Quick & Easy Pasta alla Nerano (Zucchini & Cheese – Amalfi Coast) – Italian Pasta Recipe

Introduction:

Transport yourself to the sunny Amalfi Coast with Quick & Easy Pasta alla Nerano, a humble yet luxurious dish made famous in the seaside town of Nerano. This deceptively simple pasta combines tender sautéed zucchini with rich, melty cheese, traditionally Provolone del Monaco, to create a creamy, savory sauce that clings beautifully to pasta. The result? An iconic vegetarian Italian classic that feels both comforting and elegant. With just a few ingredients and under 30 minutes of cooking time, this is coastal Italy on a plate, no plane ticket required.

Ingredients:

Serves 2

1. 200g (7 oz) spaghetti or linguine
2. 2–3 small zucchini, thinly sliced into rounds
3. 3 tablespoons olive oil (plus more as needed)
4. 1 garlic clove, crushed
5. ½ cup grated provolone (or a mix of provolone and Parmesan)
6. Salt and black pepper, to taste
7. Fresh basil, torn, for garnish
8. Optional: butter (for extra creaminess)

Instructions:

Step 1: Fry the Zucchini

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the zucchini slices in batches until golden brown and lightly crisped (about 2–3 minutes per side). Remove and drain on paper towels. Season lightly with salt.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

In the same skillet, add a bit of fresh olive oil and the crushed garlic clove. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, then discard the garlic. Return the zucchini to the pan, add a splash of pasta water, and toss to combine. Simmer gently for a minute or two.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Cheese

Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the zucchini. Stir in the grated provolone cheese a bit at a time, along with splashes of the reserved pasta water, until the cheese melts and forms a silky sauce that coats the noodles. Add a pat of butter if you want extra richness.

Step 5: Serve & Garnish

Season with freshly ground black pepper. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and an optional sprinkle of Parmesan.

Optional Variations:

• Cheese Swap: Use a mix of provolone, Parmesan, or pecorino depending on availability.
• Lemon Zest: Add a little zest for a fresh citrusy note.
• Zucchini Puree: For a smoother sauce, mash or blend some of the fried zucchini before adding pasta.
• Protein Boost: Top with a poached egg or crisp pancetta (non-traditional but delicious).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Authentic Italian Flavor – Straight from the Amalfi Coast with local ingredients and technique.
• Simple, Real Ingredients – No cream, no shortcuts—just vegetables, cheese, and love.
• Perfect for Vegetarians – Rich and satisfying without meat.
• Fast & Elegant – Weeknight-easy, dinner party-worthy.
• Coastal Comfort Food – Creamy, savory, and irresistibly good.

Quick & Easy Pasta alla Nerano is a true Italian gem, proof that a few ingredients, when treated with care, can become something magical. Light, cheesy, and deeply flavorful, this dish is perfect for spring and summer nights when you want to eat well, without spending all day in the kitchen.