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    Home » Recipes » Pasta Recipes

    Stanley Tucci's Spaghetti Alla Nerano (Pasta with Zucchini)

    Published: Mar 6, 2023 by Emily · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    This spaghetti alla nerano is one of the best-kept Italian secrets! This fried zucchini & basil pasta in a creamy sauce is popular among the Amalfi coast. Make this at home in 30 minutes or less!

    zucchini pasta on a white plate with zucchini on the side.

    Spaghetti alla nerano is truly one of the most decadent yet simple Italian pastas I've ever had! The dish became very popular recently due to Stanley Tucci's new show, 'Searching for Italy.'

    This pasta is traditionally made by slowly sizzling sliced zucchini in olive oil, then tossing that with spaghetti, grated provolone cheese, parmesan, and basil. The flavors come together so wonderfully! Make this even more authentic by using Homemade Fresh Pasta! The best part is that this recipe is a super simple pasta dish and easy to make for a home cook!

    I made sure to include how to make spaghetti alla nerano completely vegan by using vegan cheeses, but you're more than welcome to use the regular cheeses!

    While this pasta dish is similar in style and origin to other dishes, its still very unique. For more Italian pastas, try my Pici Cacio e Pepe or Lemon Caper Pasta!

    Table of Contents:
    • 📖 Spaghetti Alla Nerano Origins
    • Why you'll love this recipe
    • 🥘 What you need for this recipe
    • 📋 How to make Spaghetti alla Nerano
    • 💭 Expert Tips and Tricks
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Storage & Reheating Tips:
    • Related Recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • ⭐ Reviews

    📖 Spaghetti Alla Nerano Origins

    Like many recipes of Italian cooking, there are contested stories of the true history of this pasta dish. What I've known is that spaghetti alla nerano, or pasta alla nerano, dates back to the 1950's, where it was created in a restaurant in the small beach town of Nerano, which is on the Sorrento peninsula, near the amalfi coast.

    This dish became very popular when actor Stanley Tucci featured it on his show, Searching for Italy. On the show, Stanley eats the pasta dish made with spaghetti, garlic clove, thinly sliced fresh zucchini, provolone del monaco cheese, parmesan cheese, a hefty amount of olive oil, and a little butter. Once cooked the pasta sits in a cheesy sauce with a creamy texture, with some crisp fried zucchini. Whether or not this is the exact original recipe, I am not sure, but this is the method I use in this post!

    Why you'll love this recipe

    • Authentic & Unique - This dish is a very authentic Italian recipe, but it's also so much more unique than lots of other Italian pastas!
    • Simple - Some Italian pastas can be quite difficult to master. Spaghetti alla nerano is SO easy!
    • Flavorful - The flavors in this dish are so satisfying and delicious. The salt from the cheeses, the sweetness of the basil, and the natural zucchini flavor.

    🥘 What you need for this recipe

    Ingredients and Substitutions

    ingredients with labels.
    • Spaghetti - If using a boxed pasta, I highly recommend finding a good-quality, Italian made pasta. Otherwise, try making your own spaghetti at home!
    • Zucchini - The most authentic route is to use the smaller, more firm zucchinis. However, if you can't get those, a regular zucchini is fine!
    • Garlic - Use fresh garlic cloves, avoid using pre-minced.
    • Olive Oil - Use a high-quality, Italian olive oil.
    • Parmesan - For the vegan version I used the VioLife parmesan block and grated it. For real dairy, find a high quality parmigiano reggiano OR a pecorino romano.
    • Provolone - For the vegan version, I used VioLife smoked provolone slices, then sliced them very thinly. You could also use a vegan mature cheddar. For the dairy version, use good quality Italian Provolone di Monaco.
    • Basil Leaves - Fresh basil leaves, don't use dried basil.

    📋 How to make Spaghetti alla Nerano

    Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

    Begin by slicing the zucchini into thin rounds or coin-shaped pieces.

    Layer a plate or cutting board with paper towels. Place the zucchini coins on the paper towels in rows in a single layer.

    Sprinkle fine salt over the zucchini and let it sit for 10 minutes, until water begins to extract. Flip the coins and repeat.

    zucchini slices on a paper towel on a cutting board.

