This Easy Spaghetti Alla Nerano is a creamy and cheesy pasta dish that will impress everyone. With just a few simple ingredients, it’s a breeze to make!
If you’re like me and love cheese, you’ll appreciate the gooey goodness in each bite. Plus, it’s perfect for a cozy dinner or for showing off your cooking skills without the stress!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti: Traditional spaghetti works best, but you can switch it up with linguine or fettuccine if you prefer a different shape.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini is key to this dish. If you can’t find zucchini, you could use yellow squash, though it has a slightly different taste. You could even roast some bell peppers for a twist!
Cheese: Provolone is my top choice for flavor. If you can’t find it, try mozzarella or Gruyère. For a nutty kick, add some Pecorino Romano to the mix!
Fresh Basil: Fresh basil is essential for that fresh taste. If you don’t have it, dried basil works in a pinch, but fresh really makes a difference in flavor!
How Do I Make Sure My Zucchini is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking zucchini so it’s tender and golden can be tricky. Here’s how to get it right:
- Slice zucchini into rounds, making them about ¼ inch thick. This helps them cook evenly.
- Use medium heat and don’t overcrowd the skillet. Fry in batches if needed to avoid steaming.
- Fry until golden brown for about 3-4 minutes on each side. This brings out the natural sweetness!
Let your zucchini drain on paper towels to keep it crispy. This step adds to the texture of the dish, giving you that creamy, crunchy combination in each bite!
Easy Spaghetti Alla Nerano Recipe Like Stanley Tucci’s
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
- 3 medium zucchini, thinly sliced into rounds
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated provolone cheese (preferably aged or semi-aged)
- ½ cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take about 30 minutes to prepare from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes on prep work and 20 minutes cooking, making it a quick and scrumptious family meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Spaghetti:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Don’t forget to reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the spaghetti!
2. Fry the Zucchini:
While the spaghetti is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced zucchini in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them until they are golden brown and tender, which should take around 3-4 minutes per side. Once done, remove the zucchini from the skillet and place them on paper towels to drain. Lightly sprinkle with salt.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, you used for the zucchini, add a little more olive oil if necessary. Gently sauté the minced garlic until it becomes fragrant, about 30 seconds. Be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can taste bitter!
4. Combine the Zucchini and Spaghetti:
Next, return the fried zucchini to the skillet along with the sautéed garlic. Place the drained spaghetti on top and toss everything together gently to mix.
5. Add the Cheese:
Now it’s time to make things cheesy! Sprinkle the grated provolone and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheeses over the pasta. Toss well while adding some of the reserved pasta water a little bit at a time. This helps the cheese melt and create a deliciously creamy sauce that coats the spaghetti and zucchini.
6. Add Fresh Basil and Season:
Stir in the chopped fresh basil and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, mixing it all until everything is well combined.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil leaves and a bit more grated cheese if you like! Enjoy your delicious Spaghetti Alla Nerano, just like Stanley Tucci!
This recipe captures the essence of Stanley Tucci’s beloved dish with creamy melted cheese blending perfectly with the tender zucchini and al dente spaghetti. Buon appetito!
FAQ for Easy Spaghetti Alla Nerano Recipe
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional, you can easily swap it for linguine, fettuccine, or even whole wheat pasta. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary depending on the pasta shape!
Can I Make This Dish Vegan?
Yes! To make it vegan, simply replace the cheeses with plant-based alternatives. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor without dairy. Additionally, use olive oil for sautéing instead of butter to keep everything vegan-friendly!
What Should I Do If I Have Leftover Zucchini?
If you have leftover zucchini, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat any leftovers in a skillet over low heat to maintain the zucchini’s texture before mixing with fresh pasta!
How Can I Make This Dish Creamier?
If you want extra creaminess, you can add a splash of heavy cream or use ricotta cheese along with the provolone. Just mix it in with the pasta water to get a beautifully rich and creamy sauce!
