Slow-Cooker Boursin Kielbasa Baked Ziti Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the best texture, use a good-quality ziti that holds its shape during slow cooking. If you can't find ziti, penne or rigatoni work well.

Make sure the pasta is fully submerged in the sauce before cooking; if it's not, press it down gently with a spoon. You can also add a little extra marinara if needed. The dish is forgiving, so don't stress about exact measurements.

If you prefer a crispy top, after the slow cooker finishes, transfer the pasta to a baking dish, sprinkle with extra fontina, and broil for 2-3 minutes until bubbly and browned. This adds a nice contrast to the creamy interior.

For a more indulgent version, stir in a dollop of heavy cream or a spoonful of mascarpone before serving. The dish is also delicious with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top.

Variations

• Spicy Sausage Version: Replace the smoked kielbasa with hot Italian sausage (casings removed) or add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the marinara. This adds a pleasant heat that balances the creamy Boursin.
• Vegetarian Version: Omit the kielbasa and add 2 cups of sliced mushrooms and 1 cup of chopped spinach. Sauté the mushrooms briefly before adding to the slow cooker, and stir in the spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Add Veggies: Stir in 1 cup of chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant with the pasta. These vegetables will soften as they cook, adding extra nutrition and flavor to the dish.
• Cheese Swap: Use a herb and garlic cream cheese spread instead of Boursin, and replace fontina with smoked mozzarella for a deeper, smokier flavor.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed.

Freezer

This dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in a microwave-safe dish with a splash of water or marinara, or warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The pasta will absorb more sauce as it sits, so you may want to add a splash of water or extra marinara when reheating to loosen it up. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat until hot. The flavors continue to meld overnight, making leftovers even more flavorful.

This dish can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance. Layer the ingredients in the slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to cook, place the insert in the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until the pasta is tender.

You may need to add 30 minutes to the cooking time, as the ingredients start cold. This is a great option for busy mornings or for prepping a meal for a crowd.

Serving ideas

Serve the slow cooker Boursin kielbasa baked ziti hot, straight from the slow cooker. Use a large spoon to scoop out generous portions, making sure to get some of the cheesy sauce from the bottom.

This dish is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple green salad and garlic bread. The creamy sauce begs for something crusty to soak it up, so don't skip the bread.

For a family-style dinner, place the slow cooker on the table and let everyone serve themselves. You can also plate individual portions on white plates to show off the vibrant sauce and melted cheese. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a few basil leaves for a pop of color. This dish also makes excellent leftovers for lunch the next day—just reheat and enjoy.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow-Cooker Boursin Kielbasa Baked Ziti

Prep 10 minCook 3 hTotal 3 h 10 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 2 lb smoked kielbasa, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
• 1 lb ziti pasta
• 4 cups marinara sauce
• 1 tbsp Italian herb seasoning
• 1 wheel garlic and fine herbs Boursin cheese
• 2 cups shredded Italian fontina cheese

Instructions

1. Place the sliced kielbasa in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the ziti pasta, then pour the marinara sauce over the top. Sprinkle with the Italian herb seasoning. Do not stir.
2. Place the wheel of Boursin cheese in the center of the slow cooker. Sprinkle the shredded fontina cheese over the top, covering the Boursin and pasta.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3 hours, or until the pasta is tender and the sauce is bubbling. Stir gently before serving to combine the melted Boursin into the sauce.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

620

Protein

28 g

Carbohydrates

58 g

Fat

32 g

Fiber

4 g

Sugar

8 g

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.