Skillet Baked Ziti

On Sunday I made Baked Ziti. I love this recipe because it's yummy and so, so easy. Oh, and the kids love it.

Skillet Baked Ziti
recipe courtesy RecipeGirl

1 Tbsp olive oil
6 cloves garlic, minced
¼ tsp red pepper flakes
salt and freshly ground black pepper
28 oz can crushed tomatoes
3 cups water
12 ounces ziti (3 ¾ cups)
½ cup heavy whipping cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup minced fresh basil
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 475°F. Place oven rack in middle position. Measure out water and pasta.Combine oil, garlic, pepper flakes, and ½ teaspoon salt in 12-inch ovensafe nonstick skillet and sauté over medium-high heat until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes, water, ziti, and ½ teaspoon salt. Cover and cook, stirring often and adjusting heat as needed to maintain a vigorous simmer, until ziti is almost tender, 15 to 18 minutes. While pasta is cooking, measure out cream, Parmesan and basil.Stir in cream, Parmesan and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over ziti. Transfer skillet to oven and bake until cheese has melted and browned, about 10 minutes. Serve. Servings: 4
Cooking Tips
*Be sure to preheat your oven before assembling the ingredients.
**If your skillet is not ovensafe, transfer the pasta mixture into a shallow 2-quart casserole dish before sprinkling with the cheese and baking.
***Penne may be used in place of ziti.