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Stanley Tucci Spaghetti Alla Nerano

Stanley Tucci Spaghetti Alla Nerano: Creamy Joy on a Plate

Experience the delight of Stanley Tucci Spaghetti Alla Nerano, a creamy vegetarian pasta dish filled with zucchini and rich cheeses.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 ounces Spaghetti Opt for whole wheat spaghetti for a healthier twist.
For the Zucchini
  • 2 small Zucchini Slice thinly for even frying.
For Cooking
  • 1/4 cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Adjust quantity based on taste for richness.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Lightly crushed.
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Butter
  • 1 cup Provolone del Monaco Or substitute with mozzarella.
  • 1/2 cup Parmigiano Reggiano Finely grated for best melt.
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt For flavor enhancement.
  • 1 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper Adjust according to preference.
  • 1 cup Reserved Hot Pasta Cooking Water Critical for creamy sauce.
For Garnish
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Basil Torn leaves for garnish.
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Zest Brightens the dish.
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice Adds acidity.

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • pot
  • Paper Towels

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Slice the small zucchini into thin rounds, aiming for about 1/4-inch thickness and season lightly with kosher salt.
  2. Heat approximately 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and fry zucchini slices until golden brown.
  3. Cook 2 crushed garlic cloves in the skillet until fragrant, then combine with zucchini.
  4. Bring salted water to a boil, add spaghetti, and cook until just shy of al dente. Reserve 1 cup of cooking water.
  5. Combine the spaghetti with zucchini and garlic, adding a splash of reserved pasta water to emulsify the sauce.
  6. Stir in butter, provolone, and parmigiano until creamy, adjusting with reserved pasta water as needed.
  7. Remove from heat and fold in basil, lemon zest, and lemon juice, adjusting seasoning as needed.
  8. Serve immediately, garnishing with extra cheese and basil leaves.

Notes

For best results, adjust frying times and ingredient quantities based on personal preference and seasonal availability.