Sunday Baked Ziti

Name: Sunday Baked Ziti
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ziti pasta; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 24 ounces marinara sauce; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 3 cups ricotta cheese; 1 egg; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I love making Sunday Baked Ziti as it’s the perfect comfort food for a family gathering. The cheesy pasta baked to perfection brings everyone around the table, and there's something magical about that golden, bubbly crust. On weekends, when time slows down, this dish turns into a cherished tradition in my household. The blend of flavors, combined with my favorite marinara sauce and an abundance of cheese, makes this dish feel like a warm hug. It's a recipe that can easily be modified, which I find so enjoyable when cooking for others.

Created by

Cleo Winter

Last updated on 2026-01-12T07:05:34.295Z

During one particularly rainy Sunday, I decided it was the perfect day for a baking session in the kitchen. I pulled out my trusty ziti recipe and started layering pasta, cheese, and sauce. As the aroma filled my home, I knew I had made the right choice. The sight of the bubbling, cheesy ziti was nothing short of comforting.

What I love most is that this dish allows for creativity—experimenting with different cheeses or adding vegetables makes it versatile. I once added spinach and ricotta, and it was a hit! Baking it until the cheese is bubbly is key for that ultimate flavor explosion in every bite.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Hearty pasta layered with savory marinara and three kinds of cheese
Perfect for meal prepping or serving at potlucks
Customizable with your favorite veggies and proteins

      

Key Techniques for Perfect Baked Ziti

When preparing the ziti pasta, it's essential to cook it just until al dente. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy during baking. Typically, this means boiling the pasta for about 1-2 minutes less than the package directions recommend. Once drained, toss the pasta with a little olive oil to prevent sticking while it cools.

Achieving the right balance of flavors in the sauce is crucial. Simmering the marinara with onion, garlic, and Italian seasoning allows the ingredients to meld beautifully. Look for a sauce that has thickened slightly and has developed a glossy sheen. This step enhances the overall flavor of the baked ziti, making each layer burst with a savory depth.

Ingredient Choices and Substitutions

Using high-quality marinara sauce can elevate your baked ziti significantly; opt for one with no added sugars or artificial ingredients. If you prefer homemade, simmer diced tomatoes with herbs to create a fresh base. Additionally, feel free to switch out cheeses; a combination of Fontina or Gouda can add a unique twist to the traditional mozzarella and Parmesan blend.

If you're looking to make the dish healthier or cater to dietary restrictions, consider swapping out part of the ricotta cheese with cottage cheese. This provides a similar texture with fewer calories. For a gluten-free version, replace the ziti with gluten-free pasta, ensuring to adjust the cooking time as gluten-free varieties can differ significantly.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Baked ziti is a fantastic dish for meal prep. You can assemble the layers ahead of time and refrigerate it, which allows the flavors to meld. When you’re ready to bake, simply cover it with foil and add about 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time since it will be going into the oven cold.

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or cover the entire dish with foil in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. For long-term storage, baked ziti freezes beautifully; just make sure to wrap it tightly in foil and place it in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create a hearty and delicious Sunday Baked Ziti.

Ingredients

1 pound ziti pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
24 ounces marinara sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3 cups ricotta cheese
1 egg
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your preference or what you have on hand!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create an unforgettable Sunday meal.

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened. Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.

Mix the Cheese Filling

In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth.

Layer the Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large baking dish, spread a layer of sauce, followed by half of the cooked pasta, half of the ricotta mixture, and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers, finishing with marinara sauce and remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.

Bake

Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serve

Garnish with fresh basil if desired. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious meal!

Enjoy your hot, cheesy, comforting baked ziti!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick of flavor, sprinkle some red pepper flakes between the layers or top the baked ziti with fresh mozzarella slices for an oozing finish.

Serving Suggestions

Serving baked ziti can be enhanced with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad. The crunchy texture of garlic bread provides a perfect contrast to the creamy pasta, while a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.

For a family style presentation, consider bringing the baking dish straight to the table and letting everyone serve themselves. It creates a sense of community, making the dining experience even more enjoyable. If serving for a special occasion, a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a drizzle of good quality olive oil right before serving can elevate the dish's appeal.

Variations and Add-ins

Baked ziti can be customized to suit various tastes by adding vegetables or proteins. Consider folding in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrition. If you want a heartier version, crumbled Italian sausage or diced chicken can complement the flavors well. Just make sure any added proteins are cooked beforehand to ensure even cooking throughout the dish.

For a spicy kick, adding red pepper flakes to the marinara or incorporating jalapeños into the ricotta mixture can provide extra flavor. You could even top the baked ziti with fresh sliced tomatoes before baking for a vibrant finish that adds freshness to each bite.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your baked ziti turns out too dry, it might have been baked too long or not enough sauce was used. To remedy this in future attempts, ensure you’re using enough marinara spread between layers and check the baking time closely, adjusting as needed. Remember, the visual cue is cheese that is perfectly bubbly without being overly browned.

In case the cheese doesn’t melt well or forms a crust, make sure your oven is appropriately preheated and that you're using freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents that can affect melting consistency. Keeping these pointers in mind will help you achieve the perfect cheesy top every time!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the baked ziti the day before and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

→ What can I use instead of ziti pasta?

You can substitute ziti with penne, rigatoni, or any pasta shape that holds sauce well.

→ Can I freeze leftover baked ziti?

Absolutely! Just ensure it is cooled completely and then wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil before freezing.

→ What is the best way to reheat baked ziti?

Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can cover it with foil to retain moisture.