Let’s dive into the process, which is almost as delightful as the end result. Follow these steps, and soon enough, your kitchen will be filled with the comforting aroma of a home-cooked meal:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet, stirring occasionally, and cook for about 5-7 minutes or until they begin to burst and soften.
4. Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it gently to coat with the garlic and tomato juices.
5. Stir in the fresh basil and Parmesan cheese, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to create a silky sauce.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, if using, to taste.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil and Parmesan if desired.

As you cook, imagine Nonna Rosa’s voice guiding you, her hands showing you the way to coax the most flavor from each ingredient. Remember, the key is to enjoy the process as much as the meal itself.