Sunday Baked Ziti
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
I love making Sunday Baked Ziti for family gatherings; it’s a true crowd-pleaser. This dish combines perfectly cooked pasta with a rich tomato sauce, gooey mozzarella, and savory Italian sausage. As we gather around the table, the comforting aroma fills the room, making the anticipation build. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and heartiness, making it perfect for both casual get-togethers and special occasions. Get ready to experience a dish that brings everyone together and leaves them asking for seconds!
Sunday dinners have always held a special place in my heart, and this Baked Ziti is a tradition that we cherish. I remember the first time I assembled this dish—it was an experiment that turned into an instant favorite. By layering the pasta with Italian sausage and marinara sauce, followed by plenty of cheese, I discovered the perfect blend of flavors.
Over the years, I’ve tweaked the recipe to suit our family’s taste. A tip I swear by is to cover the dish with foil for the first half of baking to prevent the cheese from browning too quickly, resulting in a beautifully baked ziti that’s melty and irresistible. This dish truly embodies the warmth of family and friends.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Comforting layers of cheesy goodness you can't resist
- Satisfying blend of flavors that brings everyone to the table
- Perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd
Ingredients
For the Baked Ziti
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casing removed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mix according to the instructions below!
Cooking Instructions
Cook the Pasta
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook ziti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned. Stir in garlic and cook for an additional minute. Pour in marinara sauce and bring to a simmer, then add basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Baked Ziti
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese with the meat sauce. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
Bake the Ziti
Transfer the ziti mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve
Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Enjoy your delicious Sunday Baked Ziti!
Pro Tips
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms with the sausage.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this baked ziti ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dish a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Just bake it when you're ready.
→ What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
You can replace ricotta with cottage cheese or cream cheese for a different texture.
→ Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the sausage and use a meatless marinara sauce with additional vegetables.
→ How can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Sunday Baked Ziti
I love making Sunday Baked Ziti for family gatherings; it’s a true crowd-pleaser. This dish combines perfectly cooked pasta with a rich tomato sauce, gooey mozzarella, and savory Italian sausage. As we gather around the table, the comforting aroma fills the room, making the anticipation build. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and heartiness, making it perfect for both casual get-togethers and special occasions. Get ready to experience a dish that brings everyone together and leaves them asking for seconds!
Created by: Imogen Walker
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 6 servings
What You'll Need
For the Baked Ziti
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casing removed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook ziti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned. Stir in garlic and cook for an additional minute. Pour in marinara sauce and bring to a simmer, then add basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese with the meat sauce. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
Transfer the ziti mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Extra Tips
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms with the sausage.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 700mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 20g