Prepare the Vinaigrette

Begin by preparing the vinaigrette. In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth and well-combined.

Marinate the Tomatoes

Dice the Roma tomatoes into small pieces. Transfer them to a large mixing bowl and pour the prepared vinaigrette over the tomatoes. Stir gently to combine, then set the mixture aside to marinate, allowing the flavors to develop.

Cook the Pasta

In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions (typically 7-8 minutes, or until al dente). Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and allow it to cool.

Chop the Basil

While the pasta cools, roughly chop the fresh basil leaves, ensuring that the herb’s fragrance is released.

Combine and Serve

Stir the tomatoes again and then add the cooled penne pasta along with the chopped basil to the bowl. Mix everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the dressing. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.