Baked Mezzi Rigatoni With Parmesan Herb Sauce And Sweet Italian Sausage

By stancec44

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil®
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 5 tablespoons flour
• 3 cups warm milk
• 1/2 cup Organic Parmigiano Reggiano, grated
• 2 teaspoons chopped, fresh basil
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh Italian parsley
• dash Chili Infused Extra Virgin Olive Oil (or substitute)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 pounds sweet Italian sausage, browned
• 1 pound mezzi rigatoni, cooked al dente and drained (we recommend Delverde® Mezzi Rigatoni)
• 1 1/2 cups fresh bread crumbs

Preparation

Step 1

To prepare the sauce, heat the olive oil until hot, add the garlic and sauté quickly. Add the flour and cook until thick. While whisking slowly add the warm milk. Cook over medium heat until the sauce comes to a boil. Add the cheese, herbs, and oil and cook stirring often. Season with salt and black pepper.

To prepare the pasta, place the sausage and pasta in a large bowl and add the sauce and mix well. Season with salt and black pepper. Place the pasta in a baking dish and top with bread crumbs. Bake in the oven until golden brown and bubbling, about 30 minutes. Serve warm.