Step 1

Start by boiling a large pot of water and cutting 1½ pounds cherry tomatoes in half.When the water is boiling, add the salt and 12 ounces spaghetti.Boil pasta as per package instructions minus 3 minutes.

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and season them with 1 teaspoon salt, 2 twists black pepper, 1 clove garlic(grated), and ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes.

Step 3

Cook on medium-high heat for about 10 minutes or until the pasta is ready. Stir occasionally.

Step 4

Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, drain the pasta and add it to the sauce.Add about ½ cup of pasta water and 15 fresh basil leaves, and finish cooking the pasta in the sauce on medium heat while stirring for a couple of minutes.The pasta should be al dente, with a bite. Add more pasta water if necessary.

Step 5

Turn the heat off, add about ½ cup parmesan cheese, and stir until the cheese melts.

Step 6

Serve immediately in a bowl, topping it with the cherry tomato sauce, fresh basil leaves, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.