Step 1

Cut 1½ lb. tomatoes in half through the equator (in other words, not through the core, but across the midline). Hold halves in your palms and gently squeeze over a bowl to squeeze out seeds and surrounding juice/jelly.→ How to get the seeds out of tomatoes

Step 2

Casually and imperfectly chop seeded tomatoes so you have some pieces that are very small and some pieces that are a bit larger, but everything should be smaller than an acorn.

Step 3

Transfer tomatoes to a large bowl and mash mixture several times with the back of a large spoon or potato masher to release more juices (you can also just use your hands).

Step 4

Finely grate 1 garlic clove into bowl with tomatoes with a microplane or fine grater, then add 2 Tbsp. butter, 4 tsp. vinegar, ½ tsp. red pepper, ¼ cup oil, and half of Parmesan. Season with several pinches of salt, then toss with a large spoon to combine.

Step 5

Cover bowl with plastic and let sit at room temperature at least 30 minutes and up to 5 hours. This lets the flavors marry and tomato juices exude (because we want a saucy pasta).

Step 6

Bring a large pot of water to a boil (4–6 qt.) and add a small fistful of salt. Cook 12 oz. pasta until al dente (follow package instructions).

Step 7

As soon as pasta is ready, use tongs to transfer noodles to bowl with tomatoes and TOSS TOSS TOSS. You want the hot pasta to melt the cheese and butter, which will thicken the sauce.

Step 8

Taste pasta and season with more salt, if needed, then toss in 1 cup basil.

Step 9

Using tongs, portion pasta into shallow bowls, then spoon remaining tomatoes and juices over.

Step 10

Top with remaining 2 oz. Parmesan, then drizzle with oil.