Pasta alla Nerano
I made this dish for the first time yesterday and I am completely obsessed. It looks and tastes rich and decadent but the creamy sauce is simply zucchini and pasta water! It is a great way to get veggies in for picky eaters but is a treat for the whole family. I promise, you will love this one!
Ingredients:
1 package pasta of choice. I used a whole wheat fettuccini but lentil, chickpea or any pasta will work great!
1 clove garlic
3 large or 4 small yellow squash (green zucchini will work as well) cut into very thin rounds
1 tablespoon of grassfed butter
1/2 cup of grated parmesan (or to your liking)
Juice and grated lemon peel from 1 fresh lemon
Salt and Pepper to taste
1 handful basil leaves
Directions:
Put a large pot of water on to boil for the pasta. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the garlic clove and olive oil so the mixture sizzles. Slice the zuccini into very thin rounds.
When garlic is just golden, remove the garlic and add the zucchini rounds in the olive oil. Toss frequently, letting the zucchini get tender and slightly golden. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
While zucchini is cooking, add a teaspoon of salt to the boiling water, then place spaghetti in the pot to cook. Cook until al dente, or about 1 minute less than instructed. Put a bowl under the strainer when you drain the pasta as you want to keep the pasta water for the sauce.
When zucchini is ready, grab a blender or food processor. Blend together about half of the zucchini (leaving the rest in the skillet on low heat) and about 1/4 cup of water from the pot of pasta. You can add a tablespoon or two more of pasta water if you want the sauce thinner but I like it thick and creamy. Pour this purée back into the skillet with the rest of the zucchini.
Add the pasta into the sauce with the butter, garlic and cheese. Toss together. You can add a tablespoon or two of the pasta water here as well as you want the pasta to be soft and silky.
Cut the basil into ribbons and add to garnish. Grate the lemon peel over the dish and squeeze lemon juice evenly over. Mix everything together again. Taste and add a bit more salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot!