One Pot Baked Ziti

By DreiFromBK

An incredibly easy, no-fuss baked ziti - even the pasta gets cooked right in the pan!

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, or more, to taste
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 12 ounces ziti pasta
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup basil leaves, chiffonade

Details

Adapted from damndelicious.net

Preparation

Step 1

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add Italian sausage and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes, making sure to crumble the sausage as it cooks. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes, and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 1 minute; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Stir in tomatoes and bring to a simmer until slightly thickened, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in pasta and 3 cups water. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat and simmer until pasta is cooked through, about 13-16 minutes.
Remove from heat; stir in Parmesan and heavy cream. Top with mozzarella and cover until cheese has melted, about 2 minutes.
Serve immediately, garnished with basil, if desired.