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Spaghetti alla Nerano Recipe

Spaghetti alla Nerano Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 27 reviews

Spaghetti alla Nerano is a classic Italian pasta dish from the Amalfi Coast, featuring golden-fried zucchini, fresh basil, and creamy Parmesan cheese. This simple yet flavorful recipe combines crispy zucchini slices with al dente spaghetti in a luscious cheese sauce, creating a perfect balance of textures and tastes.

Ingredients

Scale

Oil for Frying

  • ½ quart sunflower oil or vegetable oil (2 cups)

Zucchini and Herb Mixture

  • 6 medium zucchini, thinly sliced (about 2 ½ pounds)
  • 1 cup chopped fresh basil
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling

Pasta

  • 1 pound spaghetti
  • 2 cups grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Heat the Oil: Add sunflower or vegetable oil to a large pot and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, preparing it for frying the zucchini slices.
  2. Fry the Zucchini: Carefully add the thinly sliced zucchini to the hot oil and fry until golden brown and slightly crisp, about 5-6 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the zucchini and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
  3. Prepare the Zucchini Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the fried zucchini with chopped fresh basil and kosher salt to taste. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over the mixture and toss gently to combine.
  4. Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve 2 cups of the pasta cooking water.
  5. Toss Pasta and Zucchini: Transfer the drained pasta to a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the zucchini mixture and gradually add reserved pasta water while tossing to create a creamy sauce that coats the pasta thoroughly.
  6. Add Cheese and Final Seasoning: Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue tossing until the pasta is evenly coated and the sauce is creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional kosher salt if needed.
  7. Serve: Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil just before serving and offer additional Parmesan cheese on the side for guests to add as desired.

Notes

  • Make sure zucchini slices are uniformly thin to ensure even frying.
  • Reserve the pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency; it helps create a silky and creamy coating.
  • Use good quality extra virgin olive oil for drizzling to enhance flavor.
  • Ensure the oil used for frying is hot enough to achieve a golden and crisp texture on the zucchini.
  • This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the creamy texture and fresh flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: Spaghetti alla Nerano, Italian pasta, zucchini pasta, fried zucchini, Parmesan pasta, Amalfi Coast recipe

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