1. Bring water for the pasta to a boil in a large pot.
2. Mince the parsley and set aside.
3. In the meantime, heat the oil in a heavy skillet over low heat and add the garlic. Saute, stirring, until the garlic begins to turn pale gold. Remove the pan from the heat; add the basil, dried tomatoes, and optional red pepper flakes; toss to combine and set aside.
4. When the water boils, add the pasta and cook until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving the cooking liquid in a bowl set underneath the colander. Add one cup of the cooking liquid to the garlic mixture.
5. Place the pasta in a large serving bowl, and top with the garlic sauce and Parmesan cheese. Toss well, adding additional pasta cooking liquid if needed. Season to taste with salt and pepper and toss again.
6. Top the pasta with the parsley and pine nuts.