Description
Spaghetti Alla Nerano is a classic Italian pasta dish featuring crispy fried zucchini, fresh basil, and creamy parmesan cheese, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors. It’s an easy-to-make, comforting meal that highlights the freshness of summer zucchini.
Ingredients
For Frying Zucchini
- ½ quart sunflower oil or vegetable oil (2 cups)
- 6 medium zucchini, thinly sliced (about 2 1/2 pounds)
- Kosher salt, to taste
For the Pasta
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 1 cup chopped fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
- 2 cups grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: Add the ½ quart sunflower or vegetable oil to a large pot and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, preparing it for frying the zucchini.
- Fry the Zucchini: Carefully add the thinly sliced zucchini to the hot oil and fry until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the zucchini and place it on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Prepare Zucchini Mixture: In a bowl, combine the fried zucchini with 1 cup chopped fresh basil and salt to taste. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and gently toss to blend flavors.
- Cook the Spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Before draining, reserve 2 cups of the pasta cooking liquid to help make the sauce creamy.
- Toss Pasta with Zucchini: Transfer the drained pasta to a large skillet on medium-low heat. Add the zucchini mixture and gradually incorporate the reserved pasta water, stirring until the sauce reaches a creamy consistency.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle in the 2 cups of grated parmesan cheese and continue tossing the pasta and zucchini until the cheese melts and coats the spaghetti, forming a rich, creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle additional extra virgin olive oil over the pasta, serve immediately, and offer extra parmesan cheese on the side for added flavor.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh, firm zucchini that is thinly sliced for even frying.
- Maintaining the reserved pasta water is essential to achieving the creamy texture of the sauce.
- Use good quality parmesan cheese for authentic flavor and creaminess.
- This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the crispy fried zucchini texture.
- Sunflower oil can be substituted with vegetable oil if desired, but avoid extra virgin olive oil for frying due to its low smoke point.
