Orecchiette With Fresh Mozzarella, Grape Tomatoes, and Garlic Chives

By mirelsonp

Garlic chives add a mildly garlicky flavor to this simple pasta, which is loaded with little tomatoes and tiny pearls of fresh mozzarella cheese. The pea-size mozzarella can be found at Trader Joe's and well-stocked supermarkets.

Ingredients

• 10 oz. orecchiette (little ear-shaped pasta; about 3 cups uncooked)
• 1 lb pea-size mozzarella or fresh mozzarella, diced
• 1 lb grape tomatoes or pear tomatoes in assorted colors, halved
• 6 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 Tbsp white balsamic vinegar
• 2 Tbsp minced fresh garlic chives or regular chives
• 2 Tbsp minced fresh oregano

Preparation

Step 1

Cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally. Drain; return pasta to pot. Add mozzarella; stir until cheese begins to melt, about 30 seconds. Add tomatoes and all remaining ingredients; toss to blend evently. Season to taste with salt and pepper.