Cherry Tomato Pasta

Ingredients: 1 pound pasta (such as spaghetti, linguine, or penne) 2 tablespoons olive oil 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat) Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)