Seashells with Basil, Tomatoes, and Garlic

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  Ingredients

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• 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil 
• 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
• About 3/4 tsp. kosher salt
• 1 1/4 pounds (1 qt.) small cherry and teardrop tomatoes 
• 3/4 pound medium seashell pasta
• 1/2 cup shaved parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced fresh basil leaves

Preparation

1. 1. Combine oil, garlic, and 3/4 tsp. salt in a large bowl. Chop 1 cup of the tomatoes and add to bowl. Cut remaining tomatoes in half and stir into mixture; let stand about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. 2. Meanwhile, cook pasta as package directs in a large pot of salted boiling water.
3. 3. Drain pasta, saving 1 cup water. Toss pasta with tomato mixture, then with cheese and all but 1 tbsp. basil. Mix in a little pasta water if needed for a looser texture. Sprinkle remaining basil on top and season with salt.