Penne & Sausage in Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 lb penne pasta, dry
• 1 lb sweet Italian sausage link
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 garlic cloves, chopped
• salt
• fresh coarse ground black pepper
• red pepper flakes
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
• 3 scallions, chopped

Directions

1. 1

   Remove sausage from casing if necessary and brown in 1 tbsp butter, preferably in a large wok or sauce pan.

2. 2

   Meanwhile, cook penne in boiling salted water.

3. 3

   Add chopped garlic to sausage and sauté 1-2 minutes.

4. 4

   Add salt and black& red peppers.

5. 5

   Add additional 1 tbsp butter and melt.

6. 6

   Sprinkle with flour; stir well to ensure flour is absorbed.

7. 7

   Add milk and bring to boiling.

8. 8

   When the mixture starts to boil, reduce to low heat, add herbs and parmesan, and stir well.

9. 9

   Simmer on low heat 2-5 minutes, stirring frequently (to desired thickness).

10. 10

    Drain pasta and add to wok/skillet; stir to coat with sauce and heat through.

11. 11

    Top with chopped fresh scallions and additional red pepper flakes and/or grated parmesan if desired.