America's Test Kitchen Skillet Baked Ziti

Step 1

Adjust oven rack to middle position and preheat oven to

Step 2

Combine oil, garlic, pepper flakes, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in 12-inch ovensafe nonstick skillet and saute over medium-high heat until fragrant, about 1 minute. (If your skillet is not ovensafe, transfer the pasta mixture into a shallow 2-quart casserole dish before sprinkling with the cheese and baking).

Step 3

Add crushed tomatoes, water, ziti and 1/2 teaspoon salt.

Step 4

Cover and cook, stirring often and adjusting heat as needed to maintain vigorous simmer, until ziti is almost tender, 15-18 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in cream, Parmesan, and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6

Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over ziti. Transfer skillet to oven and bake until cheese has melted and browned, about 10 minutes. Serve.