BAKED ZITI AND SAUSAGE

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This is one of our absolute favorites!!!
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3 cups ziti
1/2 lb Italian sausage links
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup flour
1 1/2 teas. salt, divided
1/4 teas plus 1/8 teas pepper, divided
2 cups milk
1/2 cup parmesan, divided
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 cups (16 oz) ricotta
1 cup shredded mozzarella
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Cook pasta, drain, place in large bowl. Cook sausage in a skillet; drain and cut into 1/2 inch slices; add to pasta. In a saucepan, melt butter. Stir in the flour, 1 teas salt and 1/4 teas pepper until smooth; gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup parmesan. Add to pasta and sausage. In a bowl, combine egg, ricotta, and remaining parmesan, salt and pepper. Add to pasta mix and stir to combine. Sppon into a greased deep casserole dish and sprinkle with mozzarella.(I usually stir a little of the mozzarella into the pasta also). Bake, uncovered at 350 for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

Goes great with a side of garlic toast.
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