PASTA WITH FRESH TOMATOES, MOZZARELLA GARLIC, AND BASIL

PASTA WITH FRESH TOMATOES, MOZZARELLA GARLIC, AND BASIL image

Categories Pasta

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 1/2 pounds ripe local tomatoes, cored, seeded, and roughly chopped (about 5 cups)
2 medium garlic cloves, pressed or finely chopped
(about 2 teaspoons)
1 1/4 teaspoons salt, or to taste, plus 1 tablespoon
Ground pepper, to taste
1/3 cup olive oil
8 ounces fresh mozzarella, cut into V2-inch cubes
1 pound short and stubby or tubular-shaped pasta
6 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

Steps:

In a large bowl, mix tomatoes, garlic, 1 1/4 teaspoons salt, pepper, oil, and mozzarella; set aside. Meanwhile, in a large pot over high heat, bring 4 quarts of water to a boil. When the water boils, add 1tablespoon of salt and the pasta, and cook according to package directions until al dente. In a colander, drain the pasta and immediately transfer it to the bowl with the tomato mixture. Toss until the heat of the pasta softens the mozzarella, and the pasta and tomatoes are evenly distributed. Add 5 tablespoons of basil and more salt and pepper if desired, and toss to combine. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of basil and serve warm or at room temperature