Sunday Baked Ziti

Name: Sunday Baked Ziti
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ziti pasta; 2 cups marinara sauce; 2 cups ricotta cheese; 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 eggs; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love making Sunday Baked Ziti for my family! It’s a hearty, comforting dish that brings everyone together at the table. The rich flavors of the mozzarella and ricotta cheese combined with the tangy marinara create an irresistible taste that my kids can’t get enough of. On those busy weekends, it’s a breeze to prepare and make ahead of time. I often double the recipe so we can enjoy the leftovers throughout the week. This ziti is sure to become a favorite in your home too!

Created by

Marina Lowe

Last updated on 2026-01-06T00:34:16.406Z

When I first discovered the joy of making baked ziti, I knew I had stumbled upon a dish that would quickly evolve into a family tradition. I experimented with different cheeses and sauces until I struck the perfect balance that everyone raved about. I recommend using a good-quality pasta because it truly makes a difference in the overall texture and flavor.

I've had great success prepping it the night before. Just assemble it fully, cover it with foil, and pop it in the fridge. On Sunday, all I have to do is bake it, filling my home with an amazing aroma that makes my family gather around, eagerly waiting for dinner.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Cheesy goodness that stretches with every bite
Convenient and can be made ahead of time
Ideal for family gatherings and potlucks

      

The Importance of Layering

Layering is crucial in achieving that perfect mouthful of flavors in your Sunday Baked Ziti. By evenly distributing the marinara sauce, pasta, and cheese mixture in layers, you allow each component to meld together beautifully while ensuring that every bite has a balanced taste. Make sure to reserve some marinara sauce for the top layer; this keeps your ziti moist during baking and gives it that delightful, glossy appearance.

A common mistake when layering is to skip the initial layer of sauce at the bottom of the dish. This step is vital as it prevents the pasta from sticking and ensures it cooks evenly. A thin layer of marinara acts as a protective barrier, creating a perfect starting point for your hearty layers of ziti.

Cheese Choices and Their Roles

In this Baked Ziti recipe, ricotta cheese adds creaminess and richness, while mozzarella offers that melty, cheesy texture that we all crave. The combination of these two cheeses creates a mouthfeel that's both satisfying and indulgent. If you're looking for a twist, consider mixing in some goat cheese or even a little cream cheese for extra tang and creaminess. Just remember that the proportions should still favor the ricotta for that classic flavor.

Parmesan cheese plays a key role as well; its salty, nutty flavor enhances the overall dish, providing a sharp contrast to the creaminess of the other cheeses. Don't hold back when grating your Parmesan – it forms a crispy, golden crust atop the baked ziti as it bakes, offering that irresistible texture that complements the soft pasta and rich filling.

Ingredients

For the Baked Ziti

1 pound ziti pasta
2 cups marinara sauce
2 cups ricotta cheese
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 eggs
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a large bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, 2 cups of mozzarella cheese, eggs, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Combine Ingredients

In a large baking dish, layer half of the cooked pasta, spread half of the marinara sauce, and then add the cheese mixture. Repeat with the remaining pasta, sauce, and top with Parmesan and remaining mozzarella cheese.

Bake

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serve

Garnish with fresh basil if desired, let cool for a few minutes, and serve warm.

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, try adding cooked ground beef or sausage into the marinara sauce. You can also mix in some chopped spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition.

Make-Ahead Tips

Sunday Baked Ziti is the ultimate make-ahead dish. You can assemble it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator covered with foil. When you're ready to bake, simply preheat the oven as recommended and add an extra 10 to 15 minutes to the baking time, as it will be cold from the fridge. This not only saves you time but enhances the flavors as they have more time to blend together.

If you want to freeze your baked ziti, assemble it without baking, cover tightly, and freeze for up to three months. To prepare, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake directly from there. It might require a bit more time in the oven, around 40 to 50 minutes, but the outcome will still be delicious.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Sunday Baked Ziti with a simple side salad of mixed greens, drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette. This not only adds freshness to your meal but balances the richness of the pasta and cheese. Portion control can be easier, especially when having guests over, by serving ziti in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.

For those looking to add a punch of flavor, consider offering crushed red pepper flakes, grated Parmesan on the side, or a drizzle of basil-infused olive oil for your guests to personalize their serving. These little enhancements elevate the dining experience while catering to diverse palates.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the ziti a day in advance, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you're ready to serve.

→ Can I freeze baked ziti?

Absolutely! Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake until heated through.

→ What can I serve with baked ziti?

Baked ziti pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.

→ Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute or mix different cheeses like provolone, gouda, or even vegan cheese for a dairy-free option.