In a large skillet brown sausage links, crumbling them as they cook. Continue to cook sausage until no longer pink. In a small bowl, stir together ricotta cheese, shredded cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper.
Heat a grill pan over medium heat.
Butter one side of your Italian bread slices with 1/2 teaspoon of butter. Place two slices of bread buttered side down on hot grill pan.
Top with half of the sausage, half of the cheese mixture, 2 tablespoons of sauce and two basil leaves. Place remaining bread slice on top (buttered side facing up).
Brown bread for 2-3 minutes or until toasty and golden. Carefully flip sandwiches and brown second side for 2-3 minutes.