Pasta with Butter & Parmesan

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese
• ¼ tsp black pepper (optional)
• 1 tsp salt

Steps

1. Cook pasta according to package directions in well-salted water until al dente.
2. Before draining, reserve 1.5 cups of the starchy pasta cooking water.
3. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot over low heat.
4. Add the butter to the pasta, stirring until melted and coated.
5. Gradually add 1 cup of the reserved pasta water and the Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until a creamy sauce forms.
6. If needed, add more pasta water a tablespoon at a time to reach desired consistency.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately.