Halloween Pasta

This is a go-to meal for entertaining; it is the most comforting yummy meal EVER! This recipe came from my brother Joe when he lived in Italy for a few years. You will think you are eating out at a fancy Italian resturaunt.

Halloween Pasta

serves 6-8

start to finish:  1 hour

                        ½ lb. bacon, sliced into ½-in. strips

                        ½ lb. pork sausage

                        1 medium-large onion

                        2 cloves garlic, minced

                        2 28-oz. cans diced tomatoes

                        ¼ C dry sherry

1 T basil,

                        1 ½ t Italian seasoning

                        1 t light brown sugar

                        1 ¼ t salt

                        ¾ t pepper

                        1 C heavy cream

                        1 lb. hot cooked penne

                        2/3 C Parmesan cheese

1.         Cook bacon on medium-low heat in heavy skillet or sauté pan, until tender.  Drain fat, except 2-3 T.  Add sausage, onion, and garlic to bacon.  Cook and stir on medium heat until sausage is crumbled and just done.    

2.         Add tomatoes, sherry, and seasonings.  Mix over medium heat until combined and simmering.  Cover and simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally, for 30-45 minutes. 

3.         Add salt and/or pepper to taste.  When pasta is cooked and drained, add cream to sauce.  Stir over medium heat until combined and heated, about 5 minutes.   

4.         In large bowl, combine pasta and sauce.  Add parmesan to taste.  Stir to combine.  Serve.