Italian Sausage Pasta Bake

Rainy weather is a good time to go into the kitchen and try out new combinations, after a nap of course.  This is what I created out of various ingredients I had in my refrigerator and pantry.  Plus it was a good opportunity to try out another pasta from Eataly.  

Italian Sausage Pasta Bake

12 oz mild Italian sausage, cooked and drained

3 cups pasta, cooked and cooled slightly

2 tbsp butter

2 tbsp flour

1 1/2 cups milk

1/3 cup Parmesan cheese

1 tsp oregano

1 large egg

1 cup cottage cheese

1/8 tsp red pepper flakes

1 cup mozzarella cheese

In a saucepan, melt the butter and stir in the flour.  Gradually stir in the milk and stir occasionally until it thickens.  In the saucepan that you cooked your pasta in (or a bowl if you like doing lots of dishes) combine the cooled pasta, cottage cheese, Italian sausage, oregano and the egg and combine.  Pour into a greased baking dish.  When your milk has thickened, remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese.  Pour over the pasta mixture.  Top with mozzarella cheese and bake for 30 minutes at 350°.