eati some ziti

Looking for that one pot dinner. This is a great one that only needs a fresh baguette as a side (well maybe some parm too). I am bringing it to the comfort food election night pot luck. I think the recipe originated on America's Best Test Kitchen. Here goes:


Ziti (in a single pot)

Olive oil
4 cloves garlic
1 package of mushrooms sliced (optional, or spinach or meatballs or just plain)
pinch of red pepper flakes
28 oz can of crushed tomatoes
water to fill 28 oz can (about 3 1/2 c.)
12 oz ziti ( I like to get the real ziti pasta for this one, not subbing penne or anything)
1 t salt
1/4 t pepper or more
pinch of sugar
1/2 c. fresh basil chopped or 1 T dried basil
1/2 c. half and half (yeah, this helps a lot)

2 c. shredded moz

NOTE: Oven proof skillet needed if you want to keep it to one pot. If you don't have one then just transfer the ziti for the last step.

1. Preheat to 450
2. Saute garlic, and optional mushrooms in olive oil until tender. Add red pepper.
3. Add crushed tomatoes, water, salt, pepper and sugar. Stir, then add ziti. Cover and lower heat. Cook for 10-12 minutes stirring occasionally until pasta is done.
4. Add basil and half and half. Sprinkle all the cheese on top and put it in the oven for about 10 minutes till bubbly. Sauce will thicken up.

Enjoy!