Step 1
Bring a large pot of water to a boil; salt it. Cook pasta until it is tender, but not quite done.
Step 2
Meanwhile, place butter in a skillet or saucepan large enough to hold the cooked pasta; turn heat to medium, and add sage. Cook until butter turns nut- brown and sage shrivels, then turn heat to a minimum.
Step 3
When the pasta is just about done, scoop out a cup of the cooking water. Drain the pasta. Immediately add it to the butter- sage mixture, and raise heat to medium. Add 3/4 cup of the water, and stir; the mixture will be loose and a little soupy. Cook for about 30 seconds, or until some of the water is absorbed and the pasta is perfectly done.
Step 4
Stir in cheese; the sauce will become creamy. Thin it with alittle more water if necessary. Season liberally with pepper and salt to taste, and serve immediately, passing more cheese at the table if you like.
