Ingredients:

  • 3 cups (450g) Roma tomatoes, diced small
  • ½ cup (50g) red onion, finely minced
  • 3 cloves (15g) garlic, minced
  • ½ cup (20g) fresh basil leaves, chiffonade
  • ½ cup (115g) fresh mozzarella pearls
  • ¼ cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tbsp (45ml) balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp (5g) dried oregano
  • ½ tsp (3g) salt
  • ¼ tsp (1g) black pepper
  • 2 tbsp (15g) shaved Parmesan cheese
  • 1 lb (450g) bowtie pasta

Instructions:

  1. Combine the diced tomatoes, minced onion, garlic, and sliced basil in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Whisk in the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine and let the mixture sit for 15 minutes.
  3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente (usually 1 minute less than the package directions).
  4. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse briefly with cool water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch.
  5. Add the cooled pasta and mozzarella pearls to the marinated tomato mixture. Toss gently with a large spoon until the balsamic glaze evenly coats every noodle.
  6. Fold in the shaved Parmesan cheese just before serving.