Dreamy Spaghetti Alla Nerano Recipe: A Taste of Italian Joy

Vibrant summer zucchini meets a classic comfort dish in this crispy spaghetti alla nerano recipe that originated in Naples.

The streets of Southern Italy whisper stories of culinary magic behind this beloved plate.

Sizzling golden zucchini slices caramelize with rich parmesan, creating layers of extraordinary flavor.

Each twirl of pasta carries the warmth of traditional southern Italian cooking.

Cheese melts into silky strands, coating every inch with nutty, crisp goodness.

The technique transforms simple ingredients into a masterpiece that sings with rustic elegance.

Prepare to savor a recipe that captures the heart of Italian home cooking.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 570 kcal

Servings: 5

Everything Needed For Spaghetti Alla Nerano Recipe

• Zucchini: Creamy and tender vegetable with mild flavor that becomes wonderfully crispy when fried, choose fresh zucchini with firm, glossy skin and no blemishes.

• Olive Oil: High-quality extra virgin oil provides rich flavor and ensures perfect golden frying, select cold-pressed varieties for best taste.
• Salt: Enhances natural zucchini sweetness and balances the dish's overall flavor, use fine sea salt for even distribution.

Tools To Use For Spaghetti Alla Nerano Recipe

• Large frying pan: Essential for sautéing zucchini and creating crispy golden slices.
• Paper towel-lined plate: Helps drain excess oil from fried zucchini and keeps them crisp.
• Tongs or slotted spoon: Perfect for safely transferring zucchini in and out of hot oil.
• Sharp knife: Needed to slice zucchini into uniform pieces for even cooking.
• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for slicing vegetables.

How To Cook Spaghetti Alla Nerano Recipe

• Prepare Zucchini Slices

Slice zucchini thinly and evenly, creating delicate rounds that will transform into crispy golden treasures. Pat the slices dry to ensure perfect frying.

• Create Crispy Zucchini Layers

Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high flame, allowing the oil to shimmer with anticipation. Gently lower zucchini rounds into the hot oil, working in small batches to maintain optimal crispiness. Fry each slice until edges turn a beautiful golden brown, roughly 2-3 minutes per side.

• Drain and Season

Rescue the zucchini from the sizzling oil and let them rest on a paper towel-lined plate. The towels will absorb any excess oil, ensuring a light and delicate texture. Sprinkle a whisper of salt over the fried zucchini, enhancing their natural flavors and adding a subtle seasoning.

Tips For Spaghetti Alla Nerano Recipe Flavor

• Zucchini Perfection: Pat zucchini slices dry before frying to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent excess oil absorption.
• Oil Temperature Control: Maintain a consistent medium-high heat to achieve an even golden-brown color without burning the zucchini slices.
• Draining Technique: Let fried zucchini rest on paper towels to remove excess oil, keeping the dish lighter and crispier.
• Vegetarian Delight: This recipe is naturally vegetarian and can be easily made vegan by using plant-based cheese alternatives.
• Quick Meal Prep: Fry zucchini in advance and store in the refrigerator to save time when preparing the final dish.

Serving Spaghetti Alla Nerano Recipe The Easy Way

• Zucchini Flavor Boost: Sprinkle some fresh basil leaves over the spaghetti to add a vibrant, herbal touch that complements the rich zucchini and cheese.
• Italian-Style Side Pairing: Serve alongside a crisp arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the creamy, warm pasta with a light, tangy contrast.
• Wine Companion Delight: Choose a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Vermentino to enhance the delicate zucchini flavors and cut through the cheese's richness.
• Rustic Bread Complement: Add some toasted crusty Italian bread on the side to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a satisfying textural crunch to the meal.

Storing Spaghetti Alla Nerano Recipe For Later

• Zucchini Care Technique: Pat the fried zucchini dry with paper towels to remove maximum oil, ensuring a crisp texture and preventing sogginess during storage.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store cooked zucchini and pasta separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days, maintaining the best flavor and preventing moisture buildup.
• Reheating Magic: Warm spaghetti alla Nerano gently in a skillet with a splash of olive oil to restore the original creamy texture and revive the zucchini's crispy edges.
• Freezing Warning: Avoid freezing this dish, as the delicate zucchini and cheese components will lose their signature texture and become watery when thawed.

Crispy Spaghetti Alla Nerano Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Spaghetti alla Nerano, a classic Italian dish from Naples, showcases zucchini and cheese in perfect harmony. Creamy provolone and crisp zucchini create a simple yet luxurious pasta experience you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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• 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
• 3 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (100 g) provolone del Monaco cheese, grated
• ½ cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese
• ⅓ cup (80 mL) olive oil
• salt, to taste
• black pepper, to taste
• fresh basil leaves, torn
• lemon zest

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Instructions

1. Skillet Preparation: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and ready for sautéing.
2. Zucchini Frying: Carefully arrange zucchini slices in a single layer, cooking until edges turn a rich golden-brown and surfaces develop a crispy texture, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
3. Draining and Seasoning: Transfer fried zucchini to a paper towel-lined plate, allowing excess oil to drain, then lightly season with salt to amplify the vegetable’s inherent taste profile.

Notes

• Perfect Zucchini Frying: Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature around 350°F for consistent golden-brown color without absorbing excess oil.
• Preventing Soggy Texture: Pat zucchini dry before frying to remove moisture, ensuring crispy edges and preventing oil splatter.
• Salt Selection Matters: Choose fine sea salt for even seasoning, which distributes more uniformly across zucchini slices compared to coarse salt.
• Oil Quality Impact: Select high-smoke-point olive oil or vegetable oil to achieve optimal frying results without burning or developing bitter flavors.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg