Rinse the clams and place them in a bowl with cold water and salt. Let them sit for 50 minutes.

Heat the oil in a pan. Add the garlic. When fragrant, mix in the clams and season them with salt and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes.

Grab two bowls. Shell half the clams and place them in one bowl. Place the fully shelled clams in another. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add the salt and pasta.

Drain the pasta halfway through cooking. In a separate pan, heat oil over medium heat. Add the pasta, clams, and cherry tomatoes. Cook for 2 minutes.

Remove from the heat. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with parsley to serve.