Stanley Tucci’s Favorite Spaghetti Alla Nerano is a simple pasta dish that shines with the fresh flavors of zucchini and cheese. This creamy delight is sure to make your taste buds dance!
You won’t believe how easy it is to whip up! Just sauté your zucchini, mix it with pasta, and sprinkle with cheese. Perfect for a cozy dinner—and yes, you might want seconds! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti: Regular spaghetti is the classic choice here, but you can also use gluten-free pasta, or even whole wheat spaghetti if you prefer a healthier option. I’ve also enjoyed this recipe with linguine for a nice twist.
Zucchini: Three medium zucchinis are ideal for this dish, but if you can’t find them, yellow squash works just as well. You could also try eggplant if you’re feeling adventurous!
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: This oil adds great flavor. While I recommend sticking to extra virgin for its depth, you could use regular olive oil or even avocado oil in a pinch.
Pecorino Cheese: Pecorino gives this dish a sharp, salty flavor. If you can’t find it, Parmesan cheese is a great substitute, though it has a milder taste. I often combine both for an extra cheesy dish!
Basil: Fresh basil is perfect for garnishing. If you don’t have any, try using parsley or even spinach leaves for some color.
How Do I Cook Zucchini Perfectly So It’s Tender But Not Mushy?
Cooking zucchini is all about finding that sweet spot between tenderness and holding its shape. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Heat your skillet with olive oil over medium heat—this helps browning.
- Add the sliced zucchini in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding, which can lead to steaming rather than sautéing.
- Sauté for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden brown.
- Don’t rush adding the garlic—add it in the last minute so it doesn’t burn.
Cooking them slowly will help keep that bright green color and sweet flavor. Enjoy the process!
How to Make Stanley Tucci’s Favorite Spaghetti Alla Nerano
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 400g spaghetti
- 3 medium zucchini, sliced into thin rounds
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated pecorino cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: additional pecorino cheese for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious spaghetti dish will take about 25 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 10 minutes boiling the pasta and cooking the zucchini, with an extra 5 minutes for tossing and serving. It’s a quick and flavorful meal that’s great for any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Spaghetti:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add in the spaghetti and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—that means it should be cooked but still firm to the bite. Before draining, make sure to reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water. Then, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside.
2. Sautéing the Zucchini and Garlic:
While your spaghetti is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the thinly sliced zucchini. Sauté the zucchini until they turn golden brown and tender, which should take about 8-10 minutes. Don’t forget to stir occasionally! After that, add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, just until it becomes fragrant.
3. Combining Spaghetti and Zucchini:
Once the zucchini and garlic are ready, lower the heat to low. Now it’s time to add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the zucchini. Sprinkle in the grated pecorino cheese and toss everything together gently. To create that creamy sauce, gradually add the reserved pasta water, one little splash at a time, until you reach a beautifully creamy consistency. Season it all with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
4. Serving the Dish:
Finally, remove the skillet from the heat. Transfer your spaghetti to a charming serving bowl. To make it look fabulous, garnish with fresh basil leaves and sprinkle on extra pecorino cheese if you like. Ready to dig in? Serve immediately and enjoy every bite of Stanley Tucci’s Favorite Spaghetti Alla Nerano!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditionally used, you can substitute it with other pasta shapes like fettuccine, penne, or even gluten-free pasta. Just ensure you adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you choose.
What If I Don’t Have Pecorino Cheese?
If you can’t find pecorino cheese, you can use freshly grated Parmesan as a substitute. It will still add a great flavor, though the taste will be a bit milder. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning since Parmesan is typically less salty than pecorino!
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prep the zucchini and garlic in advance. Store them in the fridge for a day. When ready to serve, just cook the pasta and combine everything as per the instructions. The dish takes only minutes to finish up!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of olive oil or pasta water to bring back the creaminess. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the pasta dry out.
