A delightful and quick pasta dish featuring fresh tomatoes, basil, and a touch of Parmesan cheese.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente.
Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining to adjust the sauce consistency later.
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter.
Add the diced tomatoes and black pepper to the skillet and cook until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
Crush the tomatoes slightly with the back of the spoon to help them break down.
Stir in the fresh basil and half of the grated Parmesan cheese, then remove from heat.
Adding the basil off the heat preserves its fresh flavor.
Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed to coat evenly.
Tossing the pasta in the sauce allows it to absorb the flavors.
Serve immediately, garnished with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
Serve with a sprinkle of fresh basil for a vibrant presentation.