Sunday Baked Ziti

Name: Sunday Baked Ziti
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ziti pasta; 2 cups ricotta cheese; 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 cups marinara sauce; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 onion, chopped; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love making Sunday Baked Ziti, as it brings the whole family together for a delicious meal. This recipe is perfect for a cozy weekend dinner, overflowing with layers of cheesy goodness and savory sauce. The best part is that it’s easy to customize with your favorite ingredients! I often use a combination of ricotta and mozzarella, and sometimes throw in extra veggies or sausage for added flavor. It’s a comforting dish that I’m sure you’ll enjoy just as much as we do.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-06T10:31:10.892Z

When I first made Sunday Baked Ziti, I was amazed at how such simple ingredients could create something so comforting and tasty. The key to getting that perfect texture is layering the pasta, sauce, and cheese, which allows everything to meld together beautifully during baking. I also learned that letting it sit for a few minutes after baking makes it easier to slice and serve.

To enhance the flavor, I recommend sautéing garlic and onions before adding the sauce, as it brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables. Each bite is a delightful mix of cheesy, saucy goodness that truly feels like a warm hug on a plate.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Hearty and filling, perfect for family gatherings
Rich layers of cheese and zesty tomato sauce
Easily customizable with your favorite add-ins

      

Perfecting Your Pasta

Cooking the pasta to the perfect doneness is crucial for baked ziti. I recommend using salted water for boiling; it enhances the flavor of the pasta itself. Aim for al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite. This helps prevent the pasta from becoming mushy after baking. Typically, this takes about 8 to 10 minutes, but be sure to check the package for specifics.

After draining, consider tossing the pasta with a bit of olive oil to prevent it from sticking together before layering. This small step can make a big difference, especially if you plan to prepare the dish ahead of time.

Cheese Choices and Tips

The primary cheeses in this baked ziti are ricotta and mozzarella, but experimenting with your choices can elevate the dish. For a richer flavor, try using whole-milk ricotta instead of part-skim. This will create a creamier texture. Additionally, consider mixing in a bit of provolone or fontina cheese for extra flavor diversity. Just ensure that any cheese you use melts well!

If you're looking to lighten the dish, you can substitute part of the ricotta with cottage cheese for a lower-fat option. Just blend the cottage cheese until smooth for a similar texture and creamy finish.

Storage and Reheating

Baked ziti is perfect for meal prep; leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to five days. Allow it to cool completely before sealing it in an airtight container. If you want to enjoy it later, this dish freezes exceptionally well. Just cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap before placing it in the freezer. It will keep for about three months.

When reheating, I recommend doing so in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to retain moisture. It should take about 20-25 minutes to heat through, depending on the size of the portion. Alternatively, microwave individual portions, starting with one minute and checking at 30-second intervals until heated all the way through.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to prepare your Sunday Baked Ziti:

Ingredients

1 pound ziti pasta
2 cups ricotta cheese
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious Sunday Baked Ziti:

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, and sauté until softened. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

Layer the Ingredients

In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the sauce on the bottom. Layer half of the ziti, followed by half of the ricotta, a third of the mozzarella, and half of the sauce. Repeat the layers, finishing with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.

Bake

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Serve

Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, try adding cooked ground meat or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or spinach into the layers.

Flavor Variations

While this baked ziti recipe is delightful as-is, you can customize it to suit your family's taste preferences or dietary needs. For instance, adding sautéed spinach or mushrooms can boost the vegetable content and introduce new flavors. You might also consider incorporating cooked Italian sausage or ground beef between the layers for added heartiness. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning, as meats can bring additional saltiness.

For a spicy kick, try mixing red pepper flakes into the sauce or using pepper jack cheese in place of some mozzarella. This not only adds warmth but also enhances the overall depth of the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Baked ziti pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad and a loaf of garlic bread, which is perfect for scooping up those extra cheesy bites. A simple arugula salad dressed with olive oil and lemon complements the richness of the ziti beautifully, cutting through the cheesiness.

For a more substantial meal, you can serve the ziti with a side of roasted vegetables. Bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli would be excellent choices, seasoned lightly with olive oil and Italian spices to echo the flavors of the main dish.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your baked ziti seems dry after baking, it may have cooked too long or been covered too tightly. To remedy this, add a bit of marinara sauce to the top before returning it to the oven for a few minutes, ensuring it’s still hot throughout. This helps rehydrate the dish and prevents it from being overly dry.

On the other hand, if your cheese isn't melting properly and looks rubbery, try adjusting your oven's temperature or relocating the dish to a higher rack for the last few minutes of baking. This can provide the direct heat needed for a better melt. Keeping an eye on the cheese towards the end of the bake will help achieve that desired golden and bubbly finish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the baked ziti and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Leftover baked ziti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze baked ziti?

Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled dish before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil and it will keep for up to 3 months.

→ What can I serve with baked ziti?

Baked ziti pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.