Zucchini Spaghetti alla Nerano

Name: Zucchini Spaghetti alla Nerano
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 400 g spaghetti (dry); 500 g zucchini (sliced thin); 3 tbsp olive oil; 100 g Provolone cheese (grated); 50 g Parmesan cheese (grated); 1 clove garlic (minced); to taste salt and pepper; a few leaves fresh basil (torn); to taste extra cheese (grated)

45 min 4 servings Medium

All Recipes

Savour the Italian classic, Zucchini Spaghetti alla Nerano, a favourite of Stanley Tucci, featuring fried zucchini and creamy cheese.

Prep

15 min

Cook

30 min

Total

45 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Spaghetti alla Nerano is a classic Italian pasta dish hailing from the Amalfi Coast. It is known for its unique combination of fried zucchini and creamy cheese, creating a wonderfully comforting and flavourful dish. This version, popularized by Stanley Tucci, captures the essence of Italian simplicity and is perfect for those who appreciate genuine Italian cuisine. The beauty of Spaghetti alla Nerano lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. Fresh zucchini is fried to golden perfection, then blended with cheese and pasta water to create a luscious sauce that clings to each strand of spaghetti. This dish is ideal for a cozy dinner or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort.

Instructions

Prepare the zucchini

Slice the zucchini thinly and fry in olive oil over medium heat until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

Pro tip: Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Blend zucchini

Allow the fried zucchini to cool slightly, then blend half with garlic and a pinch of salt until smooth.

Pro tip: Cool zucchini to prevent the cheese from curdling when added.

Cook the pasta

Cook spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup (240 ml) of pasta water before draining.

Pro tip: Do not overcook the pasta; it should have a slight bite.

Combine pasta and sauce

Return pasta to the pot. Add blended zucchini, remaining fried zucchini, Provolone, and Parmesan. Mix well.

Pro tip: Add reserved pasta water to achieve desired sauce consistency.

Season and serve

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil and extra cheese.

Pro tip: Taste before salting, as the cheese adds saltiness.

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Tips & Tricks

Use fresh zucchini for the best flavour and texture.
Allow the zucchini to cool before blending to prevent curdling.
Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Spaghetti alla Nerano?

Spaghetti alla Nerano is an Italian pasta dish featuring spaghetti, fried zucchini, and a creamy cheese sauce.

Why does Stanley Tucci love Spaghetti alla Nerano?

Stanley Tucci loves Spaghetti alla Nerano for its simple yet flavourful combination of zucchini and cheese.

How many calories in Spaghetti alla Nerano?

One serving of Spaghetti alla Nerano contains approximately 520 calories.

Can I make Spaghetti alla Nerano ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the zucchini sauce ahead and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently before serving.

What wine pairs with Spaghetti alla Nerano?

A crisp white wine or a light rosé pairs beautifully with Spaghetti alla Nerano.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Zucchini Spaghetti alla Nerano immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated cheese. This delightful dish pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine or a light rosé. If you wish to make it ahead, prepare the zucchini sauce and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. Simply reheat gently while cooking the pasta. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days.

Nutrition per serving

520

Calories

20g

Protein

22g

Fat

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