Crock Pot Ziti With Spinach, Ricotta, and Tomato Sauce

May 10, 2023May 10, 20230 2
Crock Pot Ziti With Spinach, Ricotta, and Tomato Sauce
in Pasta

Prep

15 min

Cook

4 hours

Ready In

4 hours 15 min

Level

Easy

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

1 can crushed tomatoes ( I used tuttorosso brand no salt added )
1 medium whole onion , skin removed
4 garlic cloves , smashed
2 teaspoons sea salt
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 cup unsalted butter
2 boxes frozen spinach , thawed and squeezed dry of all liquid
1 jar ricotta cheese ( I use sorrento brand )
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
cooking spray , for greasing crock pot
1 egg
1 box ziti pasta , rinsed with cold water in collander

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
8
Calories
331
Sugar
8g
Fat
14g
Crock Pot Ziti With Spinach, Ricotta, and Tomato Sauce is a perfect and easy recipe for those looking for a comfort meal without any fussiness. The added spinach and ricotta cheese not just only makes it creamier and richer, but they also make it more nutritious. In addition to the hearty texture, the ziti pasta is also an ideal choice for this recipe because it absorbs sauce and flavor better than other types of pasta, making each bite more flavorful.

Instructions

1.In a large bowl, mix the crushed tomato, unsalted butter, onion, garlic, sea salt, fresh ground black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes together, stir well and set aside.
2.In another bowl, whisk egg lightly and then add ricotta cheese, frozen spinach, and grated parmesan, mix well.
3.Coat the inside of a slow cooker with cooking spray, pour about a cup of tomato mixture inside the crock pot.
4.Add enough ziti to make an even layer on top of the sauce mixture, then spoon another layer of tomato sauce on top of the pasta, continue the layering process until all the pasta and sauce are used up.
5.Then spoon ricotta spinach mixture over top of ziti and spread it evenly.
6.Cover the slow cooker and cook on low until the ziti is tender for approximately 4 hours.

PROS

This dish has a rich and creamy texture, thanks to the addition of the ricotta cheese and spinach.
It is a perfect go-to recipe for a cozy and effortless dinner on a busy day.

CONS

The slow-cooking process takes a considerable amount of time to get a tender texture.

The usage of canned tomatoes may contain preservatives yet again.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

This recipe is full of calcium and fiber from the spinach and the ricotta cheese giving the recipe a creaminess that makes it more enjoyable.
Moreover using canned tomatoes that are high in lycopene which has antioxidant benefits and can reduce the risk of heart diseases, lung, and stomach cancer.

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