Babbo's Sun Gold Tomato Pasta

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons salt
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 2 pints Sun Gold cherry tomatoes or other cherry tomatoes, whole
• 1/2 bunch chives, cut into 1-inch lengths
• 12 fresh lemon-basil leaves, thinly sliced
• 1 pound pasta

Directions

1. Set a big pot of well-salted water over high heat and bring it to a boil. Drop in the pasta and cook it to al dente, scooping out some of the cooking water before you drain it.
2. While the pasta cooks, warm the olive oil in a roomy skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Stir in the garlic and keep it moving until it turns tender and is only starting to take on color.
3. Tip in the tomatoes, chives, and basil, holding a little of the herbs back for the finish. Cook until the tomatoes are just starting to split and release their juices.
4. Transfer the drained pasta into the pan. Raise the heat to high and toss everything together for another minute so the sauce and pasta come together.
5. If the pan looks dry, loosen the pasta with a splash of olive oil or some of the reserved cooking water. Scatter the remaining herbs over the top and serve right away.