Cheesy One Pot Pasta with Parmesan and Pine Nuts

INGREDIENTS

12 oz

spaghetti (linguini or fettuccine *)

large shallots (very thinly sliced, about a cup)

garlic cloves (minced)

3 cups

grape tomatoes (halved, I used half red grape and sunburst tomatoes)

basil leaves (torn in half)

2 tbsp

olive oil

1/2 tsp

red pepper flakes

2 tsp

kosher salt (plus more to taste)

1/4 tsp

freshly cracked black pepper (plus more to taste)

4 1/2 cups

water

1 cup

freshly grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup

toasted pine nuts