Sunday Baked Ziti

Name: Sunday Baked Ziti
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 12 ounces ziti pasta; 2 cups marinara sauce; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 large egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil for garnish

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love making Sunday Baked Ziti as it reminds me of cozy family gatherings around the dinner table. The combination of al dente pasta, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese creates an irresistible dish that everyone enjoys. It’s perfect for lazy Sundays or when I want to impress friends with minimal effort. Every bite is a delightful burst of flavors, and it’s easy to customize with my favorite ingredients. Trust me, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your home!

Created by

Violet Hart

Last updated on 2026-01-05T23:31:19.548Z

When I first attempted to make baked ziti, I was overwhelmed by how simple and rewarding the process was. I experimented with different cheeses and sauces until I found the perfect balance that excited my taste buds. Tip: don't skimp on the cheese - a mix of mozzarella and ricotta gives a dreamy, creamy texture that everyone will adore.

Over the years, I've invited friends over for ziti night, and it always ends up being a hit. The leftovers (if there are any) reheat beautifully and taste just as delicious. You can also sneak in veggies like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Hearty and comforting, perfect for a family meal
Easy to prepare ahead of time, just bake when needed
Versatile with endless variations to suit your taste

      

Understanding the Cheese Blend

The cheese blend in this Sunday Baked Ziti is essential for achieving that perfect gooey, creamy texture. Ricotta cheese provides a rich, slightly sweet flavor while also adding moisture to the dish. Combining ricotta with mozzarella gives you the best of both worlds: the creaminess from the ricotta and the stretchiness from melted mozzarella. For a delightful twist, consider substituting some of the ricotta with cottage cheese for added protein, or use a non-dairy ricotta if you're aiming for a vegan option.

Don't forget about the Parmesan! It adds a savory bite and depth of flavor that ties everything together. When layering the cheeses, be generous with the mozzarella on top; it will form a beautifully bubbly crust as it bakes. To ensure that the cheeses melt evenly, try to avoid overmixing the ricotta and pasta mixture—leave it a little uneven for an attractive textural contrast.

Perfecting the Marinara Sauce

The marinara sauce is a crucial component that brings all the flavors together in your Baked Ziti. If you're using store-bought sauce, choose one that's rich and has a good balance of acidity to complement the cheeses and pasta. For a homemade touch, simmer crushed tomatoes with sautéed onions, garlic, and a splash of red wine for added depth. A pinch of sugar can help balance the acidity as well.

When layering the sauce, be sure to reserve some for the top of the ziti. This not only ensures that the cheese browns beautifully but also keeps the pasta moist during the baking process. When you see the sauce bubbling around the edges and the cheese turning golden brown, you'll know it's ready to come out of the oven.

Storing and Reheating Your Baked Ziti

If you have leftovers (which is rare with this dish!), storing them properly will keep your Baked Ziti delicious for days. Allow the dish to cool completely before covering it tightly with aluminum foil or storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. It can last up to four days. Reheating individual portions in the microwave is quick and easy, but for the best results, reheat in the oven. Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes, ensuring it's warmed through.

For longer storage, Baked Ziti freezes exceptionally well! Assemble the dish up to the baking point, cover tightly with both plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it, transfer it to the fridge to thaw overnight before baking as directed. This makes it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeks.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for the best Sunday Baked Ziti experience:

Ingredients

12 ounces ziti pasta
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish

Make sure to have all ingredients ready before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your delicious Sunday Baked Ziti:

Cook the Pasta

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Mix Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Fold in the cooked pasta and half of the marinara sauce.

Assemble the Dish

Spread a little marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Layer half of the pasta mixture, then add more marinara sauce on top. Repeat with the remaining pasta mixture and finish with the remaining mozzarella.

Bake

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serve

Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm.

Enjoy your homemade Sunday Baked Ziti!

Pro Tips

Feel free to add cooked sausage or ground beef for a meaty version, or mix in your favorite vegetables. Serve with garlic bread for a complete meal.

Variations to Try

One of the best things about Baked Ziti is its versatility. You can easily customize this dish to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. For a meatier option, add cooked Italian sausage or ground beef to the cheese and pasta mixture. Just be sure to drain off excess fat, so it doesn't make the dish greasy. If you're looking to pack in some veggies, roasted zucchini, spinach, or sautéed mushrooms make great additions.

For a unique flavor twist, try infusing the marinara sauce with fresh herbs like basil for brightness or red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Additionally, consider using different types of pasta, such as penne or rigatoni, which hold sauces differently and can change the overall texture of the finished dish.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes Baked Ziti can come out a little dry if it's not baked with enough liquid. If you notice this after baking, don't hesitate to drizzle a little extra marinara sauce over the top when serving. This will add moisture and enhance the flavors. On the flip side, if the dish is too saucy, reducing the marinara sauce before incorporating it into the pasta mix can help prevent sogginess.

Another common issue is unevenly melted cheese. To avoid this, make sure the mozzarella is evenly distributed across the top layer, and consider broiling the ziti for the last few minutes for that perfectly bubbly and golden crust. Just keep an eye on it to prevent burning, as broilers can work quickly.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the entire dish and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

→ Can I freeze baked ziti?

Absolutely! Just make sure to cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap before freezing. It can be stored for up to 3 months.

→ What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?

You can use cottage cheese as a lower-calorie alternative or cream cheese for a richer texture.

→ How do I know when it's done baking?

The ziti is ready when the cheese is melting and golden brown, and the edges are bubbly.