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Spaghetti alla Nerano Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 492 reviews

Spaghetti alla Nerano is a classic Italian pasta dish from the Amalfi Coast featuring tender zucchini slices sautéed with garlic and olive oil, tossed with spaghetti and enriched with Pecorino Romano cheese and fresh basil. This light yet flavorful recipe is perfect for a simple, elegant meal that highlights fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 lb spaghetti
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Vegetables

  • 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into thin rounds
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped

Oils and Cheese

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining to use later in the sauce.
  2. Sauté Garlic: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Cook Zucchini: Add thinly sliced zucchini rounds to the skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until they soften and develop a light golden color, stirring occasionally to cook evenly.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with zucchini. Pour in some reserved pasta water to help create a creamy sauce. Stir well to thoroughly combine all ingredients.
  5. Finish with Cheese and Basil: Stir in grated Pecorino Romano cheese and chopped fresh basil. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, mixing until the cheese melts into the sauce.
  6. Serve: Plate immediately, garnished with additional basil leaves and extra Pecorino Romano cheese if desired for extra flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and create a creamy texture without adding cream.
  • Slicing zucchinis thinly helps them cook quickly and blend seamlessly with the pasta.
  • Use good quality Pecorino Romano cheese for authentic flavor and better melting.
  • Serve immediately to enjoy the pasta at its freshest and best texture.
  • Can be made vegetarian by ensuring the cheese is free of animal rennet.

Keywords: Spaghetti alla Nerano, zucchini pasta, Italian pasta recipe, Pecorino Romano, basil pasta, Italian vegetarian meals

Find it online: https://tastemadebyclara.com/spaghetti-alla-nerano-recipe/