Warm Pasta Salad with Grilled Tomatoes, Zucchini & Pecorino

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  1-1/2 lb. ripe plum tomatoes (about 8), cored and halved lengthwise
  
  


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  1-1/4 lb. small zucchini (about 4), trimmed and halved lengthwise
  
  


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  5 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
  
  


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  4 tsp. chopped fresh thyme
  
  


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  2 tsp. kosher salt; more as needed
  
  


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  1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper; more as needed
  
  


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  6 oz. Pecorino Romano, shaved with a vegetable peeler (about 2 cups)
  
  


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  1 lb. dried penne
  
  


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  1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh chives
  
  


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  2 tsp. balsamic vinegar
  
  

Prepare a medium fire on a gas grill or a medium-hot charcoal fire. In a large bowl, toss the tomatoes and zucchini with 2 Tbs. of the oil, 2 tsp. of the thyme, and the salt and pepper.

Set the vegetables cut side down on the grill and cook without moving them until they have good grill marks, 5 to 7 minutes. Flip and cook until browned and tender, 6 to 8 more minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and let cool for a couple of minutes. Coarsely chop, return them to the same large bowl along with 1-1/2 cups of the pecorino, and toss. Let sit for up to a couple of hours at room temperature.

Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook, stirring often, until just al dente, about 11 minutes. Drain well and toss with the tomato mixture, 3 Tbs. of the chives, the remaining 3 Tbs. olive oil and the balsamic vinegar. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste and transfer to a serving bowl. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 Tbs. chives, 2 tsp. thyme, and 1/2 cup pecorino, and serve.