White Cheese and Sausage Pasta

With leftover Tofurky Italian sausage in my fridge, I thought I'd make this indulgent baked pasta.  Use a combination of cheeses for the best result.  I highly recommend that one of your cheeses be a melt-y mozzarella (such as Daiya or Vegan Gourmet), but the second really depends on preference.  I chose Galaxy Foods' mozzarella block, but any brand of vegan Parmesan sprinkles or shredded Sheese would be nice too.

Ingredients:

• 2 (4-ounce) Tofurky Italian sausages
• Cooking spray
• 2 tablespoons vegan butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups plain non-dairy milk
• 4 cups uncooked ziti
• 3/4 cup grated vegan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup shredded Daiya mozzarella

1. Break the sausage links into crumbles, and cook in a large skillet coated with cooking spray over medium heat for about 5 minutes, until browned.  Remove the sausage from the pan and place on paper towels.

2. Wipe the pan with a paper towel.  Add the butter, and melt over medium heat.  Add the flour, stirring with a whisk.  Gradually add the milk, whisking until smooth.  Continue to cook for about 8 minutes, until thick; remove from heat.

3. Meanwhile, cook the ziti according to package directions; you should have about 6 cups hot cooked pasta.  Drain.

3. In a large bowl, combine the milk mixture, sausage, cooked ziti, 3/4 cup vegan cheese, and the salt.  Spoon the mixture into an 11x7-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray.  Sprinkle with the mozzarella.

4. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes - the top should be lightly browned.

Nutrition Info:
4 servings (1 and 1/2 cups), Calories 577 

Tasting Notes:
A wonderfully indulgent dish full of creaminess from the two cheeses and the milk-and-flour roux.  In fact, this was probably the best roux I've ever produced in my kitchen, texture-wise, so I was quite proud.  I loved the bits of sausage, but the dish could use a little more layering.  Consider adding wilted spinach or another veggie, minced or bottled garlic, crushed red pepper, or other herbs and spices. 

Rating:
4