Description
Spaghetti Alla Nerano is a classic Italian pasta dish featuring thinly sliced zucchini fried to golden perfection and combined with fresh basil, parmesan cheese, and olive oil to create a creamy, flavorful sauce. This recipe highlights the simplicity and elegance of Italian cooking with fresh ingredients and minimal preparation.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Oils
- 2 cups sunflower oil (or vegetable oil)
- 6 medium zucchini (thinly sliced, about 2 1/2 pounds)
- 1 cup chopped fresh basil
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
Pasta and Cheese
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 2 cups grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat Oil: Add the sunflower oil to a large pot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Fry Zucchini: Fry the thinly sliced zucchini in the hot oil until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove and set the zucchini aside on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Prepare Zucchini Mixture: In a bowl, combine the fried zucchini with chopped fresh basil and salt to taste. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and mix gently.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Before draining, reserve 2 cups of the pasta cooking water.
- Toss Pasta and Zucchini: Transfer the cooked pasta to a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the zucchini mixture and gradually pour in the reserved pasta water as needed, tossing continuously until the sauce achieves a creamy consistency.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle in the grated parmesan cheese. Continue tossing the pasta to coat evenly with the cheese and zucchini, ensuring the sauce stays creamy. Season with additional salt if needed.
- Serve: Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the pasta, serve immediately, and offer extra parmesan cheese on the side for topping.
Notes
- Zucchini can be fried and prepared up to 5 days in advance; store refrigerated in an airtight container.
- Use fresh parmesan cheese for the best flavor and creaminess in the sauce.
- Adjust the amount of reserved pasta water to achieve desired sauce consistency.
- For a lighter version, you can use less oil for frying or substitute with olive oil, though sunflower oil provides a neutral frying medium.
- Serve immediately after tossing for best texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
