Italian Mac 'n Cheese Recipe – Rachael Ray

Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti rigate, penne rigate or cavatappi (ribbed, hollow corkscrews)
• 1 pound Italian bulk sweet sausage
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 3-4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 12 crimini mushrooms, sliced
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 sack shredded Italian 4-cheese blend (10 ounces or 2 1/2 cups), available on dairy aisle
• 1 can diced tomatoes, drained well
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce, such as Tabasco brand (optional)
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, a couple of handfuls