This dish perfectly balances the freshness of zucchini and the richness of Pecorino Romano cheese. The creamy pasta sauce is created by adding reserved pasta water, resulting in a light yet satisfying texture that coats each strand of spaghetti.
The beauty of Spaghetti alla Nerano lies in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients, it captures the essence of Italian cuisine – using fresh, seasonal vegetables and simple techniques to create something extraordinary. The zucchini adds a subtle sweetness, while the cheese and basil elevate the dish, making it an elegant and comforting choice for any occasion.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb spaghetti
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2 medium zucchinis, sliced into thin rounds
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1/4 cup olive oil
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
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1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions:
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Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions, then drain, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water.
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While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
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Add the zucchini rounds to the skillet and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until they soften and become slightly golden.
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Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with some of the reserved pasta water to create a creamy sauce. Stir everything together until well combined.
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Stir in the Pecorino Romano cheese, basil, and a generous amount of salt and pepper.
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Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil and cheese.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Glimpse into the History of Spaghetti alla Nerano
Spaghetti alla Nerano originated in the town of Nerano, situated in the Campania region of Italy. The town itself is known for its picturesque beauty, nestled between the Tyrrhenian Sea and the lush hills of the Sorrento Peninsula. The dish was created in the 1950s at a local restaurant called “da Emilia,” a family-run establishment that still serves the dish today. Legend has it that a group of fishermen asked the chef for a simple pasta dish, something light yet satisfying. Drawing on the abundant zucchini from the region, the chef combined the vegetable with cheese, pasta, and a few other ingredients to create what would later become Spaghetti alla Nerano.
The recipe has since become a staple of Italian cuisine, particularly in the Campania and Amalfi Coast areas. It embodies the idea of cucina povera, or “poor kitchen,” which is the tradition of using inexpensive, humble ingredients to create dishes full of flavor. The use of zucchini, a vegetable that grows abundantly in the region, combined with the rich and creamy texture of Pecorino Romano cheese, results in a dish that perfectly balances simplicity and decadence.
Cultural Significance of Spaghetti alla Nerano
Spaghetti alla Nerano holds a special place in Italian culinary culture. It is a dish that highlights the importance of fresh, seasonal ingredients and regional cooking. In Italy, food is often seen as an expression of local identity, and Spaghetti alla Nerano is no exception. The use of zucchini, a vegetable that thrives in the fertile soil of Campania, reflects the region’s agricultural abundance. Similarly, the Pecorino Romano cheese used in the dish is a symbol of Italian cheesemaking, particularly in the Lazio and Sardinia regions.
The dish also represents the values of simplicity and sustainability in Italian cooking. Italians have long prided themselves on using what is available locally, creating meals that are both affordable and nourishing. Spaghetti alla Nerano embodies these principles, as it uses basic ingredients like pasta, zucchini, and cheese to create a rich, comforting meal. This makes it an ideal dish for home cooks who want to recreate a piece of Italy in their own kitchens without needing to source expensive or hard-to-find ingredients.
The Flavor Profile of Spaghetti alla Nerano
One of the most appealing aspects of Spaghetti alla Nerano is its harmonious balance of flavors. The dish is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can be elevated to create something truly delicious. The zucchini is sautéed until golden and soft, releasing its natural sweetness, which complements the savory and slightly tangy Pecorino Romano cheese. The cheese melts into the pasta, creating a creamy sauce that coats each strand of spaghetti. The addition of garlic and basil brings a fragrant aroma and a fresh note to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
The combination of pasta, cheese, and zucchini is comforting, yet the dish remains light due to the lack of heavy cream or butter. The use of pasta water, reserved from cooking the spaghetti, helps to emulsify the sauce, giving it a silky texture that binds everything together. The result is a dish that feels indulgent without being overly rich—perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Variations of Spaghetti alla Nerano
While Spaghetti alla Nerano is traditionally made with just a few key ingredients, there are several variations that can be explored. Some recipes may include additional vegetables, such as tomatoes or onions, to enhance the dish’s flavor. Others might substitute Pecorino Romano with Parmigiano-Reggiano for a different taste profile. However, the core elements of the dish—pasta, zucchini, and cheese—remain unchanged.
In some versions of the dish, the zucchini is fried rather than sautéed, which adds a crispy texture and a slightly richer flavor. This variation is popular in certain regions of Italy, where fried zucchini is a beloved component of many traditional recipes. Additionally, some people like to experiment with different types of pasta, such as fettuccine or bucatini, to put their own spin on the dish. While these variations may differ slightly in terms of flavor and texture, they all maintain the spirit of Spaghetti alla Nerano—simple, fresh, and full of flavor.
Spaghetti alla Nerano in Popular Culture
Spaghetti alla Nerano gained worldwide recognition when actor and director Stanley Tucci featured it in his popular food series, “Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy.” In the show, Tucci travels through Italy, discovering the country’s culinary traditions and highlighting iconic dishes from each region. During his visit to the Amalfi Coast, he tasted Spaghetti alla Nerano and declared it to be one of the best pasta dishes he had ever eaten. His endorsement helped bring the dish into the spotlight, inspiring home cooks and food enthusiasts around the globe to try their hand at making this delicious Italian classic.
The dish’s appearance on the show also sparked interest in Italian cuisine more broadly, as viewers became curious about the flavors and techniques used in traditional Italian cooking. Spaghetti alla Nerano is a perfect example of how food can tell a story and connect people to a particular place, culture, and tradition. The dish has become a symbol of the Amalfi Coast and the rich culinary heritage of southern Italy.
Spaghetti alla Nerano: A Dish for All Occasions
One of the reasons Spaghetti alla Nerano is so beloved is its versatility. It is a dish that can be enjoyed in many different contexts, from casual family dinners to more formal gatherings. Its simplicity makes it ideal for a weeknight meal, as it comes together quickly and requires only a few ingredients. At the same time, its rich flavor and elegant presentation make it suitable for special occasions and dinner parties.
The dish also pairs beautifully with a variety of wines, particularly white wines like Pinot Grigio or Fiano. For those who prefer red wine, a light-bodied option such as Chianti or Dolcetto would complement the flavors of the dish nicely. Spaghetti alla Nerano can also be served with a simple salad, perhaps featuring fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella, to create a well-rounded meal.
Conclusion
Spaghetti alla Nerano is a shining example of the beauty of Italian cuisine. With its rich flavors, comforting textures, and simple ingredients, it has earned a place in the hearts of food lovers around the world. Whether you’re enjoying it for the first time or making it for a special occasion, Spaghetti alla Nerano brings a taste of the Amalfi Coast to your table. It’s a dish that embodies the essence of Italian cooking—celebrating local, fresh ingredients and creating something memorable with just a few key components. So, the next time you’re looking for a pasta dish that is both comforting and sophisticated, give Spaghetti alla Nerano a try and experience a true taste of Italy.