Oh, let me tell you about spaghetti alla Nerano! This delightful dish hails from the stunning Amalfi Coast of Italy, where the sun kisses the zucchini and the flavors are as vibrant as the scenery. I first tried this recipe during a little getaway, and it was love at first bite! The way the creamy cheeses melt with the perfectly cooked zucchini creates a dish that’s not just comforting but also feels like a warm hug. What makes this recipe so special is its simplicity; it uses just a handful of ingredients that come together to deliver big, bold flavors. Trust me, once you’ve tasted this, you’ll want to whip it up again and again for family dinners or cozy date nights. It’s like bringing a piece of Italy right into your kitchen!
Ingredients List
Gather these fresh ingredients, and you’ll be well on your way to creating a mouthwatering spaghetti alla Nerano!
- 400g spaghetti – I love using a good quality spaghetti; it really makes a difference in the final dish. Opt for al dente for that perfect bite!
- 3 medium zucchini – Thinly sliced, these beauties add a wonderful texture and flavor to our dish. Fresh zucchini is key, so don’t skimp on quality!
- 50g grated Parmesan cheese – This adds a nutty, salty kick. Make sure it’s freshly grated for the best melt and flavor!
- 50g grated Provolone cheese – Another layer of creaminess! It’s got a lovely sharpness that complements the Parmesan beautifully.
- 2 cloves garlic – Minced, of course! Garlic is the aromatic backbone of this dish, giving it that irresistible fragrance.
- 4 tablespoons olive oil – I prefer extra virgin for its robust flavor. This is what we’ll sauté our zucchini and garlic in!
- Salt – To taste; it’s essential for bringing out all those wonderful flavors.
- Black pepper – Freshly cracked, if you can! It adds a lovely warmth to the dish.
Now that you’ve got everything you need, let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare the Spaghetti Alla Nerano Recipe
Alright, let’s dive into the magic of making spaghetti alla Nerano! This is where the fun begins, and I promise you’ll have a blast creating this dish.
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, add in the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until it’s al dente. You want that perfect bite!
- While the pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat up 4 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Let it warm up for a minute; you’ll know it’s ready when it shimmers.
- Next, add the minced garlic to the pan. Sauté it for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant—don’t let it brown, or it’ll turn bitter!
- Now, toss in those lovely sliced zucchini. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re soft and golden. They should smell amazing!
- Once your spaghetti is ready, drain it (don’t forget to reserve a cup of pasta water!) and add it directly to the skillet with the zucchini and garlic.
- Now for the fun part: sprinkle in the Parmesan and Provolone cheeses. Toss everything together, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to create a creamy sauce that clings to the noodles.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste, and give it one last toss. Serve immediately, garnished with a little extra cheese if you’re feeling indulgent!
And there you have it—a simple yet incredibly delicious spaghetti alla Nerano that’s sure to impress! Enjoy every cheesy, zucchini-filled bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just about 35 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a last-minute gathering!
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of creamy cheeses and fresh zucchini creates a flavor profile that’s both comforting and vibrant—your taste buds will thank you!
- Vegetarian-Friendly: This recipe is a delicious option for vegetarians, packed with wholesome ingredients that everyone can enjoy.
- One-Pan Wonder: With minimal cleanup, you’ll love how easy it is to prepare and serve this dish without dirtying every dish in your kitchen!
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or adjust the cheese to make it your own; it’s a recipe that invites creativity!
Trust me, once you try this spaghetti alla Nerano, it’ll become a staple in your dinner rotation!
Tips for Success
To really elevate your spaghetti alla Nerano, here are some of my favorite tips! First, always use fresh zucchini; it makes a world of difference in flavor and texture. When sautéing the garlic, keep a close eye on it; you want it fragrant, not burnt! If you find the sauce too thick, don’t hesitate to add a bit more reserved pasta water to achieve that creamy consistency. Another great tip is to mix the cheeses gradually; it helps them melt better and coat the pasta evenly. Finally, taste as you go—adjust the seasoning to make it just right for you!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on spaghetti alla Nerano! For a pop of color and flavor, try adding cherry tomatoes or spinach alongside the zucchini. If you love a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can spice things up nicely. Not a fan of Provolone? Swap it out for some creamy Mozzarella or even a tangy Feta for a twist. You can also experiment with herbs—basil or oregano can brighten the dish beautifully. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!
Nutritional Information
Before you dig in, here’s a little nutritional breakdown for our delicious spaghetti alla Nerano! Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so consider this a tasty estimate:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fiber: 3g
This recipe is not only comforting and satisfying, but it also packs a good punch of nutrients, making it a well-rounded choice for any meal!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make spaghetti alla Nerano ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the zucchini and cheese sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it gently on the stove while you cook the spaghetti, and you’ll have a quick meal ready to go!
What can I substitute for zucchini?
If you’re not a fan of zucchini, you can use other vegetables like asparagus or bell peppers. Just cut them into similar sizes and sauté them until tender.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Definitely! While Parmesan and Provolone are traditional, you can experiment with cheeses like Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor or Ricotta for extra creaminess. Just be mindful of how it melts!
Is spaghetti alla Nerano gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply swap the spaghetti for a gluten-free pasta option. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you’re all set!
How can I make this dish vegan?
For a vegan version, use a plant-based pasta and substitute the cheeses with vegan cheese alternatives. You can also add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have leftovers (which I doubt because it’s so good!), storing spaghetti alla Nerano is super simple. Just let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep nicely in the fridge for up to three days.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the best way to reheat is in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil or a little reserved pasta water to help bring the creamy sauce back to life. Stir gently until it’s heated through. Alternatively, you can use the microwave—just cover it to prevent splatters and heat in short intervals, stirring in between. Enjoy every cheesy, delicious bite once more!
Call to Action
I’d love to hear how your spaghetti alla Nerano turns out! Please drop a comment below and let me know about your experience or any special twists you added. If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to rate it and share it with your friends and family on social media! Let’s spread the love for this delicious dish together—because good food is meant to be shared!
creamy garlic parmesan pasta is another delightful dish you might enjoy!
Spaghetti alla Nerano Recipe: 7 Reasons to Fall in Love
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic Italian pasta dish from the Amalfi Coast featuring zucchini and cheese.
Ingredients
- 400g spaghetti
- 3 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
- 50g grated Parmesan cheese
- 50g grated Provolone cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente.
- In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add zucchini and cook until soft.
- Add cooked spaghetti to the pan.
- Mix in Parmesan and Provolone cheeses.
- Season with salt and black pepper.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra cheese if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh zucchini for the best flavor.
- Adjust cheese quantities based on preference.
- Pair with a light white wine.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling and sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: spaghetti alla nerano recipe
