This Cheesy Spaghetti Alla Nerano is a comforting dish that features spaghetti tossed with fresh zucchini and a rich, cheesy sauce. It’s simple but bursting with flavor!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti: This recipe calls for spaghetti, which is traditional. You can swap it with other types like linguine or fettuccine for a different texture, but I find spaghetti works best for this dish.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini is essential for its mild flavor and texture. If zucchini isn’t available, try yellow squash or eggplant for a similar effect. Just remember to slice them thin enough to fry evenly.
Pecorino Romano Cheese: This cheese adds a sharp flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, mixing Pecorino with Parmesan works great! You can also use Grana Padano in a pinch.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil gives richness. If you’re in a hurry, any cooking oil works, but I recommend sticking with olive oil for the best flavor.
How Do I Get My Zucchini Perfectly Fried?
Frying zucchini to perfection is key to this dish. Follow these steps for crispy and delicious zucchini:
- Ensure the oil is hot before adding zucchini; it should sizzle when you add slices.
- Fry in small batches to prevent steaming; overcrowding will make them soggy.
- Cook until golden brown and tender, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
This method enhances the zucchini’s flavor and adds a nice crunch to your pasta!
Stanley Tucci’s Favorite Cheesy Spaghetti Alla Nerano
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz spaghetti
For the Zucchini:
- 3 medium zucchini, thinly sliced into rounds
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (optional)
For the Cheese:
- 1 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese (or a mix of Pecorino and Parmesan)
- Fresh basil leaves, torn for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 30 minutes total! You can expect 10-15 minutes for prep and cooking the spaghetti, plus about 15 minutes for frying the zucchini and assembling the dish. It’s a quick meal that’s packed with flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Spaghetti:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the spaghetti and cook it until al dente, following the package instructions. Remember to reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the spaghetti. This water is liquid gold for your sauce!
2. Frying the Zucchini:
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced zucchini in small batches so they don’t crowd the pan. Fry the zucchini until they’re golden brown and tender, which should take about 3-4 minutes on each side. Once cooked, remove them and drain on paper towels. Season lightly with salt to enhance their flavor.
3. Adding the Flavor:
If you’re using garlic, add it to the same pan and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Just be careful not to burn it! Then, return all the fried zucchini back to the pan.
4. Combining Everything:
Now it’s time to marry the ingredients! Add the hot, drained spaghetti to the pan along with about ½ cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together. Then, sprinkle the grated Pecorino Romano cheese over the pasta and zucchini. Toss vigorously over low heat. The cheese will melt and create a creamy sauce that clings beautifully to the spaghetti.
5. Finishing Touches:
If the sauce seems too dry, don’t hesitate to add more pasta water! Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking.
6. Serving:
Serve your scrumptious Cheesy Spaghetti Alla Nerano immediately. Top with fresh torn basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of cheese for that perfect finishing touch. Enjoy your delightful meal!
This comforting dish truly highlights the sweetness of the fried zucchini combined with the sharp, salty cheese, creating a luxurious, creamy sauce that is simply irresistible. Enjoy the flavors of Italy right at home!
FAQ for Stanley Tucci’s Favorite Cheesy Spaghetti Alla Nerano
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional, you can swap it for other long pastas like linguine or fettuccine. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so check the package instructions.
What Should I Do If I Have Leftover Zucchini?
If you have leftover zucchini, you can sauté them and use them in salads, stir-fries, or as a topping on pizza. You can also add them to a future pasta dish for an extra veggie boost!
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian-Friendly?
This recipe is already vegetarian, but if you want to make it vegan, simply substitute the cheese with a plant-based alternative and ensure no animal products are used in your pasta. Nutritional yeast can also be a great cheesy substitute!
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil if needed to bring back creaminess. Stir occasionally for even heating!
