Spaghetti Alla Nerano Stanley Tucci Recipe Cnn
If you're a foodie and a fan of Stanley Tucci, you'll be delighted to know that CNN recently featured his recipe for Spaghetti Alla Nerano on their website. This classic Italian dish is a must-try for anyone who loves pasta, and Tucci's version is sure to become a favorite in your household. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the recipe and give you some tips for making it yourself.
What is Spaghetti Alla Nerano?
Spaghetti Alla Nerano is a pasta dish that originated in the small town of Nerano, located on the Amalfi Coast in Italy. It's a simple yet flavorful dish that's made with spaghetti, zucchini, Parmesan cheese, and a few other ingredients. The dish is known for its creamy texture, which comes from the zucchini being cooked down into a puree and mixed with the pasta.
Stanley Tucci's Recipe
Stanley Tucci is an actor and food lover who has written two cookbooks and hosted a food series on CNN. His recipe for Spaghetti Alla Nerano is simple and easy to follow, making it perfect for both novice and experienced cooks. Here are the ingredients you'll need:
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 2 large zucchini
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
And here are the steps to make the dish:
- Begin by grating the zucchini on the large holes of a box grater. Place the grated zucchini in a colander and sprinkle with salt. Toss to combine and let sit for 30 minutes to release excess water.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti.
- While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the zucchini and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden brown, about 10 minutes.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to combine. Add the Parmesan cheese and enough of the reserved pasta cooking water to create a creamy sauce. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste.
- Serve with additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.
That's it! Tucci's recipe is easy to make and takes under an hour from start to finish. The result is a delicious and comforting pasta dish that's perfect for any occasion.
Tips for Making Spaghetti Alla Nerano
If you want to make the perfect Spaghetti Alla Nerano, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Use high-quality ingredients. Since this dish has so few ingredients, it's important to use the best ones you can find. Look for fresh zucchini, good-quality olive oil, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Don't skip the salting step. Salting the zucchini before cooking it helps to remove excess water and concentrate the flavor.
- Reserve some pasta water. The starchy pasta water helps to create a creamy sauce that coats the pasta. Be sure to reserve some before draining the spaghetti.
- Adjust the seasoning to your liking. Tucci's recipe calls for a small amount of red pepper flakes for a little heat, but feel free to adjust the amount to your liking. You can also add more Parmesan cheese or black pepper if you prefer.
Final Thoughts
Spaghetti Alla Nerano is a classic Italian dish that's easy to make and delicious to eat. Stanley Tucci's recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to experiment and make it your own. Whether you're cooking for yourself, your family, or a group of friends, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
