Penne Ragu Alforno

Meanwhile, trim the carrot (no need to peel) and grate on the coarse side of your grater. Add the penne to the boiling water and cook for 12 mins. When cooked, drain in a colander, pop back in the pan and drizzle with a little oil to stop it sticking together. Once browned, add the carrots to the mince, stir together then add the tomato puree. Cook, stirring, for another minute.

Pour the finely chopped tomatoes into the pan with the mince along with the red wine stock pot and water (see ingredients for amount), bring to the boil, stirring to dissolve the stock pot then reduce the heat and simmer until thick and tomatoey, 10-12 mins. Season to taste with salt and pepper if needed. TIP: Add a splash of water if you feel it needs it.

Meanwhile, finely chop the chives (or snip with scissors if easier!) then get some washing up out of the way!

Once thickened, stir the sauce and pasta together along with half of the chives (use whichever pan is the largest!) and transfer to a large deep ovenproof dish. Drain the mozzarella and tear into pieces. Scatter over the top of the pasta, then sprinkle over the hard Italian cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, 8-10 mins.