Creating Valentine’s Day Pasta Hearts is a straightforward process. Follow these steps for a delicious meal:

1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the heart-shaped pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add Tomatoes: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened.
4. Make the Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
5. Season: Add dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and let it simmer for a couple of minutes.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked heart-shaped pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly.
7. Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta cooking water to reach desired consistency.
8. Serve Immediately: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and sprinkle with red pepper flakes if desired.

These steps will guide you in creating a romantic and flavorful dish that’s perfect for your special occasion.