Ingredients

2 tsp olive oil

1 onion, peeled, finely chopped

3 garlic cloves, peeled, finely chopped

1 red chilli, seeds removed, finely chopped

1 x 400g/14oz can chopped tomatoes

Splash red wine vinegar

1 tbsp tomato purée

Tabasco sauce, to taste

1 tsp sugar

Small bunch fresh basil leaves, torn

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 x 125g/4½oz ball fresh buffalo mozzarella, crumbled

400g/14oz dried penne pasta, cooked according to packet instructions, drained

Grated parmesan, to serve

Directions

Heat the oil in a saucepan over a medium heat. Add the onion and fry for 4-5 minutes, or until softened and beginning to colour.
Add the garlic and chilli and continue to fry for 1-2 minutes.

Pour in the chopped tomatoes, red wine vinegar, tomato purée, a splash or two of Tabasco (to taste), sugar and half of the basil leaves, and stir well. Season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Bring the mixture to a simmer, then continue to simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and reduced in volume.
Just before serving, stir the crumbled mozzarella into the spicy tomato sauce. Stir the drained pasta into the sauce.

To serve, divide the pasta and sauce equally among four serving plates. Sprinkle over the remaining torn basil leaves and the grated parmesan.