Step 1

Pre-heat the oven to 200ºC/400ºF.

Step 2

Fry the onion and garlic in a splash of olive oil until soft and translucent.

Step 3

Add the tomatoes, herbs, spices, Balsamic, sugar and stock/wine and allow to simmer for 10-15 minutes while the pasta cooks. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta's cooking water.

Step 4

When the pasta is cooked and the sauce is reduced, combine and mix well. Add some of the cooking water saved from the pasta to loosen the pasta and sauce a bit.

Step 5

Transfer half the pasta mix to a baking dish, add half of the cheese. Repeat with the remaining pasta and cheese.

Step 6

Place the pasta in the pre-heated oven and allow to bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese on top is golden brown.

Step 7

Remove and allow to stand for 5 minutes before serving with fresh basil.