Sunday Baked Ziti

Name: Sunday Baked Ziti
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ziti pasta; 2 cups marinara sauce; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil for garnish

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I love making Sunday Baked Ziti for family gatherings. It's a dish that brings everyone together around the table, and the aroma that fills the kitchen is simply irresistible. Each layer of pasta, marinara sauce, and cheese melds beautifully in the oven, creating a comforting and satisfying meal. This ziti is not just filling; it’s bursting with flavor, and you can customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead and reheat, making it perfect for busy weekends.

Created by

Olivia Hayes

Last updated on 2026-01-13T01:04:15.053Z

When I first tried making Baked Ziti, I was surprised by how simple yet satisfying it was. I experimented with different cheeses and sauces until I found the perfect blend that my family adores. The key to a great ziti is not just in the ingredients but also in letting it rest for a few minutes after baking. This allows the cheese to set, making serving much easier.

I've found that adding a mix of ricotta and mozzarella gives it a delightful creaminess that contrasts perfectly with the zesty marinara. Each bite is a bite of nostalgia, reminding me of cozy Sundays spent at home with loved ones. I can't wait for you to try it!

        Why You'll Love This Baked Ziti
        Hearty layers of pasta and cheese that comfort like a warm hug
Versatile recipe that can be easily adapted to include your favorite ingredients
Makes great leftovers, tasting even better the next day

      

Perfecting Your Layering Technique

When layering your baked ziti, it’s essential to achieve a balance between the pasta, cheese, and sauce to prevent a dry dish. Start by ensuring that the bottom of your baking dish is evenly coated with marinara sauce—this not only prevents sticking but infuses moisture into the pasta during baking. As you layer, keep an eye on the distribution; aim for the cheese mixture to be evenly spread over the pasta to achieve that delightful gooey consistency throughout.

A handy tip for perfect layering is to use a spatula to press down the cheese mixture slightly when adding it to the ziti. This helps it meld with the pasta and sauce, ensuring that every bite is creamy and flavorful. Also, remember to reserve a bit of mozzarella to sprinkle on top; it creates that irresistible cheese pull and golden, bubbly finish that everyone loves.

Addressing Common Challenges

One common issue when making baked ziti is ending up with a watery dish, often caused by excess moisture in the sauce or using watery vegetables. To avoid this, if you opt to add veggies like zucchini or mushrooms, make sure to sauté them first to reduce their moisture content. Additionally, using a thicker marinara sauce can help maintain the desired texture throughout baking.

If you find your cheese topping is browning too quickly while the ziti is still cooking, you can gently cover it with aluminum foil to prevent scorching. For perfect cheese melt, uncover the dish in the final 15 minutes of baking, allowing the cheese to bubble and brown beautifully.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Baked ziti is an excellent make-ahead meal. You can assemble the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to cook, simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through evenly—around 30 to 40 minutes should suffice based on your oven. This option is fantastic for busy weekends or when you want to save time during the week.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the entire dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until heated through. This dish also freezes well; just make sure to cover it securely. To reheat from frozen, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight and follow the reheating instructions.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create a delicious Sunday Baked Ziti:

For the Baked Ziti

1 pound ziti pasta
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish

Make sure to have all the ingredients prepped before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps for a perfect Sunday Baked Ziti:

Cook the pasta

Boil ziti pasta in salted water until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the cheese mixture

In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Layer the ingredients

Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Layer half the cooked ziti, followed by the cheese mixture, and half of the remaining marinara sauce. Repeat the layers, finishing with marinara sauce on top.

Add the cheese topping

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the ziti.

Bake

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding cooked ground beef or vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to the layers.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your Sunday Baked Ziti experience, consider serving it with a fresh side salad and some garlic bread for a complete meal. A simple arugula salad tossed with olive oil, lemon juice, and shaved Parmesan provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the ziti. This combination not only feels hearty but also balances the meal nicely.

For an added touch, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes over the baked ziti before serving. This little kick can enhance the entire dish and give it a unique twist. Pairing the ziti with a light red wine can also enhance the flavors, making it an inviting dining experience for family and friends.

Ingredient Substitutions

One of the great advantages of baked ziti is its versatility with ingredients. If you want a lighter version, substitute part of the ziti with whole grain or lentil pasta for added fiber. You can also swap out the ricotta cheese for cottage cheese, which provides a similar texture but with fewer calories. Just make sure to blend it a bit for creaminess before layering.

For those with dietary restrictions, consider using vegan cheese options for a plant-based ziti. There are excellent brands available now that melt beautifully. Additionally, you can experiment with non-dairy yogurt instead of ricotta, which will provide a tangy flavor and creamy texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this baked ziti ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from the fridge.

→ What kind of pasta can I use?

While ziti is traditional, other pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni also work well for baked dishes.

→ Can I freeze baked ziti?

Absolutely! Freeze it before baking. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake it as directed when you're ready to enjoy.

→ What can I serve with baked ziti?

A simple green salad and garlic bread make perfect accompaniments to this hearty meal.