Sunday Baked Ziti

Name: Sunday Baked Ziti
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 12 oz 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 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil for garnish

Highlighted under: Easy Baking Ideas

I love making Sunday Baked Ziti as it brings the family together around the dinner table. The blend of gooey cheese, savory marinara, and perfectly cooked pasta creates a comforting dish that satisfies on so many levels. Preparing it is a breeze, and the leftovers taste even better the next day! This recipe is perfect for those cozy family dinners or whenever I want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try it, you'll be adding it to your weekly rotation!

Created by

Olivia Martin

Last updated on 2026-01-12T04:07:35.598Z

When I first tried this Sunday Baked Ziti recipe, I was captivated by how simple yet deeply flavorful it turned out. The trick is to use a quality marinara sauce and al dente pasta because these elements truly elevate the dish. Additionally, freezing the leftovers makes for a delicious no-fuss meal later in the week!

Another personal tip is to mix various cheeses—like ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan—for a complex flavor profile that everyone will love. Each layer of cheese melts beautifully, pulling everything together for a harmonious bite that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Layers of melted cheese create a mouthwatering experience
Versatile enough to add your favorite vegetables or proteins
Perfect make-ahead meal for busy weekdays or gatherings

      

Cooking the Ziti Perfectly

Cooking the ziti pasta to al dente is crucial for achieving the perfect texture in baked ziti. When boiled just right, the pasta will have a slight firmness, allowing it to hold up during the baking process and absorb some of the marinara sauce without becoming mushy. I recommend setting a timer for 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions for al dente, and always taste a piece to check for doneness before draining.

Be sure to add a generous amount of salt to the boiling water—this not only enhances the flavor of the pasta but also serves to balance the richness of the cheese and sauce in the dish. After draining, you might toss the pasta with a little olive oil to prevent them from sticking together while preparing the other layers.

Building Flavor with Layers

Layering the ingredients properly is key to a successful baked ziti. When spreading the marinara sauce, be generous; this not only adds flavor but also helps to keep the pasta moist. The ricotta mixture, enriched with the egg and Italian seasoning, adds creaminess and binds the ingredients together. Ensure each layer is equally distributed for a cohesive texture and taste throughout the dish.

Don't hesitate to get creative with your layers! Feel free to incorporate sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor. For added protein, cooked ground beef, sausage, or even diced chicken can make it a heartier meal. Just remember to squeeze out excess moisture from veggies to prevent the dish from becoming watery.

Ingredients

For the Baked Ziti

12 oz 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 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

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

Mix the Cheese Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined.

Layer the Ingredients

In a large baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce, followed by half of the cooked ziti. Add half of the ricotta mixture, a layer of mozzarella cheese, and repeat the layers, finishing with marinara sauce and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.

Bake

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Garnish and Serve

Let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh basil. Serve hot and enjoy!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, consider adding sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the sauce for added nutrition and taste.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftover baked ziti, you're in for a treat because the flavors continue to develop as it sits! To store, let it cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. For longer storage, you can freeze it—just make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn, which allows it to last for about 3 months.

When it comes to reheating, you can place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or reheat the entire dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, covered with foil to maintain moisture. If you prefer extra cheesy goodness, uncover it for the last 5 minutes of heating.

Serving Suggestions

Baked ziti is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. I love serving it alongside a simple green salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette, as the acidity cuts through the richness of the cheese. Add some warm garlic bread to soak up any remaining sauce, and you have a comforting meal that feels complete.

For a bit of a twist, consider serving baked ziti with a side of sautéed vegetables or a caprese salad. These sides add freshness and balance out the heaviness of the dish, creating a more rounded dining experience. Plus, don’t hesitate to sprinkle some additional fresh basil on top for an aromatic finish just before serving.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While ziti is traditional, any tubular pasta like penne or rigatoni works well.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble everything earlier in the day and refrigerate it. Just increase the baking time a bit if baking straight from the fridge.

→ Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, it's vegetarian-friendly! You can add meat if you prefer by incorporating Italian sausage or ground beef into the sauce.

→ What can I serve with Baked Ziti?

A simple garden salad and garlic bread pair wonderfully with this dish for a complete meal!