Description

Spaghetti alla Nerano is a beloved dish that hails from the picturesque town of Nerano, nestled along the stunning Amalfi Coast of Italy. This simple yet remarkably flavorful pasta recipe showcases the delicate sweetness of fresh zucchini, perfectly complemented by the salty tang of Pecorino Romano cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb spaghetti
2 medium zucchinis, sliced into thin rounds
1/4 cup olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of the starchy cooking water.
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Next, add the sliced zucchini rounds to the pan and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the zucchini softens and becomes slightly golden in color.
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the sautéed zucchini. Gradually pour in the reserved pasta water, tossing the ingredients together to create a creamy, emulsified sauce.
Finally, stir in the grated Pecorino Romano cheese and the chopped fresh basil. Toss everything together until the cheese is melted and the flavors are fully incorporated. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Transfer the Spaghetti alla Nerano to a serving dish and garnish with additional basil leaves and a sprinkle of Pecorino Romano cheese. Serve the pasta hot, allowing the zucchini, cheese, and herbs to mingle in perfect harmony.

Notes

For a gluten-free option, substitute the spaghetti with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Additionally, you can experiment with different types of cheese, such as Grana Padano or a blend of mozzarella and parmesan, to achieve slightly different flavor profiles.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 60g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 15g
Cholesterol: 10mg