Orzo Pasta Salad with Basil Pesto, Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh Mozzarella

• 1 (16 ounce) box Barilla Orzo
• 8 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 clove garlic
• 1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted and divided
• 1 small bunch fresh basil
• 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, divided
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 (8 ounce) balls fresh mozzarella cheese, diced
• 1 pint yellow cherry tomatoes, halved

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, season with salt.
2. Cook pasta 1 minute under required cooking time, drain and toss with 2 tbsp olive oil.
3. Place on sheet tray to cool down.
4. In a blender combine garlic, 1/2 pine nuts, and basil, pulse for a few seconds.
5. Slowly drizzle in remaining olive oil to emulsify the pesto.
6. Add half the Parmigiano and pulse, season with salt and pepper, set aside.
7. In a large bowl combine, pesto and pasta and stir to incorporate.
8. Fold in remaining cheeses, cherry tomatoes and pine nuts.

barilla orzo, olive oil, clove garlic, pine nuts, fresh basil, cheese, salt, mozzarella cheese, yellow cherry tomatoes

Taken from allrecipes.com/recipe/orzo-pasta-salad-with-basil-pesto-cherry-tomatoes-and-fresh-mozzarella/ (may not work)