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Dinner

Spaghetti alla Nerano

A creamy and fresh Italian pasta dish featuring golden fried zucchini and fragrant basil.

By Daily Recipes Book· 🌍 Italian· July 22, 2026
Spaghetti alla Nerano
dailyrecipesbook.com
Prep
15 minutes
Cook
30 minutes
Total
45 minutes
Serves
4

Spaghetti alla Nerano is a beautiful Neapolitan classic that captures the spirit of the Italian seaside. It is famous for its simple combination of tender zucchini, fresh basil, and a luscious, creamy sauce that comes together using the natural starches from the pasta.

This version uses a few smart techniques to get the perfect texture without the need for heavy cream or butter. It is a fantastic meal to serve when you want something that tastes fancy and authentic but remains light enough for a summer dinner.

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 pounds zucchini, sliced into 1/8 inch rounds
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 pound dry spaghetti
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 2 cups reserved pasta cooking water

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat until it reaches 350 degrees or sizzles when a zucchini slice is added.

  2. 2

    Fry the zucchini rounds in batches until they are golden brown on both sides, then remove with a slotted spoon to a paper towel lined plate.

  3. 3

    Once all zucchini is fried, sprinkle with the salt and toss gently to coat.

  4. 4

    Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until it is al dente, making sure to reserve 2 cups of the starchy pasta water before draining.

  5. 5

    Add the cooked zucchini back into the skillet over medium heat and mash some pieces slightly to help create a sauce base.

  6. 6

    Add the cooked spaghetti and 1 cup of the reserved pasta water to the skillet, tossing vigorously with tongs.

  7. 7

    Remove the pan from the heat, add the grated cheese, and continue to stir until a creamy sauce forms, adding more pasta water if it looks too dry.

  8. 8

    Fold in the fresh basil and serve immediately.

💡 Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water to bring back the creaminess. This dish is best served right away while the cheese sauce is silky and fresh.

#Vegetarian#Italian#Pasta#Healthy#Easy Dinner

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