Steps
1. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente.
2. In a blender, combine fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth to create the pesto.
3. Drain the pasta, reserving a small amount of the cooking water.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the warm pasta with the pesto, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
5. Gently fold in the cherry tomatoes.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.