Luscious Lemon-Infused Pasta with Fresh Tomatoes

Begin this mouth-watering journey by infusing the olive oil with the zest of a lemon to capture the essence of summer. Simply combine the lemon zest with the olive oil in a bowl, then let it sit uncovered at room temperature. This process allows the zesty lemon oils to gracefully meld with the olive oil, creating a fragrant base that’ll make the sauce unforgettable. Remember, the longer you allow the infusion to sit, the more pronounced the lemony notes within your dish.

The next day, your lemon-infused olive oil is ready to embrace its destiny. Strain out the lemon zest and gently drizzle this golden elixir over the finely chopped fresh tomatoes, stirring constantly to marry them together. Season the mixture with salt and a pinch of chili flakes, to taste. Let this sauce sit for a short while to allow the flavors to deepen and meld, creating a symphony of taste that'll dance on your palate.

It’s time to bring it all together. Cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain it, reserving a little pasta water to help the sauce cling to the pasta. Re-stir your tomato and olive oil sauce - as it might have separated - and then toss it lovingly with the hot pasta, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to achieve a silky consistency. For the grand finale, sprinkle the grated aged Pecorino or Parmesan over the top for a creamy touch that complements the zesty and fresh flavors.