Spaghetti alla Nerano: the scent of summer on the Amalfi Coast becomes a dish

On hot summer days, there’s a greater craving for light and flavorful dishes. Among the star ingredients of the season, zucchini stands out — a vegetable as simple as it is precious, perfect for coping with the summer heat. High in water, low in calories, and rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, zucchini is a true ally for both wellness and creativity in the kitchen.

Today we take you to the heart of the Amalfi Coast, amidst the green hues of the Mediterranean scrub and the intoxicating scent of lemons and mint, to discover a great classic of Campania’s culinary tradition: Spaghetti alla Nerano. A summer first course, simple yet surprising, that combines the delicacy of fried zucchini with the unmistakable savoriness of Provolone del Monaco, a true dairy excellence of the region.

How to make Spaghetti alla Nerano

Guiding us through the preparation of this delight is our Cesarina Elena from Cascina. Her version of spaghetti alla Nerano stays true to tradition and captures all the warmth and hospitality typical of southern Italian tables.

“This recipe is a tribute to Nerano, a small seaside village nestled among the rocks of the Sorrentine Peninsula. Here, every corner is filled with the scent of lemons, basil, and mint. If you want to add an even more aromatic touch to the dish, try garnishing it with a few fresh mint leaves: the effect is stunning, both in flavor and appearance”.

Spaghetti alla Nerano: origins and curiosities of a dish born from creativity

The story of spaghetti alla Nerano dates back to the 1950s, when a cook from the famous Trattoria Maria Grazia had the intuition to add Provolone del Monaco to spaghetti with zucchini, creating a creamy and enveloping sauce that has since become a symbol of summer dining in Campania.

Provolone del Monaco—a semi-aged cheese with an intense, slightly spicy flavor and a firm, stretched curd texture—is the secret ingredient that turns an apparently simple dish into a true explosion of taste.

An easy and quick summer first course

Perfect for a family lunch, a dinner with friends, or a spontaneous meal on the terrace, spaghetti alla Nerano is easy and quick to prepare, yet capable of winning over even the most demanding palates. All you need are fresh seasonal zucchini, a good pasta, and, of course, high-quality Provolone del Monaco.

And if a trip to the Amalfi Coast isn’t in your plans, don’t worry—you can still bring a taste of summer into your kitchen with this traditional Neapolitan recipe that smells of sunshine, sea, and conviviality.