Brooklyn-Style Mac & Cheese

Name: Brooklyn-Style Mac & Cheese
Yield: 8 - 10
Ingredients: 4 large plum tomatoes; cut into 8 wedges; 6 cloves garlic; cut in half; 1 lb (450 g) mild Italian sausages; sliced into ½˝ (1 cm) rounds; 1 lb (450 g) cavatappi (scoobi doo) pasta; 2 tbsp (30 mL) butter; 2 tbsp (30 mL) all-purpose flour; 2 cups (500 mL) 2% milk; 3 tsp (15 mL) salt; divided; 2 tsp (10 mL) freshly ground black pepper; 1 tsp (5 mL) red chili flakes (optional); 2 cups (500 mL) divided Bella Casara; Quality Cheese Ricotta; 24 (240 g) Bella Casara; Quality Cheese mini Bocconcini; 2 tbsp (30 mL) each fresh oregano and flat-leaf parsley; chopped; 1/2 cup (125 mL) breadcrumbs; toasted; 6 tbsp (90 mL) fresh basil; chopped

“This is a creamy twist on hearty Brooklyn-style Italian flavours that delivers spicy, satisfying comfort food, with garlic, sausage, fresh herbs, butter, Ricotta and Bocconcini.” - Kevin Durkee

Prep: 20 min
Cooking: 40 min

Yields 8 - 10

Ingredients

4 large plum tomatoes, cut into 8 wedges
6 cloves garlic, cut in half
1 lb (450 g) mild Italian sausages, sliced into ½˝ (1 cm) rounds
1 lb (450 g) cavatappi (scoobi doo) pasta
2 tbsp (30 mL) butter
2 tbsp (30 mL) all-purpose flour
2 cups (500 mL) 2% milk
3 tsp (15 mL) salt, divided
2 tsp (10 mL) freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp (5 mL) red chili flakes (optional)
2 cups (500 mL) divided Bella Casara, Quality Cheese Ricotta
24 (240 g) Bella Casara, Quality Cheese mini Bocconcini
2 tbsp (30 mL) each fresh oregano and flat-leaf parsley, chopped
1/2 cup (125 mL) breadcrumbs, toasted
6 tbsp (90 mL) fresh basil, chopped

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Preparation

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Butter a 13” x 9˝ (3.5 L) baking dish.

On a large, rimmed non-stick baking sheet, in a single layer, place tomatoes and garlic; season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Bake 5 minutes; remove from oven and add sausages in a single layer. Bake 15–20 minutes or until tomatoes are softened and sausages are golden brown.

Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour; cook, stirring for 2 minutes. Whisk in milk; bring to boil while whisking. Reduce heat; cook, whisking for 5 minutes or until thickened. Season with 2 tsp (10 mL) each of salt and pepper and add chili flakes, if using.

Remove from heat; stir in 1½ cups (375 mL) of Ricotta until fully combined. Add sausage mixture, pasta, Bocconcini, oregano and parsley; combine gently.

Spread into prepared dish. Bake for 10 minutes or until crisp and golden.

Dollop remaining Ricotta on top, let stand 5 minutes. Spoon into bowls; sprinkle with breadcrumbs and basil.