When putting together this super easy and tasty weeknight dinner recipe, be sure to use regular tomatoes instead of cherry or grape tomatoes. Regular tomatoes will release more abundant juices as you cook them, which is needed to give this dish it's simple, no-cook sauce. You'll also want to give your pasta enough time to soak up all the juices before serving — doing so only makes it taste better!
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Combine the tomatoes, 2 tablespoons olive oil, the vinegar, garlic, basil sprig, oregano, 3/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper in a large bowl. Let stand, tossing occasionally, until very juicy, 10 to 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, add the penne to the boiling water and cook as the label directs for al dente. Drain and add the warm pasta to the tomato mixture; toss well. Let stand, tossing occasionally, until the pasta has absorbed some of the tomato juices, 10 to 15 minutes.
Discard the garlic and basil sprig and stir the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil into the pasta; season with salt and pepper. Stir in the mozzarella balls and chopped basil. Divide the pasta among bowls. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes, if desired.
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Photograph by Andrew Purcell
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