Baked Ziti

This is a quick and easy dish that we have had a few times, and everyone loves it!

1 Tblsp. olive oil
6 garlic cloves
1/8 tsp. red pepper flakes (original recipe calls for 1/4 tsp.)
salt and pepper to taste
2 (15 oz.) cans crushed tomato
3 cups water
12 oz. ziti (3 3/4 cup) or your favorite short pasta
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup minced fresh basil (1/3 of that if using dried)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (more if you like it really cheesy)

Place oven rack in middle position.  Preheat oven to 475 degrees.

Combine oil, garlic, pepper flakes, and 1/2 tsp. salt in 12-inch oven safe nonstick skillet and saute over medium-high heat until fragrant, about 1 minute.  Add crushed tomatoes, water, ziti, and 1/2 tsp. salt.  Cover cook, stirring often and adjusting the heat as needed to maintain a vigorous simmer, until ziti is almost tender, 15-18 minutes.

Add cheese and bake.   Stir in cream, parmesan, and basil.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.  Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over ziti.  Transfer skillet to oven (or a 2 quart glass dish if your skillet isn't oven safe) and bake until cheese has melted and browned.  About 10 minutes.