Pour double cream into a medium saucepan over low heat, gently warming it until small bubbles form around the edges (about 5 minutes). Avoid boiling.

Remove the saucepan from heat and gradually whisk in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until fully incorporated and smooth, which should take about 2–3 minutes.

Meanwhile, cook your choice of pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package instructions (aim for al dente, typically about 8 to 10 minutes). Reserve about a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.

Drain the pasta and immediately return it to the pot. Pour the creamy sauce over the pasta and toss gently over low heat. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.

Serve immediately on warm plates, garnished with additional Parmesan or freshly cracked black pepper.