Baked Ziti Mornay with Sweet Italian Sausage

Baked Ziti Mornay with Sweet Italian Sausage

3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
2 1/2 cups milk
Salt and ground white pepper
Pinch nutmeg
6 ounces Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, grated
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 pounds sweet Italian sausage, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 pound ziti pasta, cooked al dente
1/4 cup fresh basil, sliced thin

Cook pasta according to directions on package, drain. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook for 2 minutes. Whisk in the milk, 1/2 cup at a time. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Cook, stirring constantly for 4 to 6 minutes. Remove from the heat and whisk in 1/2 cup of the grated cheese. Set aside and keep warm. Add the oil to a large saute pan over medium heat. Add the sausage and saute for 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pasta, sausage and Mornay sauce. Mix well. Pour into a greased 2-quart casserole dish. Sprinkle the top with cheese and place in the oven on the top rack. Bake until the top is golden brown and bubbly, about 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool slightly. Spoon onto serving plates and garnish with fresh basil.