Best Easy Spaghetti alla Nerano Recipe

Fried zucchini and melted provolone del Monaco coat spaghetti in this Campanian vegetarian gem. A fresh mediterranean dish celebrating seasonal produce, perfect for a healthy family dinner.

Cook 35 min Difficulty NORMAL 440 kcal
#vegetarian #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • spaghetti 12 oz
  • zucchini 5 pieces
  • provolone del Monaco cheese 6 oz
  • fresh basil 1 cup
  • extra virgin olive oil 0.5 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • salt 1 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 66 g 60%
Protein 14 g 13%
Fat 14 g 27%
Serving size 320g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Slice zucchini into thin rounds, about 1/8-inch thick, for even frying.

  2. 2

    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high until shimmering; fry zucchini in batches, turning occasionally, until deeply golden and crisp, about 3–4 minutes per batch.

  3. 3

    Transfer fried zucchini to a paper towel-lined plate and sprinkle lightly with salt to draw out moisture.

  4. 4

    Cook spaghetti in boiling salted water until just al dente; reserve 1 cup pasta water and drain.

  5. 5

    Add fried zucchini and reserved pasta water to spaghetti in a skillet over medium heat; toss gently, add shredded provolone del Monaco, stirring constantly until cheese melts into a creamy sauce. Finish with torn basil and cracked black pepper.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Best Easy Spaghetti alla Nerano Recipe?
The star of this recipe is zucchini, which is thinly sliced and fried until golden. Its sweet, earthy flavors combine beautifully with provolone del Monaco cheese, creating the signature creamy texture and taste that defines Spaghetti alla Nerano.
Q. How should I control the heat when frying the zucchini?
Fry the zucchini over medium-high heat to ensure quick browning without excess oil absorption. If the oil isn't hot enough, zucchini can turn soggy; too hot, and they'll burn. Adjust heat as needed between batches for best crispness.
Q. What's the secret to a creamy sauce without overcooking the pasta?
Reserve pasta water and combine it with fried zucchini and grated provolone del Monaco over gentle heat, tossing until the cheese melts. Keep the heat moderate to prevent the cheese from clumping. Add basil and pepper only at the end.
Q. How many calories and what’s the main nutrient breakdown per serving?
Each serving provides approximately 440 kcal, with 66g carbohydrates (60%), 14g protein (13%), and 14g fat (27%). This makes the dish moderately balanced and suitable for a vegetarian Mediterranean meal.
Q. Which tags describe the recipe’s dietary style?
Based on its ingredients and nutrition profile, this recipe is best described as vegetarian and mediterranean, highlighting plant-based produce, olive oil, and regional Italian flavors.
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