Baked Ziti Sorrentino is a comforting, meatless meal quick enough for a weeknight, but so satisfying you'll think you've entered an episode of the Sopranos.
Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 475 degrees F.
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.
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 to 18 minutes.
Stir in cream, Parmesan, and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. You may transfer to a 9x13-inch glass pan at this point or leave the pasta in the skillet. Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over pasta. Transfer pan or skillet to oven and bake until cheese has melted and browned, about 10 minutes. Serve.