Mezzi Rigatoni With Yellow Tomato Sauce

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook as the label directs for al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup cooking water, then drain.

Meanwhile, heat the olive oil and garlic in a large wide pot or large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook, swirling the garlic in the oil, until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the cherry tomatoes and season with a big pinch of salt and the red pepper flakes. Cook, mashing the tomatoes with a wooden spoon or potato masher, until softened and saucy, about 3 minutes. (If the pot seems dry, reduce the heat to medium and add a few tablespoons of the pasta cooking water.) Remove from the heat.

Add the basil, pasta and 1/4 cup of the reserved cooking water to the tomato sauce. Stir well and toss to coat, gradually adding the remaining cooking water, 1 tablespoon at a time, if needed. Season with salt. Divide the pasta among bowls; top with cheese.