    Bring a large pot of water with salt to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, then cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve a ladleful of pasta water.

    Finely mince garlic cloves.

    Grate the cheeses. If using vegan provolone slices, use a sharp knife to finely slice it, emulating shreds.

    Step 2: Fry Zucchini

    In a large sauté pan or heavy-bottomed pot, add ¾ cup of extra virgin olive oil.

    Heat the oil over medium, without letting it get too hot.

    Pat the salted zucchini slices completely dry, then carefully add the slices to the hot olive oil.

    The zucchini should gently sizzle in the oil. Let it simmer in the oil until it becomes slightly golden.

    Remove the zucchini with a slotted spoon or spatula.

    Place torn basil and the fried slices on a paper towel-lined plate.

    zucchini slices frying in a pan.
    fried zucchini with torn basil on a paper towel.

    Step 3: Make the sauce

    Use a measuring cup to remove about ½ cup of olive oil.

    Return the pan to the stove and keep the heat on low.

    Add minced garlic and sauté until just slightly golden.

    Toss in the cooked spaghetti with the oil and garlic.

    garlic sauteing in oil in a pan.
    spaghetti in a pan tossed with garlic and oil.

    Add both of the cheeses as well as the butter and stir until melted.

    Mix in the fried zucchini slices and torn basil. Toss until well combined, adding pasta water if needed.

    both cheeses added to spaghetti.
    spaghetti in a pan with zucchini and basil.

    Taste and season with more salt (as needed) and pepper. Serve hot and enjoy immediately!

    spaghetti alla nerano in a white bowl with a fork twirling pasta.

    💭 Expert Tips and Tricks

    • Don't skip the step of salting the zucchini slices. This helps to extract the excess water in the zucchini, making it easier to fry and turn out crispier!
    • Only use fresh basil leaves! Using dried basil will not yield the correct flavor.
    • Be careful with the amount of salt that you add. Because the pasta water should be heavily salted, the zucchini slices are also salted, and the cheeses are salty the end dish shouldn't need too much more, if any. Be sure to taste before adding extra seasoning.

    Recipe FAQs

    Is spaghetti alla nerano vegetarian or vegan?

    Using traditional dairy ingredients, this dish is fully vegetarian if you make sure that the cheeses do not contain rennet. To make this dish vegan, I include non-dairy options!

    Can I make this gluten-free?

    To make this dish gluten-free, just substitute gluten-free spaghetti! Luckily, none of the other ingredients contain gluten.

    How long does this keep?

    Store any leftover pasta and sauce in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Be aware that the zucchini may become a bit soggy overtime.

    Storage & Reheating Tips:

    • Store in the Fridge: Wait until the pasta comes to room temperature and store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 4-5 days.
    • Store in the Freezer: Store in a freezer-safe airtight container for up to about 3 months.
    • How to Reheat: Always inspect leftovers for impurities or mold by using your eyes and nose. Reheat by adding to a nonstick pan with a dash of olive oil over medium heat until heated through. Garnish with fresh parmesan.

    Related Recipes

    • Easy Vegan Spaghetti Carbonara
    • Creamy Vegan Tuscan Pasta (Instant Pot)
    • Creamy Tahini Pasta
    • Instant Pot Pearl (Israeli) Couscous

    Love a recipe you've tried? Please leave a 5-star🌟 rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page. Don't forget to tag me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook when you try one of my recipes!

    📖 Recipe

    Spaghetti Alla Nerano

    This spaghetti alla nerano is one of the best-kept Italian secrets! This fried zucchini & basil pasta in a creamy sauce is popular among the Amalfi coast. Make this at home in 30 minutes or less!
    5 from 7 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course, Side Dish
    Cuisine: Italian
    Diet: Vegan, Vegetarian
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes
    Servings: 4 people
    Calories: 431kcal
    Author: Emily

