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Spaghetti alla Nerano

Delicious Spaghetti alla Nerano: Creamy & Veggie-Packed

Spaghetti alla Nerano is a creamy and veggie-packed pasta celebrated for its simplicity and fresh ingredients.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Spaghetti feel free to swap with fettuccine or bucatini
For the Sauce
  • 2 cups Zucchini sliced rounds, opt for fresh and seasonal
  • 3 tbsp Olive Oil extra virgin olive oil recommended
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced, for best flavor
  • 1 cup Pecorino Romano Cheese grated, can substitute with Parmigiano-Reggiano
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  • 1 cup Fresh Basil chopped, substitute with parsley if needed
Optional Enhancements
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes for a burst of color and flavor
  • 2 cups Spinach a nutritious addition

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Large skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, and add your spaghetti. Cook according to the package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water to use later.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 1 minute or until fragrant.
  3. Add 2 cups of sliced zucchini rounds to the skillet with the sautéed garlic. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini becomes tender.
  4. Once the zucchini is ready, add the drained spaghetti to the skillet. Pour in about ½ cup of the reserved pasta water, stirring well to combine.
  5. Stir in 1 cup of grated Pecorino Romano cheese, along with a handful of chopped fresh basil. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  6. Divide the spaghetti among warm plates. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Pecorino Romano cheese.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 15gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 5gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best results, use quality ingredients and avoid overcooking zucchini. Reserve pasta water for a creamy sauce.

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