Pasta dishes are the easiest and safest bet when you are not sure of who your guests will be or what they prefer. A pasta dish can be served over casual dinners, parties, or even formal dinner. It’s a pretty versatile meal that allows you time to prepare the house or even yourself. Our friends over at Mr. Food have this to say about this recipe:
“Think you’re too busy to make homemade Baked Ziti? Not if you make this easy and delicious slow cooker version shared with us by the Crockin’ Girls when they paid a visit to our Test Kitchen!”
Any type of pasta is my go-to dish. This is a winner recipe because it’s baked ziti and it’s easy! I love baked ziti and I love easy meals. The two combined as one dish is enough to make my mouth water just thinking about it. Oh. And there’s all that cheese too!
Ingredients:
1 1/4 pounds Johnsonville Italian sausage
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 (15-ounce) container Sargento ricotta cheese
2 egg whites (Eggland’s eggs)
2 cups shredded Sargento mozzarella cheese, divided
1 cup Sargento Parmesan cheese, divided
1/2 teaspoon McCormick oregano
2 (26-ounce) jars Hunt’s spaghetti sauce
1 (16-ounce) box Barilla uncooked ziti pasta
1/4 teaspoon chopped parsley
Instructions:
Coat a 5-quart slow cooker with cooking spray.
Rinse uncooked pasta, drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook sausage, onion, and garlic 6 to 8 minutes, or until browned; drain and set aside.
In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg whites, 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese, 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, and oregano; mix well.
In the slow cooker, layer 2 cups sauce, half the sausage mixture, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, half the ziti, and half the ricotta mixture; repeat layers. Top with remaining sauce and remaining mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese and parsley on top.
Cover and cook on low 4 to 5 hours, or until pasta is tender.
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Quick Tip: Serve with cheesy or garlic bread.
Thanks again to Mr. Food for this amazing recipe.