    Equipment

    • Medium-sized pot
    • Large pan
    • Cheese grater
    • Sharp Knife

    Ingredients

    • 8 oz Spaghetti
    • 2 cups Zucchini sliced
    • 2 cloves Garlic minced
    • ¾ cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
    • ½ cup Parmigiano Reggiano OR Vegan Violife Parmesan
    • ½ cup Provolone del Monaco OR Vegan Violife Smoked Provolone Slices
    • 6-8 leaves Fresh basil
    • 1 tablespoon Butter OR Vegan butter

    Instructions

    • Begin by thinly slicing the zucchini into round coin-shaped pieces.
    • Layer a plate or cutting board with paper towels. Place the zucchini coins on the paper towels in rows.
    • Sprinkle fine salt over the zucchini and let it sit for 10 minutes, until water begins to extract. Flip the coins and repeat.
    • Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, then cook spaghetti according to box instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve a small amount of pasta water.
    • Finely mince garlic cloves.
    • Grate the cheeses. If using vegan provolone slices, use a sharp knife to finely slice it, emulating shreds.
    • In a large pan or heavy-bottomed pot, add ¾ cup of extra virgin olive oil.
    • Heat the oil over medium, without letting it get too hot.
    • Pat the salted zucchini slices completely dry, then carefully add the slices to the hot olive oil.
    • The zucchini should gently sizzle in the oil. Let it simmer in the oil until it becomes slightly golden.
    • Remove the zucchini with a slotted spoon or spatula. Place the slices on a paper towel-lined plate.
    • Use a measuring cup to remove about ½ cup of olive oil.
    • Return the pan to the stove and keep the heat on low.
    • Add minced garlic and sauté until just slightly golden.
    • Toss in the cooked spaghetti with the oil and garlic.
    • Add both of the cheese and stir until melted.
    • Mix in the fried zucchini slices and torn basil. Toss until well combined, adding pasta water if needed.
    • Taste and season with more salt (as needed) and pepper. Serve hot and enjoy immediately!

    Notes

    • Parmesan - For the vegan version I used the VioLife parmesan block and grated it. For real dairy, find a high quality parmigiano reggiano.
    • Provolone - For the vegan version, I used VioLife smoked provolone slices, then sliced them very thinly. You could also use a vegan mature cheddar. For the dairy version, use good quality Italian Provolone del Monaco.
    • Don't skip the step of salting the zucchini slices. This helps to extract the excess water in the zucchini, making it easier to fry and turn out crispier!
    • Only use fresh basil leaves! Using dried basil will not yield the correct flavor.
    • Be careful with the amount of salt that you add. Because the pasta water should be heavily salted, the zucchini slices are also salted, and the cheeses are salty the end dish shouldn't need too much more, if any. Be sure to taste before adding extra seasoning.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 431kcal | Carbohydrates: 50.3g | Protein: 7.8g | Fat: 22.8g | Saturated Fat: 7.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9.9g | Sodium: 2024mg | Potassium: 155.8mg | Fiber: 2.6g | Sugar: 3.4g | Vitamin A: 6.3IU | Vitamin C: 10.8mg | Calcium: 13.1mg | Iron: 10.4mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @LegallyHealthyBlonde or tag #LegallyHealthyBlonde!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Anonymous

      December 22, 2021 at 7:28 pm

      5 stars
      Such a great recipe!!!

      Reply
    2. [email protected]

      May 04, 2022 at 6:03 pm

      5 stars
      This nearly naked spaghetti is so tasty. Thanks.

      Reply
    3. Auntiett

      May 13, 2022 at 3:18 am

      5 stars
      Cooked this tonight and it was awesome! Thanks for this recipe.

      Reply
      • Emily

        May 13, 2022 at 9:01 pm

        I'm so happy you enjoyed it! It is one of my favorites!

        Reply
    4. Melissa Shabinsky

      June 02, 2022 at 12:32 am

      5 stars
      This was beyond delicious and the flovours brought us back to some of our favourite restaurants in Capri!

      Reply

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    Hi, I'm Emily! I am the classically trained chef-recipe creator behind Legally Healthy Blonde. I love fancy pasta, a good martini, and cooking impressive meals for myself and friends! I created LHB to share my passion of cooking and entertaining with everyone! If you love feel-good food that looks & tastes impressive, you're in the right spot!

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