Monday, December 29, 2014

Skillet Baked Ziti

* Preheat oven to 475 degrees.

1 T. olive oil
6 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 t. red pepper flakes, salt and black pepper
1 (28oz) can crushed tomatoes
3 C. water
12 ounces (uncooked) ziti (3 3/4 cups)
1/2 C. Cream
1/2 C. grated parmesan cheese
1/4 C. minced fresh basil (or 2T dried basil)
1 C. shredded mozzarella cheese

1. Adjust oven rack to middle position
2. Simmer Ziti: Combine oil, garlic, pepper flakes, and 1/2 teaspoon salt, in 12 inch oven-safe nonstick skillet and sauté over medium-high heat until fragrant, about 1 min. Add crushed tomatoes, water, ziti, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cover and cook, stirring often and adjusting heat as needed to maintain vigorous simmer, until ziti is almost tender, 15-18 min.
3. 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 and bake until cheese has melted and browned, about 10 minutes. Serve.