When thinking about the many wonderful pasta dishes Italy has graced us with, Spaghetti alla Nerano easily finds its place among the greats. Hailing from the Campania region, this dish perfectly balances the creamy goodness of Parmesan with the tenderness of fried zucchini. The beauty lies in its simplicity and the delightful contrast of textures. Fast, fuss-free, and downright delicious, this dish is a refreshing deviation from the tomato-based classics and an absolute must-try.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

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1 lb spaghetti
2 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 cup olive oil
A handful of fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the zucchini slices in batches, frying until they turn golden brown on both sides.
Remove the zucchini and set them aside. In the remaining oil, sauté the minced garlic just until fragrant.
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing it in the garlic-infused oil. Finally, fold in the fried zucchini, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil. Season with salt and pepper, tossing everything together until well combined.

Notes

Perfecting Spaghetti alla Nerano is all about achieving that right balance between the cheese and zucchini. Ensure your zucchini slices aren’t too thick; this way, they fry up crisp yet retain a soft interior. While this dish shines on its own, pairing it with a crisp white wine, like Pinot Grigio, can elevate the dining experience. If you’re in the mood for some protein, grilled chicken or shrimp makes a lovely side. And remember, always use the best quality olive oil you can find—it makes all the difference.

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.