Fusilli alla Caprese – Regina

Ingredients

• 1 fusilli (or similar) pasta
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 garlic, minced
• 3 cups (about 1½ pints) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup fresh packed basil leaves, roughly chopped or torn
• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls (alternatively, you can use an 8-oz ball of fresh mozzarella, diced)