National Dish Italy: Spaghetti alla Nerano (Recipe)
In this article
Discover Spaghetti alla Nerano, a sun-kissed pasta dish straight from the Amalfi Coast! It brings together a handful of simple ingredients — tender spaghetti, golden fried courgettes, fragrant basil and creamy Parmigiano-Reggiano — to create something far greater than the sum of its parts. Light yet deeply satisfying, it captures the spirit of long Mediterranean summers and is a true love letter to Italian cooking. Bring those seaside flavours straight to your own table.
About Spaghetti alla Nerano
Spaghetti alla Nerano is a traditional Italian dish that takes its name from the small town of Nerano on the beautiful Amalfi Coast. It marries simple yet flavour-packed ingredients into a refined and thoroughly satisfying plate of pasta. The combination of tender spaghetti, fried courgettes, fresh basil and creamy Parmigiano-Reggiano brings the aromas of the Mediterranean right into your kitchen. Ideal for warm summer evenings, this recipe makes the palate sing and stands as a genuine tribute to the Italian culinary tradition.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 200 g spaghetti
- 2 courgettes
- 50 g Parmigiano-Reggiano (freshly grated)
- A small bunch of fresh basil
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: garlic (1 clove)
Shopping for the ingredients
When shopping for Spaghetti alla Nerano, it pays to pay close attention to the quality of your ingredients. Choose fresh courgettes that are firm and green to get the best possible flavour. Be sure to use good-quality Parmigiano-Reggiano too, as this has a considerable influence on the taste of the finished dish. Your best bet is a local market or an Italian deli, where you can be confident of picking up the freshest produce.
Preparing the dish
Preparing Spaghetti alla Nerano is straightforward, though the courgettes do call for a little time. Begin by slicing the courgettes thinly so they cook evenly as they fry. If you would like to use garlic, prepare it now and chop it into small pieces. Good timing is key here, helping to keep the ingredients as fresh as possible and to coax out the very best flavour.
Step-by-step instructions
- Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente, following the packet instructions.
- While the pasta cooks, heat a little olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Add the courgettes and, if using, the garlic, and fry until golden brown.
- Once the spaghetti is ready, reserve a little of the cooking water and drain the pasta.
- Add the spaghetti straight to the pan with the courgettes, pour in a splash of the cooking water and stir well.
- Now add the freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano and the basil, and toss everything together until you have a creamy consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
For a gluten-free version of Spaghetti alla Nerano, simply use gluten-free pasta, which is widely available in most supermarkets. If you would like a lactose-free version, make sure all the other ingredients — particularly the Parmesan — are lactose-free. There are also alternative cheeses that sit more comfortably with anyone sensitive to lactose. By reaching for good-quality alternatives, you can still enjoy the full flavour even with special dietary requirements.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
To make Spaghetti alla Nerano vegan, replace the Parmigiano-Reggiano with a plant-based cheese alternative made from nuts or nutritional yeast. These products are often just as tasty and bring a similar texture to the dish. Be sure to buy your courgettes and other ingredients fresh and in the best possible quality so you can savour them at their finest. A scattering of toasted nuts can also make for an interesting addition that brings extra nutrients to the plate.
More tips and tricks
One important tip for making Spaghetti alla Nerano is to use plenty of fresh basil for an intense aroma. Adding a little lemon juice at the end of cooking can also lend the dish a refreshing note. Beyond that, you might season it with a pinch of chilli flakes for an extra kick. Experiment with the quantities and ingredients to tailor it entirely to your own taste — much as you would with a comforting plate of Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Part of the beauty of Spaghetti alla Nerano lies in its versatility. Feel free to add extra vegetables, such as peppers or asparagus, to enrich the dish. Using other herbs, like oregano or thyme, can introduce interesting new layers of flavour as well. Adjust the ingredients entirely to suit your personal taste and preferences, and you can create your own unique plate of pasta — in the same spirit as a vibrant Trofie al Pesto.
Ingredient substitutions
When making Spaghetti alla Nerano, you can just as easily use other types of pasta, such as penne or fusilli. These variations alter the texture of the dish slightly but offer an equally tasty experience. If you have no courgettes to hand, aubergines or even mushrooms make a great alternative. Don’t put any limits on your creativity — experiment with your favourite ingredients!
Drink pairing ideas
For the perfect dinner featuring Spaghetti alla Nerano, a light, fresh white wine such as a Pinot Grigio or a Vermentino is just the thing. These wines harmonise beautifully with the flavours of the dish and bring its taste combinations to the fore. A zesty homemade limoncello as an aperitif can also add to the Italian flair. For an alcohol-free option, sparkling mineral water with lemon or mint works wonderfully too.
Serving and presentation ideas
To serve Spaghetti alla Nerano in style, arrange the pasta on a large plate and garnish with extra courgette slices and a flourish of freshly grated Parmesan. A few fresh basil leaves on top make the dish even more inviting. Colourful tableware or a rustic wooden board as a serving option can also add to the atmosphere and turn the meal into a special occasion. Remember to serve the dish fresh and hot to enjoy the flavours at their best, perhaps with a Insalata Caprese on the side.
A bit of history
Spaghetti alla Nerano traces its roots back to simple, rural family recipes and has since grown into a classic of the Italian kitchen. Its connection to the Amalfi Coast and its reliance on local, fresh ingredients shape the authenticity and the aromas of the dish. Traditionally it was served in the small trattorias of the region, where the preparation was simple and the focus firmly on flavour. The dish’s popularity has carried it into countless Italian restaurants around the world, securing its place among the treasures of Italian cuisine.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Spaghetti alla Nerano
In short, Spaghetti alla Nerano is a delicious and uncomplicated dish that brings together the exquisite flavours of the Amalfi Coast. With just a few but high-quality ingredients, it puts summer on the table and delights pasta lovers everywhere. Let yourself be inspired by the authenticity of Italian cooking and enjoy the versatility of this dish. Whether as an everyday meal or for a festive occasion, Spaghetti alla Nerano is always an excellent choice!
