to ziti that slices up neatly, with each layer holding its shape.

How to Serve Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti – Crockpot Recipe

Garnishes

Add fresh pops of color and flavor with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or basil on top, or try a scattering of extra Parmesan shavings before serving. For a touch of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes works wonders, especially for those who love a little kick.

Side Dishes

This comforting main pairs beautifully with a simple green salad tossed in a bright vinaigrette. Garlic bread is a must for mopping up any extra sauce, while roasted vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers round out the meal with a healthy twist.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, scoop individual portions of the Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti – Crockpot Recipe into ramekins and broil quickly for extra bubbly tops. Family-style in the slow cooker insert is always a hit at potlucks, or try layering in extra veggies for vibrant pops of color that wow on the dinner table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. They’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days—if you can resist snacking on them before then!

Freezing

The Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti – Crockpot Recipe is freezer-friendly. Portion cooled ziti into freezer-safe containers or bags, label with the date, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to ensure the best texture.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and bubbly. For single servings, the microwave works in a pinch—just add a splash of water and cover loosely to keep everything from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use ricotta instead of cottage cheese?

Absolutely! Ricotta makes a great swap for cottage cheese and will give your ziti a classically rich, creamy texture. Feel free to use what you have on hand or whatever your taste buds prefer.

Do I have to cook the pasta first?

No need at all! Using uncooked ziti noodles is one of the best parts about this Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti – Crockpot Recipe—they soak up the marinara sauce and flavor as they slow cook to tender perfection.

What protein can I add to bulk it up?

For an even heartier meal, brown some ground beef, turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage and layer it in with your sauce. Vegetarians can also try adding extra veggies like mushrooms or spinach for delicious depth and nutrition.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just use your favorite gluten-free ziti or penne pasta. Most grocers now offer plenty of options that hold up well in the slow cooker—just check the cooking time, as some gluten-free pastas soften faster.

Is it okay to use a different pasta shape?

If you can’t find ziti, penne is a perfect substitute. Any chunky, tubular pasta will work well to capture all the cheesy, saucy goodness that makes this recipe so satisfying.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a set-it-and-forget-it dinner that brings everyone running to the table, the Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti – Crockpot Recipe is calling your name. Every bite is cozy and hearty, perfect for busy family nights or sharing with friends. Give it a try—you might just find a new slow cooker staple!