Orechiette with Turkey Sausage and Beans

1 pound orechiette pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 pound turkey sausage, casings removed

1 small onion, chopped

1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 tablespoon flour

1 tablespoon butter

1 cup milk

1 cup shredded aged white cheddar

Salt and pepper

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until al dente. Drain pasta and reserve 1 cup of the pasta water.

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil over medium- high heat in a large skillet. Add the sausage and onions. Using a wooden spoon, break up the sausage into bite-size pieces as it browns.

Continue cooking until the sausage is golden and the onions are tender. Add the beans and oregano; cook for a few more minutes.

In a small saucepan, melt butter. Once melted, whisk in flour for a minute till dissolved. Then whisk in milk. Continue to whisk till it thickens. Finally, add the cheese and stir till melted.

Add cheese sauce and cooked pasta to sausage. Season with salt and pepper.

Chad's rating: 9/10

Amy's rating: 9/10

Recipe adapted from Food Network - Giada De Laurentis