Tuscan Mac and Cheese Bake

I have been searching for more ways to incorporate more whole grain pasta into our everyday meals, I usually have to sneak it in to boot. My husband is a little leary when it comes to whole grain pasta (I kind of am also also I sheepishly admit.) However, this was a hit! I fessed up as we were finishing up to what kind of pasta it was (to secretly prove a point :) and he was all for it. I used the Barilla Plus Penne. A serving has 17g of protein, 360mg of Omega-3, and 7g of fiber. All of this wrapped up in a tasty and easy lunch, this cannot be beat!

Tuscan Mac and Cheese Bake (from My Kitchen Cafe)

12 oz precooked smoked chicken or turkey sausage, halved lengthwise and sliced 1/4 inch thick
1 1/2 cups uncooked whole grain penne
8 oz cream cheese, cubed and softened
1 generous cup of shredded mozzarella cheese (I had about 1/2 cup mozzarella left at home, as well as a cheddar monterey jack blend, so I used a mixture of the two which worked just fine)
1 1/2 Tbsp butter
1 1/2 Tbsp flour
1 tsp dried sage
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 1/2 cups milk
1 tomato, seeded and roughly chopped
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cook pasta according to package directions. In a large bowl, combine the sausage, cooked pasta, cream cheese, and mozzarella cheese. In a small separate bowl, combine the flour and spices together.

In a medium saucepan melt the butter, then whisk in the flour and spices. Allow the butter mixture to cook without browning for about 30 seconds, the flour-y texture and flavor should cook out of it. Slowly add the milk while whisking/stirring, and continue to cook and stir constantly until milk mixture thickens, about 5-6 minutes.

When the mixture has thickened, slowly pour the mixture over the pasta mixture and stir to combine.

Pour into an 8"x8" lightly greased baking dish and tightly wrap with aluminum foil. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes. Remove foil and sprinkle the tomatoes and Parmesan cheese. Bake uncovered for 10 more minutes. Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.