Pepper and Parmesan Spaghetti

Pepper and Parmesan Spaghetti (Serves 4)

Ingredients:

1/4 cup olive oil

1 pound dried spaghetti

2 tablespoons butter

4 ounces Parmesan cheese, finely grated

1 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Salt (optional)

1. Cook spaghetti in salted water to your taste in a large pot. Drain spaghetti, reserving 1 1/2 cups of pasta cooking water.

2. Dry out the pot. Heat the olive oil over high heat until very hot. Carefully (you might want to protect your hands and arms and jump backwards) add drained spaghetti and 1 cup of reserved pasta water.

3. Add butter, 3 ounces cheese and ground pepper. Toss with tongs. Taste, adding more pasta water, cheese, pepper or salt to taste.

Serve immediately, sprinkling with remaining cheese and a little more black pepper.

Adapted from Smitten Kitchen.