Spaghetti alla Nerano

Ingredients

• 350g (12 oz) spaghetti 350g (12 oz) spaghetti
• 4 medium zucchini, thinly sliced 4 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat: 18g (Saturated Fat: 6g)
• Carbohydrates: 55g (Sugars: 4g)
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the sliced zucchini to the skillet and cook until golden brown and tender, stirring occasionally. This should take about 10-12 minutes.
4. 4.
   Once the zucchini is cooked, add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss well to combine.
5. 5.
   Sprinkle the lemon zest over the pasta and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until well coated.
6. 6.
   Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Toss again to ensure the cheese is evenly distributed and melted.
7. 7.
   Serve the Spaghetti alla Nerano hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Zucchini — Make sure to slice the zucchini thinly and evenly to ensure even cooking. Avoid overcooking to maintain a slight crunch in the zucchini.

Tips & Tricks

• For a touch of freshness, squeeze some lemon juice over the pasta just before serving.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes according to your taste.
• To make it more substantial, add grilled chicken or shrimp to the dish.
• Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano, for a unique twist.
• Leftovers can be enjoyed cold as a refreshing pasta salad.

Serving advice

Serve the Spaghetti alla Nerano as a main course, accompanied by a fresh green salad and crusty bread. It pairs well with a glass of crisp white wine.

Presentation advice

Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a few basil leaves for a pop of color. Serve it in a shallow pasta bowl to showcase the beautiful combination of zucchini and spaghetti.