That Zucchini Spaghetti Stanley Tucci Loves (Spaghetti alla Nerano)

Spaghetti alla Nerano is an Italian zucchini pasta dish and one of the best things Stanley Tucci has ever eaten! Chef John gave it a try and it's amazing!

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 35 mins
• Total Time: 55 mins
• Calories: 1016 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 pinch salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 ounces spaghetti
• 3 tablespoons grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• 1 quart sunflower oil, or as needed
• 6 medium green zucchini
• 2 basil leaves, torn into small pieces
• 5 tablespoons grated Pecorino Romano cheese

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Place sunflower oil in a deep fryer and heat to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Slice zucchini into 1/8-inch rounds.

Step 2

Add some zucchini to the hot oil and deep-fry until lightly browned, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a single layer on paper towels to drain and repeat to cook remaining zucchini. Let zucchini cool to room temperature.

Step 3

Transfer cooled zucchini to a bowl. Cover and refrigerate, 8 hours to overnight.

Step 4

Grab spaghetti with tongs and transfer it right into the sauce; stir until coated. Mix in Pecorino Romano and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheeses. Add a final splash of pasta water and adjust salt if needed.

Step 5

Serve with more grated cheese and fresh basil.

Step 6

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until it's 2 minutes away from being tender yet firm to the bite, 9 to 10 minutes.

Step 7

As you are cooking the spaghetti, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add zucchini and salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until it starts to release juices, soften, and break down, 3 to 5 minutes. Add a couple splashes of the pasta water to the zucchini, but don't overdo it. Break zucchini into small pieces with the edge of a spoon or spatula. Reduce heat to low and toss in basil and butter; stir until butter melts.