Parmesan cheese is a hard, aged cheese that is often described as nutty. It is a staple of Italian cuisine and is therefore pasta’s best friend. While true, high quality parmesan cheese is typically very expensive. There are domestic varieties as well as alternatives that often taste excellent as well. As a tip, take a look at your local grocery stores deli section to find the best cheeses. They often cost more but will add a lot of flavor to your dished.