Penne with Grana Padano and Tomato Sauce

Method

1. Salt the pasta water and bring it to a boil.
2. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente.
3. Drain the pasta, reserving some pasta water if needed.
4. In a large pan, melt a knob of butter over medium heat.
5. Add the drained pasta to the pan and toss to coat with butter.
6. Gradually add grated Grana Padano cheese, stirring and tossing the pasta to create a creamy emulsion (mantecatura).
7. Add a small amount of tomato sauce that has been simmered in a separate pan, and toss to combine.
8. Serve immediately, garnished with a fresh basil leaf and a sprinkle of black pepper.