Instructions

• In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta, stirring occasionally, until just shy of al dente, 6 to 8 minutes (the pasta will finish cooking during frying).
• Drain well, shaking off as much water as possible, then spread out on a paper towel-lined baking sheet.
• Into a large, heavy pot, pour oil to a depth of 2".
• Heat oil over medium-high heat until an instant-read or deep-fry thermometer registers 350°.
• Working in small batches (to avoid overcrowding), carefully spoon pasta into oil.
• Fry, turning halfway through with a metal spider or slotted spoon and separating if needed, until golden brown and beginning to float, 2 to 3 minutes.
• Transfer pasta to a large heatproof bowl.
• As batches are added to bowl, sprinkle with some cheese and season with pepper, and toss to combine.