Description
This Slow Cooker Ziti is creamy, comforting, and macro-friendly. Tender pasta, lean turkey, zucchini, spinach, and mozzarella come together in a rich marinara sauce for the ultimate easy crockpot dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 pound 93% lean ground turkey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 medium zucchini, diced
- 2 (25-ounce) jars tomato basil marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 10 ounces uncooked penne pasta
- 5 ounces baby spinach
- 1 3/4 cups part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
1. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground turkey, garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook 2 to 3 minutes until browned but not fully cooked.
2. Transfer turkey and garlic to the slow cooker. Add diced zucchini, marinara sauce, and water. Stir to combine.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours.
4. Turn the slow cooker to HIGH. Stir in uncooked pasta and spinach, ensuring noodles are fully submerged in sauce. Cook 15 to 20 minutes until pasta is al dente.
5. Stir in 1 cup mozzarella until melted, then sprinkle remaining 3/4 cup on top. Cover for 5 minutes to melt.
6. Serve hot and enjoy with fresh herbs or extra cheese.
Notes
Browning the turkey first adds rich flavor, but you can skip it for convenience.
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and check your marinara sauce label.
Add extra vegetables like mushrooms or broccoli for more nutrition.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta, Slow Cooker
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/4 cups (310 g)
- Calories: 374
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 750
- Fat: 13.5
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 7
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 39.5
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 24.5
- Cholesterol: 70