Name: Spaghetti Alla Nerano: Stanley Tucci’s Favourite Courgette Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 garlic clove; 1 generous glug of olive oil; 2 courgettes, sliced into very thin rounds; Salt and pepper, to taste; 250 g spaghetti or bucatini; 80 g Parmesan, grated; 1 knob unsalted butter, cold

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Introduction

Spaghetti Alla Nerano is a simple yet delicious Italian pasta dish that highlights tender courgettes and creamy Parmesan. Famously loved by Stanley Tucci, this recipe combines fresh ingredients for a silky, comforting meal that’s easy to prepare on any weeknight.

A white plate holds a serving of spaghetti pasta, light yellow in color, twirled in the center, topped with grated white cheese that adds a soft texture. Surrounding and mixed within the pasta are thin, curled slices of green zucchini, showing a slightly translucent look with a darker green edge. The zucchini slices are spread evenly, some laying flat on the plate, others curling upwards, and they are sprinkled with a light dusting of black pepper. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface that adds a clean and fresh look to the presentation. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 garlic clove
1 generous glug of olive oil
2 courgettes, sliced into very thin rounds
Salt and pepper, to taste
250 g spaghetti or bucatini
80 g Parmesan, grated
1 knob unsalted butter, cold

Instructions

Step 1: Put a large pot of water on to boil for the spaghetti.
Step 2: In a pan over medium-high heat, add the garlic clove and olive oil. Let the mixture sizzle so the oil is infused with garlic flavor. When the garlic is just golden, remove it from the pan and add the courgette rounds. Toss occasionally, frying until the courgettes are tender but not browned.
Step 3: Meanwhile, salt the boiling water and cook the spaghetti until al dente.
Step 4: Drain the fried courgettes on paper towels, season with salt and freshly ground pepper, then keep warm.
Step 5: Blend about one-third of the fried courgettes with approximately 60 ml (1/3 cup) of pasta cooking water in a jar or bowl using a handheld blender. Set this purée aside.
Step 6: When the spaghetti is about 1 minute shy of fully cooked, drain it, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
Step 7: Return the spaghetti to the pan and toss quickly with the courgette purée, grated Parmesan, fried courgettes, and the cold knob of butter. Use tongs or a spatula to coat the pasta evenly, aiming for a silky, creamy texture. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the pasta seems too dry.
Step 8: Serve immediately, topped with a little extra Parmesan for a rich finish.

Tips & Variations

Use a mandoline to slice courgettes thinly and evenly for the best texture.
Replace Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
For a lighter dish, reduce the amount of butter or substitute with olive oil.
Add fresh basil or mint for a fragrant twist.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of pasta water to restore creaminess. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as the texture and flavors are most vibrant right after cooking.

How to Serve

A white plate with a serving of spaghetti pasta sits on a white marbled surface. The pasta is coated lightly with a creamy sauce and sprinkled with finely grated white cheese, creating a soft, textured layer on top. Thin, curled slices of green zucchini with dark green edges are scattered over and around the pasta, adding contrast and a fresh, glossy look. Specks of black pepper are visible across the zucchini and pasta, adding small dark details to the dish. The arrangement is neat, with the pasta forming a loose mound in the center and the zucchini slices artistically placed around it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use zucchini instead of courgettes?

Yes, zucchini and courgettes are the same vegetable with different names depending on the region, so you can use either.

What type of pasta works best for Spaghetti Alla Nerano?

Traditional spaghetti or bucatini are ideal for this dish because their shape holds the creamy courgette sauce well, but you can experiment with other long pasta if preferred.