2 balls Mozzarella (chopped into bite-size pieces)
0.25 + 2 tbsp, divided Olive Oil
0.67 cup Fresh Basil (julienned)
4 cloves Garlic (minced or grated)
2 + extra to salt water for pasta Kosher Salt
1 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
1 pound Pasta (Orzo or Fusilli recommended)
Directions
In a large bowl, gently stir together tomatoes, mozzarella, 1/4 cup of olive oil, basil, garlic, salt and pepper. Let stand at room temperature for 1 hour, allowing flavors to blend.
For the pasta, in a medium pot, bring salted water to a boil over high heat. (Make sure the water is very well salted. This is the only opportunity to really flavor the noodles.) Add the pasta and cook until tender. Drain well and place in a large bowl.
Toss pasta with 2 tbsp olive oil and allow to cool for 20 minutes.
Add remaining 2 tbsp olive oil and tomato mixture to pasta, tossing to coat. Adjust seasoning if necessary.