Step 1

Bring a few inches of water, and a generous pinch of salt, to a boil in a saucepan.

Step 2

Once the water is boiling, grab a handful of long noodles about the diameter of a quarter (about 1-inch) and add it to the pot. Cook the pasta until it is flexible, but not all the way to al dente.

Step 3

Place a 10" saute pan on the stove next to the pot of pasta and set the burner to medium. Add two pats of butter (2 tablespoons) and use a pasta fork to transfer the pasta to the saute pan.

Step 4

Pour enough of the pasta cooking water into the saute pan to come about halfway up the noodles (about 1/4 cup). Add a generous pinch of salt and cook the pasta, tossing occasionally, until al dente (or to your liking).

Step 5

Turn off the heat and toss with enough grated cheese to absorb the remaining liquid in the pan and form a creamy sauce.

Step 6

Grind plenty of black pepper onto the top of the pasta.

Step 7

Taste and add more salt if needed. Transfer to a plate, garnish with more cheese, and enjoy!