This Easy Spaghetti Alla Nerano is a simple yet tasty dish. It features fresh zucchini, pasta, cheese, and a touch of olive oil for a delightful meal that feels special.
I love how quick this is to whip up on a busy night. Pair it with a salad, and you’ve got a dinner to impress without the stress!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti: This dish traditionally uses spaghetti, but you can swap it for other pasta like fettuccine or linguine. It’s all about your preference!
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini gives the dish its character. If zucchinis aren’t available, yellow squash can be a nice alternative with similar texture.
Pecorino Romano: This cheese offers a salty tangy flavor. If you can’t find it, use grated Parmesan or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Basil: Fresh basil adds brightness to the dish. If you’re out, try using fresh parsley or even spinach for a different twist.
How Do I Achieve a Creamy Sauce Without Cream?
Creating a creamy sauce in this recipe relies on the combination of cheese and reserved pasta water. This technique ensures the sauce clings to the pasta perfectly.
- Cook spaghetti until al dente, ensuring you reserve a cup of starchy pasta water before draining.
- Combine the pasta with sautéed garlic and gradually mix in the cheeses to allow them to melt smoothly.
- Add the reserved pasta water slowly, stirring continuously. This helps create a silky sauce!
Remember, the starchy water is the secret ingredient to making your sauce creamy without using heavy cream. Enjoy the perfect texture in every bite!
Stanley Tucci’s Favorite Easy Spaghetti Alla Nerano
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
- 3 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced into rounds
- 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- A handful of fresh basil leaves, torn for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 20 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s quick, fresh, and perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Remember to reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining your pasta.
2. Sauté the Zucchini:
While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the zucchini slices in a single layer, cooking them until they’re golden brown and tender, which should take about 3-4 minutes per side. Once done, remove the zucchini from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté it just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Be careful not to let it brown, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Now, add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the sautéed garlic. Toss everything together to coat the pasta well. Gradually sprinkle in the Pecorino Romano and Parmesan cheeses, stirring constantly. Pour in the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you achieve a creamy sauce that nicely coats the pasta.
5. Mix in the Zucchini:
Gently fold in the sautéed zucchini slices, saving a few for garnishing on top. Make sure everything is well combined.
6. Season to Taste:
Finally, season your spaghetti with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste preferences.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish out your spaghetti onto plates, topping each serving with the reserved zucchini slices and torn fresh basil leaves. For an extra touch, you can also sprinkle more Pecorino Romano or Parmesan on top right before serving.
Enjoy your beautiful, simple, and flavorful plate of Spaghetti Alla Nerano inspired by Stanley Tucci! It’s a delightful dish that never fails to impress!
FAQ about Stanley Tucci’s Favorite Easy Spaghetti Alla Nerano
Can I Use Other Pasta Instead of Spaghetti?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional, you can easily substitute it with other types of pasta such as fettuccine, linguine, or even penne for a different texture.
What If I Don’t Have Pecorino Romano Cheese?
No worries! If Pecorino Romano isn’t available, you can replace it with grated Parmesan cheese, or a mix of Parmesan and Grana Padano for a similar flavor profile.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or olive oil to help regain the creaminess and prevent drying out.
Can I Add Protein to This Dish?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy pancetta would be great additions. If you add protein, just make sure to cook it separately and mix it in at the end.
