Caprese Stuffed Shells

Name: Caprese Stuffed Shells
Ingredients: 6 ounces (about 20) jumbo pasta shells; 1 pound (2 heaping cups) ricotta cheese; 2 cups shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese , divided; 1/3 cup basil pesto , store-bought or homemade; 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt , divided; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper , divided; 2 pints cherry or grape tomatoes; 3 cloves garlic , sliced; 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese , finely grated; 1/4 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves , torn (optional)