Spaghetti alla Nerano

The Iconic Italian Pasta with Zucchini and Cheese

If you’re looking for an authentic Italian pasta dish that’s both simple and incredibly flavorful, Spaghetti alla Nerano is a must-try.

This dish originates from the beautiful coastal town of Nerano, Italy, and is made with thinly sliced fried zucchini, spaghetti, and Provolone del Monaco cheese. The result? A creamy, rich pasta that perfectly balances simplicity and elegance.

With just a few fresh ingredients, you can bring a taste of the Amalfi Coast to your own kitchen!

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

320g spaghetti
2 medium zucchinis (about 300g), thinly sliced
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
50g Provolone del Monaco cheese, grated (or substitute with aged provolone)
30g Parmesan cheese, grated
5-6 fresh basil leaves, torn
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Oil for frying (such as sunflower or vegetable oil)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini

Thinly slice the zucchini into rounds.
Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
Fry the zucchini slices in batches until golden brown (about 2-3 minutes per side).
Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the spaghetti until al dente, according to package instructions.
Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of pasta water.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a large pan, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the fried zucchini and stir to coat in the oil.
Pour in a few tablespoons of pasta water to help create a sauce.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the pan.
Toss everything together, gradually adding grated Provolone del Monaco and Parmesan cheese while stirring.
If needed, add more pasta water to achieve a creamy consistency.
Season with salt, black pepper, and fresh basil.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

Plate the pasta and top with extra cheese and fresh basil.
Serve immediately and enjoy a taste of Italy!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Serves 4)

Calories: 480 kcal
Carbohydrates: 62g
Protein: 14g
Fats: 18g
Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 5g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredient choices.

Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Spaghetti alla Nerano

✨ Use the right cheese – Provolone del Monaco gives the most authentic taste, but aged provolone is a great substitute.

✨ Fry the zucchini properly – Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches for perfect crispiness.

✨ Reserve pasta water! – The starchy water helps create the creamy sauce without adding cream.

✨ Let the zucchini rest – Some chefs recommend resting the fried zucchini for a few hours or overnight to enhance the flavor.

✨ Serve immediately – This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as the sauce thickens when cooled.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Authentic Italian recipe from the Amalfi Coast
✔ Simple yet rich flavors
✔ Uses only a few fresh ingredients
✔ No heavy cream—just natural creaminess from cheese and pasta water
✔ Perfect for a quick but elegant dinner