Description
Spaghetti Alla Nerano is a traditional Italian pasta dish featuring golden fried zucchini tossed with fresh basil, parmesan cheese, and spaghetti to create a creamy, flavorful sauce. This simple yet delicious recipe highlights the fresh flavors of summer squash and aromatic herbs, making it a perfect elegant meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Zucchini
- 2 cups sunflower oil (or vegetable oil)
- 6 medium zucchini, thinly sliced (about 2 1/2 pounds)
- 1 cup chopped fresh basil
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
For the Pasta
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 2 cups grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: Add the sunflower oil to a large pot and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat to prepare for frying the zucchini.
- Fry the Zucchini: Fry the thinly sliced zucchini in the hot oil until golden brown, approximately 6 minutes. Then, remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Combine Zucchini and Basil: In a bowl, mix the fried zucchini with chopped fresh basil and salt to taste. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil to enhance flavor.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Before draining, reserve 2 cups of the pasta cooking water for later use.
- Toss Pasta with Zucchini: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, combine the cooked spaghetti, fried zucchini mixture, and gradually add the reserved pasta water as needed. Toss until the sauce becomes creamy and coats the pasta evenly.
- Add Parmesan and Finish: Stir in the grated parmesan cheese, continuing to toss the pasta until it is fully coated and the sauce reaches a rich, creamy consistency. Season with additional salt if necessary.
- Serve: Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, serve immediately, and offer additional parmesan cheese on the side.
Notes
- Zucchini can be fried up to 5 days in advance and stored refrigerated to save time when preparing the dish.
- Use fresh parmesan cheese for best flavor and creaminess.
- Adjust olive oil and salt according to personal taste preferences.
- Reserve pasta water carefully as it helps create the desired creamy sauce.
- Thinly slicing zucchini ensures quick frying and better texture in the dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 65 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
