1 lb dried fettuccine

2 sticks unsalted butter

1/2 lb finely grated parmesan

Bring a 6 qt pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 lb dried fettuccine noodles and cook,stirring occasionally until pasta is aldente,about 8 minutes.

Meanwhile cut unsalted butter into thin pats and transfer to a large warmed platter. Drain pasta,reserving 3/4 cup pasta water,and place the pasta over the butter on the platter

Sprinkle finely grated parmesan over pasta and drizzle with 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water.
Using a large spoon and fork, gently toss the pasta with the butter and cheese,lifting and swirling the noodles and adding more water as necessary. (The pasta water will help create a smooth sauce.) Continue to mix the pasta until the cheese and butter have fully melted and the noodles are coated.