Print

Spaghetti alla Nerano Recipe

4.9 from 594 reviews

Spaghetti alla Nerano is a delicious Italian pasta dish from the Amalfi Coast, featuring tender sautéed zucchini, fresh basil, and creamy Pecorino Romano cheese. This simple yet flavorful recipe highlights the delicate balance of fresh ingredients and is perfect for a light and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Spaghetti

  • 1 lb spaghetti

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into thin rounds
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped

Other Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta: Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
  2. Sauté garlic: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Cook zucchini: Add the sliced zucchini rounds to the skillet and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini softens and develops a slight golden color.
  4. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti back into the skillet with the zucchini. Pour in some of the reserved pasta water to create a creamy sauce and stir everything together until the pasta is well coated.
  5. Add cheese and basil: Stir in the grated Pecorino Romano cheese and chopped fresh basil. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  6. Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil leaves and additional Pecorino Romano cheese if desired.

Notes

  • Use thinly sliced zucchinis for best texture and faster cooking.
  • Reserve pasta water to help create a creamy sauce without cream.
  • Adjust seasoning carefully, as Pecorino Romano is naturally salty.
  • Serve immediately to enjoy the dish at its freshest and most flavorful.
  • For a richer flavor, try adding a tablespoon of butter when mixing the pasta with zucchini.

Keywords: Spaghetti alla Nerano, Italian pasta, zucchini pasta, Pecorino Romano, basil pasta, vegetarian pasta dish