Pasta Caprese
Pasta
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 - 4 teaspoons lemon juice
1 small garlic clove, minced
1 small shallot, minced fine (about 2 tbs)
salt
pepper
1½ pounds ripe tomatoes, seeded and diced (1/2")
12 oz fresh mozzerella, cut into 1/2" cubes
1 pound penne or rotini pasta
¼ cup chopped fresh basil
1 teaspoon sugar
Whisk oil, 2 teaspoons lemon juice, garlic, shallot,½ teaspoons salt and¼ teaspoons pepper together in large bowl. Add tomatoes and gently toss; set aside (no longer than 45 minutes.)
While tomatoes are marinating, place mozzerella on plate and freeze until slightly firm, about 10 minutes. Bring 4 quarts of water to boil in pot. Add 1 teaspoon salt and pasta. Cook and drain well.
Add pasta and mozzerella to tomato mixture and gently toss to combine. Let stand 5 minutes. Stir in basil; adjust seasoning with salt, pepper and additional lemon juice or sugar, if desired. Serve immediately.