Grown-Up Macaroni And Cheese - cooking recipe

Ingredients

Sauce
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup flour
2 cups half-and-half cream (I use fat free and it turns out fine)
2 tablespoons softened cream cheese, low fat works great, fat free not so much
8 ounces sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
8 ounces smoked gouda cheese, shredded
1 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1 dash nutmeg (optional)
Finishing
1 lb cooked pasta (we prefer elbow, rigatoni, or medium size shells)
16 ounces sliced mushrooms, I use a mix of white and brown (baby bellas or cremini)
1 (16 ounce) package smoked sausage, cut into coins (I use turkey)
1/2 tablespoon olive oil

Preparation

Saute mushrooms in a little olive oil until cooked down; set aside.
Saute sausage coins in same skillet you used for the mushrooms until warmed through and lightly caramelized; combine with the mushrooms and keep warm.
In a saucier or saucepan, melt butter over medium heat until bubbles subside (you don't want to burn it or create a fully browned butter but want to head that direction for a nuttier taste to the sauce).
Add flour and cook the roux, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes or until flour is fully cooked and mixture has reached a light, golden brown.
Add 1/4 cup half & half, cream cheese, ground mustard, and pepper. Stir until fully incorporated into the roux.
Slowly add remaining half & half, whisking constantly to break up any lumps and stir for 1-2 minutes or until you can just notice a slight thickening. This makes a very thin, creamy sauce. If you like it a lot thicker reduce half & half by 1/2 cup.
Add shredded cheese (either reserve a small amount or shred extra if baking as a casserole) and stir for 1 minute.
Reduce heat to low and let cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until cheese has fully melted and flavors incorporate.
While cheese sauce is cooking, cook the pasta according to package directions and drain.
There are 2 serving options:
Most of the time I simply combine pasta, cheese sauce, mushrooms, and sausage in a large serving bowl and eat it extra creamy.
My husband prefers it baked. Combine all components in the pasta pot and then pour into a greased baking dish. Top with reserved/extra cheese and some breadcrumbs (if desired - we don't) and bake at 350 for 15 minutes.