# Flavor-Packed Cherry Tomato and Basil Pasta

## Ingredients:
- 250g pasta (spaghetti or linguine work well)
- 500g cherry tomatoes, left whole
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- Large handful of fresh basil leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional)

## Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil for the pasta.

2. While waiting for the water to boil, prepare your ingredients:
   - Slice the garlic
   - Zest and juice the lemon
   - Wash the cherry tomatoes

3. In a large, cold skillet, combine the olive oil and sliced garlic. Place over medium heat and slowly bring up to temperature. This allows the garlic to infuse the oil as it heats.

4. Once the garlic starts to sizzle and turn golden (about 2-3 minutes), add the whole cherry tomatoes to the pan. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Cook the tomatoes, shaking the pan occasionally, until they start to burst and release their juices (about 5-7 minutes).

6. While the tomatoes are cooking, add the pasta to the boiling water and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

7. Once most of the tomatoes have burst, add the balsamic vinegar to the pan and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

8. Add half of the lemon juice and zest to the tomato mixture, stirring to combine.

9. Drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss everything together, adding splashes of reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce that coats the pasta.

10. Remove the skillet from heat. Tear most of the basil leaves and add them to the pasta, reserving a few for garnish. Toss gently to combine.

11. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and more lemon juice if needed.

12. Serve immediately, garnished with the remaining basil leaves, a drizzle of olive oil, and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Offer red pepper flakes on the side for those who want added heat.

## Tips for Maximum Flavor:
- Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the tomatoes. If necessary, cook in batches to ensure they burst and caramelize rather than steam.
- The pasta water is key to creating a silky sauce. Don't forget to reserve some before draining!
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice to your taste. The goal is to brighten the dish without overpowering the other flavors.
- For an extra flavor boost, you can add a small pat of butter when tossing the pasta with the sauce.

Enjoy your flavor-packed pasta dish!