Penne al Pomodoro e Peperoncino

This one has a kick! We serve it to our kids anyway, but you might want to do a taste test first. My husband says this recipe is a favorite of Janet Jackson's, but I don't know: a) whether this is actually true, b) why he knows this, or c) whether that really recommends it. Either way, it's a favorite recipe of ours, so I always double and freeze the sauce. (from my mother-in-law, Jody)

1 1/4 cups olive oil
2 cups chopped red onion
3 cloves chopped garlic
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped carrot
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
one 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
10 fresh basil leaves
1 1/2 lbs penne pasta, cooked until al dente
chopped parsley for garnish

Heat oil in a medium-large saucepan, then add red onion, garlic, celery, carrot, salt and pepper. Cook over medium-high heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add tomatoes and red pepper flakes and simmer for another 30 minutes, stirring once in a while. Add basil leaves. Puree with a hand blender, or transfer to a blender or food processor and process until smooth. Serve over pasta and sprinkle with chopped parsley, if using (I always seem to forget this).

*One of the few pastas that I don't serve with parmesan cheese—it really doesn't need anything.