Spaghetti alla Nerano

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of creamy pasta dishes, Spaghetti alla Nerano is the perfect Italian recipe for you! Originating from the small coastal village of Nerano on the Amalfi Coast, this dish combines spaghetti with a rich, buttery sauce made from zucchini, provolone cheese, and a touch of Parmesan. What sets it apart is its simple yet incredibly flavorful sauce that coats each strand of pasta, creating a truly indulgent yet comforting meal.

This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or even for a special occasion, as it’s easy to prepare but bursting with authentic Italian flavors. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy seasonal zucchini in a fresh, new way!

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

250g spaghetti
2 medium zucchinis (about 300g), thinly sliced
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
100g provolone cheese, shredded
50g Parmesan cheese, grated
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
A squeeze of lemon juice (optional, for added zest)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (typically 8-10 minutes).
Reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water and then drain the pasta.

Step 2: Prepare the Zucchini Sauce

While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Add the sliced zucchini and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until the zucchini is soft and lightly golden.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 3: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the zucchini.
Pour in a small amount of the reserved pasta water and toss well to coat the pasta.
Gradually add the shredded provolone cheese and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the cheeses melt and create a creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more pasta water to loosen it.

Step 4: Final Touches

Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness (optional but recommended).
Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy zucchini sauce.

Step 5: Serve & Garnish

Divide the pasta into serving bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, creamy goodness of this Italian classic!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Serves 4)

Calories: 470 kcal
Carbohydrates: 50g
Protein: 18g
Fats: 22g
Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 6g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredient choices.

Tips & Tricks for the Best Spaghetti alla Nerano

✨ Use high-quality cheese – The richness of the provolone and Parmesan is key to creating a deliciously creamy sauce. Try to use freshly shredded cheese for the best flavor!

✨ Zucchini texture – For a smoother sauce, you can blend the cooked zucchini before combining with the pasta, or leave it slightly chunky for added texture.

✨ Don’t overcook the zucchini – It should be golden and tender, but not mushy. A little bite adds texture to the sauce.

✨ Customize your pasta – While spaghetti is traditional, feel free to use other pasta like fettuccine or linguine for variety!

✨ Serve with a side salad – This dish pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or a crusty Italian bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

Why This Recipe is a Must-Try

✔ Rich, creamy, and full of flavor
✔ Quick and easy to prepare
✔ Perfect for using fresh, seasonal zucchini
✔ An authentic Italian dish that tastes like it’s from the Amalfi Coast
✔ Comforting yet light – ideal for all seasons