Penne with Cherry Tomatoes, Olives and Pecorino

• MAKE-AHEAD
• VEGETARIAN

Ingredients

1. 1 pound penne
2. 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
3. 1 cup basil leaves
4. 1/2 cup flat-leaf parsley leaves
5. 2 garlic cloves, halved
6. 2 teaspoons coarsely chopped thyme
7. 2 teaspoons coarsely chopped marjoram
8. Salt
9. 1 1/2 pounds cherry tomatoes—halved, seeded and quartered
10. 1/3 cup Calamata olives, pitted and coarsely chopped
11. 1 cup coarsely grated Tuscan Pecorino cheese (3 ounces)
12. Freshly ground pepper

1. Cook the penne in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente. Drain the penne and toss with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Let cool to room temperature.
2. Meanwhile, in a blender, puree the basil, parsley, garlic, thyme, marjoram with the remaining 1/2 cup of olive oil. Scrape into a bowl and season with salt.
3. In a large bowl, toss the penne with the herb puree, tomatoes and olives and let stand at room temperature for at least 10 minutes to develop flavor. Just before serving, add the Pecorino, season with pepper and toss well.