Sunday Baked Ziti

Name: Sunday Baked Ziti
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz ziti pasta; 2 cups ricotta cheese; 2 cups marinara sauce; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil for garnish

Highlighted under: Soft Planning

I absolutely love making Sunday baked ziti; it’s become a comforting tradition in my home. The melding of creamy ricotta, rich marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella brings back wonderful memories of family gatherings. I often prepare it on lazy Sunday afternoons, letting the aroma fill the house while I relax. This dish is not only simple to whip up but also perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers throughout the week. Trust me, once you taste this, you'll want to make it a regular feature at your table!

Created by

Zara Ellington

Last updated on 2026-01-12T04:13:34.925Z

When I first discovered baked ziti, it was during a cozy family gathering where I was introduced to the magic of layered pasta. The technique of combining different cheeses with sauce makes this dish incredibly flavorful and inviting. I often experiment with various cheese blends, and my favorites include adding a sprinkle of Parmesan on top for a crispy finish. The key is to ensure your pasta is slightly undercooked to absorb the sauce as it bakes.

Over the years, I’ve perfected my recipe, focusing on balancing the seasonings and using fresh ingredients. I always make sure to let it rest for a few minutes after baking. This little trick helps everything settle, allowing for perfectly sliceable portions. It’s a dish that never fails to impress, and I love serving it with garlic bread and a side salad for a complete meal.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Cheesy, comforting goodness in every bite
Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prep
Layers of flavor that keep you coming back for more

      

Transforming the Classic Recipe

This Sunday baked ziti recipe takes a beloved dish and elevates it with a creamy ricotta filling. The ricotta not only adds richness but also an enticing creaminess that balances the robust marinara sauce perfectly. To enhance the flavor of the ricotta, experiment by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of lemon zest. This small tweak can bring a delightful brightness to the dish that complements the other ingredients.

One of the beauties of baked ziti is its adaptability. You can easily modify your cheese choices based on what you have on hand. For example, if you prefer a sharper flavor, try substituting a layer of aged cheddar or gouda in place of some mozzarella. This switch will create unexpected depth and complexity, making your baked ziti uniquely yours.

Making Ahead and Storage

If you're planning to prepare this baked ziti ahead of time, assemble it without baking, cover it tightly with foil, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to serve, simply take it out and bake it straight from the fridge; just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time. This makes it ideal for busy weekends when you want to enjoy a comforting meal without the last-minute rush.

Leftovers are another highlight of this dish! Baked ziti stores well in the refrigerator for about 3-5 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, consider freezing individual portions. Wrap servings tightly in plastic wrap or foil and transfer them to a freezer-safe container. When reheating, bake from frozen for around 40-50 minutes at 350°F (175°C), or until heated through and bubbly.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your delicious Sunday baked ziti.

Ingredients

8 oz ziti pasta
2 cups ricotta cheese
2 cups marinara sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your baked ziti masterpiece.

Cook the Pasta

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the ziti pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Prepare Cheese Mixture

In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth. Reserve 1 cup of mozzarella and 1/4 cup of Parmesan for topping.

Mix Pasta and Sauce

In the same pot, mix the drained ziti with marinara sauce and olive oil until well coated.

Assemble the Ziti

Layer half of the pasta mixture in a baking dish. Spread half of the ricotta mixture on top, then add half of the remaining mozzarella. Repeat with the rest of the pasta, cheese, and finish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.

Bake

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

Serve

Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil and enjoy!

Pro Tips

For a little extra flavor, try adding cooked Italian sausage or fresh spinach to the pasta mixture.

Serving Suggestions

Baked ziti is a hearty meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or garlic bread. A crisp green salad with a light balsamic vinaigrette can help cut through the richness of the cheese. Consider adding some sliced olives, cherry tomatoes, or even roasted vegetables to the salad for extra flavor and nutrition.

For a fun twist, serve the baked ziti with a side of antipasto skewers. Combine marinated artichokes, olives, and mozzarella balls on toothpicks for a delightful appetizer that complements the main dish. This creates a charming presentation and offers a variety of flavors to enjoy while dining.

Common Troubleshooting Tips

If your baked ziti turns out too dry, a common culprit could be over-baking or not enough sauce. To avoid this, track the cooking time closely and consider checking for doneness a few minutes before the recommended time. If needed, you can drizzle some additional sauce over the top during the last few minutes of baking to keep it moist.

On the flip side, if your ziti is overly oily, ensure to drain the pasta well before mixing it with the sauce, and avoid using excessive olive oil. Striving for a balance will give you a creamy, cohesive dish that holds its shape and flavor well.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of pasta?

Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, or even shells would work well in this recipe.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance, just cover tightly and refrigerate. Bake it when you're ready to serve.

→ Is there a vegetarian option?

Yes! Simply omit any meat and load it up with your favorite vegetables, like zucchini or bell peppers.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Definitely! Just make sure it's in an airtight container, and you can freeze it for up to three months.