Cook Pasta Boil pasta in heavily salted water until just al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining — this is essential for the sauce.
2
Toast the Garlic In a wide pan, heat olive oil and butter over medium-low. Add sliced garlic. Cook slowly until golden and fragrant, 4–5 minutes. Do not burn.
3
Toss & Emulsify Add drained pasta to the pan. Add ¼ cup pasta water. Toss vigorously to emulsify the sauce. Add Parmesan and black pepper. Add more pasta water as needed until sauce is silky and coats every strand.
💡 The starchy pasta water is what makes the sauce creamy — don't skip reserving it.