Description
Pasta Alla Nerano is a traditional Italian pasta dish from southern Italy featuring crispy fried zucchini combined with spaghetti, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil. This simple yet exquisite recipe delivers a creamy, flavorful sauce without the use of cream, relying instead on the natural starches from the pasta water and the richness of Parmesan to create a luscious texture. Perfect for a comforting vegetarian main course, Pasta Alla Nerano showcases the best of fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 4 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, sliced
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
Other Ingredients
- ½ cup olive oil, plus more for frying
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Fry Zucchini: Heat ½ cup olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the thinly sliced zucchini in batches until they are golden brown on both sides, ensuring they are crispy but not oily. Remove and transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the sliced garlic and cook for approximately 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Combine Zucchini and Pasta: Return the fried zucchini to the skillet with the garlic and gently toss together to combine the flavors.
- Add Pasta and Water: Add the cooked spaghetti and a splash of the reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss the ingredients together to begin melding the flavors.
- Create Sauce: Gradually sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese while continuously tossing the pasta to allow the cheese to melt smoothly and create a creamy sauce. Add more pasta water as necessary to achieve the desired creamy consistency.
- Season: Season the pasta with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.
- Finish with Basil: Tear the fresh basil leaves over the finished pasta and give a final gentle toss. Serve immediately with additional grated Parmesan cheese on the side.
Notes
- Slice zucchini thinly and evenly for uniform cooking and the best texture.
- Add Parmesan cheese gradually while tossing to ensure a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for optimal flavor and melting quality.
- Avoid boiling the cheese sauce to prevent it from becoming grainy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
