by Nandita 8/3/2022

Linguine w /Zucchini

Foodmemories. We all have them, but why do they stay with us? Apparently, you use all your senses, and your memory is strongly linked to your sense of smell (Plusmagazine.knack.be). Hence, cooking encourages introspection, you can instantly have those warm memories of that one dish from your mother or father, that restaurant or country. I'll share my food memory with this Linguine w/ Zucchini pasta dish!
This Nerano inspired pasta is so good and so simple to make!

This Nerano inspired pasta is so good and so simple to make!

Two weeks ago, I was enjoying a delicious Spaghetti alla Nerano, a simple and meatless pasta dish from Napoli with zucchini and Provolone cheese. When I saw Zucchini in the supermarket, I immediately thought of this dish. It smelled amazing when it was served, but I also enjoyed the creamy zucchini sauce.

Inspired by this fantastic pasta, I made a variation of this dish and for a moment I felt like I was back on the terrace of the dusty and bustling street in bella Napoli.

Grazie Mille Italy!

Watch my REEL on how I cooked this Linguine w/ Zucchini!

Linguine w /Zucchini

  • Prep: 10 min
  • Total: 25 min
  • Vegetables

Ingredients

For frying:
- 1 Zucchini (finely sliced)
- 4-6 tbsp olive oil

For the Zucchini sauce:
- ½ of the batch of fried Zucchini 
- a handful of Basil leaves
- 2 red garlic cloves (or use as much as you like)
- 4 tbsp fried Zucchini oil 
- ½ cup pasta water
- 1 or ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- salt & pepper to taste

Serve with 200 gr cooked Linguine or your favourite pasta.

For garnish:
- extra Basil leaves
- Parmesan cheese
- olive oil

Instructions

  1. Cook your pasta al dente and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.

  2. Then fry your sliced Zucchini in olive oil, in two batches in a pan on medium heat until both sides are slightly browned. Remove from the pan.

  3. Add half of the fried Zucchini to a food processor along with the Basil leaves, garlic, fried Zucchini oil and Parmesan cheese. Blend or mix until you have a fine paste.

  4. Then in the same pad add the pasta water along with the Zucchini paste. Stir well on medium to low heat until you have a thick sauce and then quickly add your pasta. Mix until well combined and serve immediately! Garnish with some extra Basil leaves, Parmesan cheese and drizzle some olive oil.

    TIP:
    - You can also vary with vegetables like, broccoli or peas. If you don't want to fry them, steam or cook them.

    If you make my recipes, please tag me in them and use #thespicedchickpearecipes. I'd love to see what you've made