One of the things I was most excited about going to Italy this year was the food scene! That’s why I picked Naples, because the food there is INCREDIBLE! I tasted so much cuisine there that inspired so many of the recipes I’m making right now. This particular recipe is a nod to Stanley Tucci’s favorite Spaghetti alla Nerano which is spaghetti with deep fried zucchini. My recipe is a spin on that, but definitely different. I wanted to bring in my favorite flavors of cacio e pepe(cheese and pepper)with a subtle hint of lemon and then top it with the crispy, fried zucchini. This recipe turned out scrumptious and will definitely be one I make again! It’s the perfect recipe for Summer!
Creamy Lemon Pepper Spaghetti with Crispy Zucchini
4
servings15
minutes15
minutesIngredients
1 lb 1 Bronze Cut Spaghetti
2 2 Small Zucchini, Sliced Thin
1/4 cup 1/4 Olive Oil
1 cup 1 Grated Parmesan Cheese
1 1 Lemon, Freshly Squeezed
Pinch of Crushed Red Pepper & Black Pepper to Taste
1 cup 1 Pasta Water, Reserved
Directions
- To begin, slice zucchini and place on a sheet tray or large cutting board. Salt zucchini and allow to sit for 15 minutes to draw out the moisture. Pat zucchini dry and preheat skillet on medium/high with olive oil until it starts to shimmer. Fry zucchini rounds for about 4-5 minutes per side, until they start to brown and crisp. Remove from skillet and pat dry with paper towels
- Meanwhile, preheat large stock pot with water until it starts to boil. Add salt to flavor the pasta once the water comes to a boil. Add pasta, cook to al dente. Remove 1 cup of pasta water from the pot and drain the rest. Keep pasta in the pot
- Place stock pot back on stove at low heat. Add freshly squeezed lemon juice, both peppers and parmesan cheese, just a few sprinkles at a time, splashing in pasta water as you go to melt the cheese to creamy.
- Once you have all cheese incorporated in and melted to creamy(you may not need all of your pasta water for this step, just use what you need)it’s time to plate up!
- In a pasta bowl, add your spaghetti and top with the crispy zucchini rounds. It’s time to DIVE IN!