Description
An iconic pasta from the Amalfi Coast, combining golden fried zucchini, sharp pecorino romano, and fresh basil with perfectly al dente spaghetti.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 5 garlic cloves (peeled)
- 3–5 fresh zucchini (depending on size)
- 1/2 lb spaghetti (or 1 lb for more servings)
- 1 cup pecorino romano (+ more for serving)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves (+ more for serving)
- sea salt (to taste)
- freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Trim zucchini ends and cut into a mix of sizes and shapes such as rounds, half-moons, and chunks. Heat olive oil in a deep skillet over medium-low. Add garlic cloves and one piece of zucchini to the pan.
- Once the zucchini is bubbling, you’re ready to start frying the rest in batches. Remove and discard the garlic cloves before they get burnt.
- Add zucchini in small batches. As pieces begin to soften, transfer them to a bowl and keep adding more raw zucchini to the pan.
- Meanwhile, cook spaghetti in boiling salted water to al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water.
- Transfer a portion of the cooked zucchini to another bowl and blend with an immersion blender until mostly blended but not a full puree.
- Return blended zucchini back to the skillet with leftover oil over low heat. Toss to cook briefly, then add in the rest of the fried zucchini.
- Using tongs, transfer al dente spaghetti directly to the skillet along with torn basil leaves, and a ladle of pasta water. Toss to combine.
- Turn off the heat and add 1 cup pecorino with another splash of pasta water. Toss vigorously to create a creamy sauce.
- Serve with more pecorino, fresh basil, and black pepper if desired.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Spaghetti Alla Nerano, Pasta, Italian Recipe, Zucchini Pasta