A timeless classic of French cuisine that is simple yet deeply satisfying. Perfectly cooked pasta generously coated with savory butter and grated cheese, celebrating the pure quality of essential ingredients.
⏱️17 min
📊Easy
👥2 servings
🍽️Main
quickbudget-friendlyvegetarianfamily
Ingredients
250 gpasta (tagliatelle or spaghetti)
60 gunsalted butter
80 ggrated cheese (Emmental or Gruyère)
1 cuillère à caféfine salt
0.5 cuillère à caféfreshly ground black pepper
2 litreswater
Instructions
1BRING WATER TO A BOIL: Fill a large pot with water, add fine salt, and bring to a vigorous boil over high heat. The water must be at a rolling boil before adding the pasta. This ensures even and consistent cooking. Allow approximately 8 to 10 minutes for the water to reach its maximum boiling point.
2COOK PASTA AL DENTE: Pour the pasta into the boiling water, spreading it gradually. Stir immediately with a fork to prevent sticking. Follow the cooking time indicated on the package, typically 9 to 11 minutes depending on the variety. The pasta should remain slightly firm to the bite, never soft. Taste it one minute before the recommended time to verify the texture.
3DRAIN WHILE RESERVING SOME PASTA WATER: Pour the cooked pasta into a fine strainer, but reserve one glass of hot cooking water. This starchy water is precious: it helps create a creamy sauce that binds the butter and cheese together. Do not rinse the pasta, as this would remove the starch that gives the dish cohesion.
4MIX BUTTER AND CHEESE: Immediately return the hot pasta to the still-warm pot, removed from the heat. Add the butter cut into small pieces and sprinkle the grated cheese generously. Mix vigorously with a wooden spoon for 2 to 3 minutes. The butter should melt completely and create a creamy liaison with the cheese and pasta starch. Add a few spoonfuls of cooking water if the mixture seems too dry.
5SEASON AND SERVE IMMEDIATELY: Taste and adjust the seasoning with freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of additional salt if needed. Pour without delay into hot shallow bowls and bring to the table. The butter should remain creamy and glossy. You can add an extra drizzle of grated cheese to each portion if you enjoy richness.