Penne Pasta with Meat Sauce

Pasta, there are just so many things you can do with pasta. All the different kinds of pasta and the sauces.....well it's endless. This is a quick pasta dish that I'm sure you will enjoy. I have added a little heat and some sweetness to the sauce so it is unlike your traditional pasta with meat sauce. The Cajun spice gives it a little zip and the sugar balances out the acidity of the tomatoes. Add a nice green salad and some garlic bread or Parmesan toast to this dish and you have a great meal that is quick and easy to prepare. If you really don't care for the spicy stuff you can leave the Cajun spice out of this recipe with out a problem but I would encourage you to give it a try, it really is good stuff and it's not so much spice that it over powers the dish. Lets get started, here's what you'll need:

Penne pasta                                                        1 pound
Ground beef, 85% lean                                       1-1/4 pound
Yellow onion, diced small                                   1 medium
Garlic powder                                                    2 Tbsp
Parsley flakes                                                     2 Tbsp
Italian seasoning                                                 1 Tbsp
Black pepper, fresh ground                                 lots (about 50 turns of mill)
Cajun spice                                                        1 Tbsp or to taste
Petite diced tomatoes                                         1-28 ounce can
Crushed tomatoes                                              2-28 ounce cans
Granulated sugar                                                1/4 cup

Cook the pasta as directed on the package. While you are waiting for the water to come to a boil in another 6 to 8 quart pan brown the ground beef with the onions and add all the seasonings as it cooks. When the beef is fully cooked drain the fat from the beef and then put the beef back into the pan. Add all the tomato products and mix well. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until pasta is done. When your pasta is done drain it well and add it to the meat sauce. Mix it well and bring it to a simmer. Add the sugar and mix well. Check the flavor and adjust the seasonings as desired. I started with 1 Tbsp of Cajun spice and then checked the flavor. You can add a little more or a lot more as you desire but it is best to add a little at a time as you can always add more but it becomes difficult to take it away. The same with the sugar, 1/4 cup is a good starting point and then add more a little at a time if so desired. Tomatoes sometimes will differ in their acidity so the amount you use may not always be the same. For the Parmesan toast just slice up a loaf of French bread, butter both sides, sprinkle with garlic powder and then sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese. Give it a little pat and turn them over and do the same to the other side. Bake in a 400 degree oven on a sprayed cookie sheet for 10 to 15 minutes and serve it up with your pasta and a nice tossed salad. There it is, quick, easy and delicious for all to enjoy!!!