Sunday Baked Ziti

Name: Sunday Baked Ziti
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ziti pasta; 2 cups ricotta cheese; 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup grated parmesan cheese; 3 cups marinara sauce; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil for garnish

Highlighted under: Family Recipes

I absolutely love preparing Sunday Baked Ziti as it brings the whole family together around the dinner table. This comforting dish is filled with layers of cheesy goodness and rich marinara sauce, making it the perfect weekend meal to share with loved ones. Each bite is a delightful blend of flavors that warms the heart and soul. Whether it's a cozy family gathering or an intimate dinner, this recipe always hits the mark and is sure to please everyone, including the kids. Let's dive into this delicious cooking experience!

Created by

Gillian Sykes

Last updated on 2026-01-12T02:13:36.060Z

When I first made Sunday Baked Ziti, I didn't expect such a reaction from my family. They were amazed at how simple ingredients could turn into something so spectacular. I discovered that using a mix of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses added a great depth of flavor to this dish. Each layer of pasta and cheese melts together beautifully, ensuring not a single forkful is dry.

One tip that I swear by is to let the ziti rest for a few minutes after baking. This way, the layers set beautifully, making it easier to serve without it falling apart. It's moments like these that remind me why I love cooking — creating memories through meals!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Hearty layers of pasta, cheese, and sauce come together in perfect harmony.
Easily customizable with your favorite veggies or proteins.
Great for leftovers and tastes even better the next day!

The Perfect Pasta

Choosing the right pasta for your baked ziti is essential for achieving that ideal texture. Ziti is a tubular pasta that holds onto sauce beautifully, creating a well-balanced bite. When cooking the pasta, be sure to follow the package instructions for 'al dente' to ensure it doesn’t become mushy during baking. A perfect pasta bite should have a slight firmness, allowing it to mix seamlessly with the creamy cheeses and rich marinara sauce.

If you want to experiment, you can substitute ziti with other tubular pastas like penne or rigatoni. These alternatives will work well, but keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly. Just be sure to keep an eye on them as they approach that perfect 'al dente' state because pasta continues to cook while it bakes in the oven.

Customizing Your Baked Ziti

One of the best aspects of baked ziti is its versatility. You can easily include your favorite vegetables such as sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to enhance the dish's flavor and nutritional value. Just be sure to sauté the veggies first to release moisture; this will prevent the final dish from becoming too watery. Adding cooked meats like ground beef or turkey is another fantastic way to amp up the heartiness without compromising on flavor.

For those who prefer a lighter version, consider using whole grain or gluten-free pasta. You can also opt for low-fat ricotta and mozzarella to reduce overall calories while still enjoying the cheesy richness. Just keep the ratios the same, and ensure you sauté any vegetables thoroughly if utilized, as this will help them integrate better with the other ingredients.

Ingredients

Gather these essential ingredients for a perfect Sunday Baked Ziti!

Ingredients

1 lb ziti pasta
2 cups ricotta cheese
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
3 cups marinara sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish

Make sure to have all ingredients ready for a smooth cooking process!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your Sunday Baked Ziti!

Prepare the Pasta

Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Combine the Cheese Mixture

In a large bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, half of the parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Layer the Ingredients

In a greased baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce, followed by half of the cooked ziti. Spread half of the cheese mixture over the pasta, then repeat the layering with the remaining pasta, sauce, and cheese mixture. Top with the remaining mozzarella and parmesan.

Bake the Ziti

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the ziti uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Let it Set and Serve

Once baking is complete, allow the ziti to rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil and enjoy!

Enjoy your delicious homemade Sunday Baked Ziti!

Pro Tips

For additional flavor, consider adding sautéed vegetables or cooked ground meat to the layers. Storing the leftovers in an airtight container helps maintain the flavor for a few days.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftover baked ziti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. If reheating a larger portion, cover it with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until it is bubbling and warm all the way through. You might add a splash of marinara sauce on top before reheating to ensure it stays moist.

For longer storage, baked ziti freezes well. To do this, let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe dish. It can be kept in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat as mentioned. Alternatively, you can bake directly from frozen; just add an additional 15-20 minutes of baking time.

Serving Suggestions

Baked ziti pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad drizzled with vinaigrette, which helps balance the richness of the dish. Adding a side of garlic bread or freshly baked bread sticks can transform this meal into a feast. I also love serving it with a light, tangy tomato or balsamic-based sauce drizzled on top for an extra layer of flavor and a pop of color.

Another delightful way to elevate your baked ziti is to sprinkle fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, over the top just before serving. This not only adds visual appeal but also a burst of freshness that complements the rich, hearty flavors found in this dish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use gluten-free pasta?

Absolutely! Just cook according to package instructions for the best results.

→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?

You can add a variety of vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers in place of meat.

→ Can I prepare this in advance?

Yes! You can assemble it a day ahead and bake it when you’re ready to serve.

→ What can I serve with Sunday Baked Ziti?

A simple green salad or garlic bread pairs perfectly with this dish.