Stanley Tucci’s Creamy Spaghetti Alla Nerano is a delicious pasta dish that features zucchini, cheese, and a touch of cream. It’s rich, comforting, and simply lovely to share with friends or family.
Every time I make this, I can’t help but smile remembering how tasty it is! Plus, it’s easy to whip up, so you can enjoy a fancy meal without all the fuss. Bon appétit! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti: Traditional spaghetti is great, but you can swap it for linguine or fettuccine if that’s what you have. Just remember that cooking times may vary.
Zucchini: Fresh medium zucchini is perfect for this dish. If zucchini isn’t in season, try yellow squash or eggplant for a similar texture. Both will work beautifully!
Pecorino Romano: This cheese adds a sharp flavor. If you can’t find it, you can use grated Parmesan or Grana Padano. They won’t be quite the same, but still delicious!
Fresh Basil: Fresh basil elevates the dish! If you don’t have any, consider using a sprinkle of dried Italian herbs or oregano. Fresh is ideal, but dried can still add nice flavor.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Fried Zucchini?
Frying zucchini gives it a lovely crispness that adds texture to the dish. The key is to slice zucchini evenly so they cook at the same pace. Here’s how:
- Use medium heat to prevent burning. It’s important for the zucchini to cook through without browning too quickly.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if needed. This keeps the zucchini crispy instead of steaming.
- Drain on paper towels after frying to remove excess oil. Lightly sprinkle with salt for extra flavor!
How Do You Make the Sauce Creamy?
Creating that rich, creamy sauce is simple! Here’s how:
- Use the reserved pasta water to help the sauce come together. The starchy water adds creaminess without the need for heavy cream.
- Gradually add the cheeses while tossing the pasta. This ensures even coating and helps the cheese melt smoothly.
- Keep the heat low after adding the cheeses to avoid clumps and ensure a silky texture!
With these tips, your Spaghetti Alla Nerano will come out perfect every time—just like Stanley Tucci likes it! Enjoy cooking!
Stanley Tucci’s Favorite Creamy Spaghetti Alla Nerano
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 3 medium zucchini, thinly sliced into rounds
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup pasta cooking water (reserved)
- A handful of fresh basil leaves, chiffonade or torn
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take you about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10-15 minutes prepping and cooking the zucchini and spaghetti, and the rest will be on adding everything together. It’s a quick yet fancy meal that’s sure to impress!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Spaghetti:
First things first, bring 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 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining the spaghetti. This water will help create that creamy sauce later!
2. Frying the Zucchini:
While your spaghetti cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the zucchini slices in a single layer. If you can’t fit them all, fry them in batches! Cook the zucchini until they’re golden brown and tender, which should take about 3-4 minutes on each side. When done, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil and sprinkle lightly with salt.
3. Combining Ingredients:
Next, pour out any excess oil in the skillet, but leave about 1 tablespoon. Bring the skillet back to medium heat, then add the drained pasta along with the reserved pasta cooking water. Toss the mixture well to combine everything. This helps the spaghetti absorb that lovely flavor!
4. Making it Creamy:
Now, for the creamy goodness! Gradually add the grated Pecorino Romano and Parmesan cheeses while tossing the pasta. Keep mixing until the cheeses melt and coat the spaghetti in a delicious, creamy sauce. If it looks a bit too thick, you can always add a splash more of the reserved pasta water.
5. Finishing Touches:
Once the sauce is just right, gently fold in half of the fried zucchini slices into the pasta. This adds great texture, and who doesn’t love a bit of crunch?
6. Serving:
Time to serve! Transfer the creamy spaghetti to your serving bowls. Top with the remaining fried zucchini slices for that gorgeous presentation. Finally, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a lovely aromatic touch.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Creamy Spaghetti Alla Nerano! This dish beautifully combines the crunchy texture of zucchini, the creamy cheese sauce, and the fresh taste of basil—just like they do in Italy! Don’t forget to have some extra grated Pecorino Romano on the side for those who want a little extra cheesiness. Bon appétit!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Pasta Shapes?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional, you can use any long pasta like linguine or fettuccine. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as it may vary slightly with different shapes.
What If I Don’t Have Pecorino Romano Cheese?
No problem! If you can’t find Pecorino Romano, you can substitute it with grated Parmesan or Grana Padano. Both will still give you a delicious sauce, though the flavor will be slightly different.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian! Just ensure to use cheese that is rennet-free if you’re looking for a vegetarian or animal-friendly option. Most store-bought Parmesan and Pecorino are not vegetarian, so look for brands that specify they are.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a little splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out.
This FAQ should help guide you through any common concerns while making Stanley Tucci’s Creamy Spaghetti Alla Nerano! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
