Step 1

Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil, seasoned with about 1 tablespoon kosher salt.

Step 2

Once the water is boiling, add the gnocchi and boil until they float, about 2 to 3 minutes. Save out 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the gnocchi and keep it in the strainer while you quickly make the sauce.

Step 3

In the same pan, melt the butter with the pepper and heat it over medium heat for 1 minute. Add 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water and heat for 1 minute.

Step 4

Add the gnocchi back to the pan and add the Pecorino cheese. Stir for a minute until a creamy sauce forms. Serve warm, garnished with more Pecorino.