Sunday Baked Ziti

Name: Sunday Baked Ziti
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 12 ounces 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: Baking & Desserts

I often find myself craving comfort food, and there's nothing quite like a hearty dish of baked ziti to make my taste buds sing. This recipe has become a family favorite, perfect for cozy Sunday dinners. The blend of gooey melted cheese, flavorful marinara sauce, and al dente pasta creates a delightful combination that never fails to impress. Plus, it's a one-dish meal that's easy to prepare, allowing me to spend more time enjoying the company of loved ones and less time in the kitchen.

Created by

Marina Lowe

Last updated on 2026-01-06T00:31:20.139Z

After several attempts, I finally honed this recipe to perfection, experimenting with different cheeses and sauces until I found the ideal combination. The secret lies in using a quality marinara sauce, which helps elevate the dish while allowing the flavor of the pasta to shine.

Additionally, I love to use a mixture of mozzarella and ricotta cheese for that rich creaminess paired with a sprinkle of Parmesan on top for an added savory crunch. This dish bursts with flavor and is always a hit at gatherings.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Cheesy goodness in every bite
A dish that brings the family together
Easily customizable for diverse tastes

      

Perfecting Your Pasta

Cooking the ziti pasta to the right texture is essential for the perfect baked ziti. I recommend boiling it just until before it's fully cooked, usually around 8-9 minutes for al dente. This is crucial since the pasta will continue to cook in the oven, absorbing some of that delicious marinara sauce. If you cook it too long, you might end up with mushy pasta that won't hold up while baking.

After draining the pasta, don't forget to give it a quick rinse under cold water. This stops the cooking process and helps prevent the ziti from sticking together. If you prefer, you can toss the drained pasta with a little olive oil to keep it separated while you prepare the other ingredients.

Building Layers of Flavor

The cheese mixture is where you can really enhance the flavor profile of your baked ziti. Ricotta cheese maintains that creamy texture, while the mozzarella melts beautifully and adds stretch. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses; for example, substituting with goat cheese can impart a tangy contrast, and adding some sharp cheddar can elevate the taste even further. Don’t skip the Italian seasoning—this blend adds depth and aroma that melds perfectly with the marinara.

When combining the pasta, marinara, and cheese mixture, I find a large mixing spoon or spatula works best to ensure everything is evenly coated. Aim for a consistency where the sauce clings to each piece of pasta. If the mixture feels too dry, adding a splash more marinara or a drizzle of olive oil can help achieve that glossy finish.

Garnishing and Serving Suggestions

Garnishing your baked ziti with fresh basil not only enhances presentation but also adds a burst of freshness that complements the rich flavors of cheese and sauce. I love tearing the basil leaves by hand to release their aromatic oils right before serving. You could also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of balsamic reduction for an extra kick.

To make this dish even heartier, consider serving baked ziti alongside a crisp salad with a light vinaigrette. This balances the richness of the ziti. For leftovers, this dish is fantastic; simply cover it tightly and store it in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your perfect Sunday Baked Ziti.

Ingredients

12 ounces 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

Make sure to have everything measured out and ready to go!

Instructions

Follow these steps for a delicious baked ziti.

Cook the Pasta

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

Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, and a dash of salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked ziti, marinara sauce, and cheese mixture. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated.

Assemble and Bake

Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Garnish and Serve

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

This baked ziti is sure to impress your family and friends!

Pro Tips

For a spicy kick, add crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce. You can also include gluten-free pasta for a suitable alternative.

Make-Ahead Tips

If you're planning to serve baked ziti for a special occasion, consider assembling it a day in advance. Prepare the dish up to the point of baking, then cover it and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, simply add an additional 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it heats through completely. This allows the flavors to meld even more, making it a wonderful option for gatherings.

You can also freeze baked ziti. After assembling, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to three months. To bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge and follow the normal cooking instructions; this results in a delicious, home-cooked meal without the last-minute fuss.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your baked ziti comes out too dry, it may indicate that either the pasta was overcooked before baking or it wasn't sauced enough. Next time, ensure that the pasta is al dente and perhaps increase the amount of marinara in the mixture. A splash of cream can also be stirred in to add moisture and richness.

On the other hand, if the cheese isn't melting properly or has browning too quickly, it might be worth covering the baking dish with foil during the first half of cooking. This retains moisture and allows the cheese to become melty without burning. Removing the foil for the last few minutes can help achieve a nice, golden finish.

Scaling the Recipe

Looking to feed a larger crowd? This recipe is easily scalable; simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings needed. A general rule of thumb is to allow about 2 ounces of dry pasta per person if serving as part of a multi-course meal. Be mindful, however, that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the size of your baking dish.

If you're cooking for a smaller group, this baked ziti recipe can also be halved successfully. Use a smaller dish or even individual ramekins for personalized servings. Just adjust cooking time as needed, checking for that bubbly, golden cheese, which is your cue that it's ready to enjoy!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day ahead, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you're ready to serve.

→ What can I add to the baked ziti for more flavor?

You can add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach, or even cooked ground beef or sausage for a heartier dish.

→ Can I freeze baked ziti?

Yes, you can freeze baked ziti before baking. Wrap it well and store it in the freezer for up to three months.

→ How do I reheat baked ziti?

Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. You can add a splash of marinara sauce to keep it moist.