The history of Spaghetti alla Nerano

To truly appreciate this dish, we need to take a step back in time, specifically to 1952. Spaghetti alla Nerano was invented by Prince Pupetto Sirignano and his friend Maria Grazia, the owner of a local trattoria in Nerano. At first, the recipe wasn’t particularly successful, perhaps because of the zucchini, which at the time were considered a poor man’s ingredient. The meal was disparaged with remarks like: “Vuole fare la pasta con i cucuzzielli” (she wants to make pasta with zucchini)!

The famous Provolone del Monaco cheese was added only later. Gradually, Spaghetti alla Nerano began to gain more and more popularity until today: the speciality has in fact become an iconic symbol of the entire region, known and loved all over the world.

What makes Spaghetti alla Nerano so special is its apparent simplicity—the secret ingredient behind many of life’s greatest pleasures. The perfect balance of its key ingredients creates a unique and lingering flavor:

Local zucchini: fried to perfection until golden and sweet.

Provolone del Monaco: a rich, aged cheese produced in the Lattari Mountains, which gives the dish an incredibly creamy texture.

Extra virgin olive oil and fresh basil: aromatic, fresh, and locally sourced.

Nerano, Italy: a coastal gem

While the coastline is teeming with lively and bustling towns, Nerano offers a more relaxed and exclusive atmosphere.
Nerano is nestled in a region rich in history and natural beauty, which have been welcoming celebrities, artists, and discerning travelers for decades. It is situated right next to the Punta Campanella Marine Protected Area and the enchanting Bay of Ieranto—an unspoiled bay owned by the FAI (Italian National Trust).

Your journey can begin at Marina del Cantone, the largest and most famous beach in the area. It is renowned for its smooth pebbles and crystal-clear, deep-blue waters, making it the ideal spot for an exclusive snorkeling stop. Just a short walk from the sea, you can admire the Chapel of St. Anthony of Padua, dating back to the 17th century, a splendid seaside chapel decorated with beautiful majolica tiles depicting scenes from the lives of local fishermen.

For those seeking breathtaking scenery, Ieranto Bay is a must-see. Protected by the FAI, this pristine bay offers spectacular vistas of the Faraglioni of Capri and lush Mediterranean vegetation. According to mythology, this very bay was once home to the sirens who enchanted Ulysses.
If you prefer a more secluded and intimate atmosphere, Recommone Bay is a hidden paradise. Surrounded by olive trees and agaves, it features a small sheltered beach and fascinating natural caves, including the Grotta di Recommone and the Grotta dei Pescatori.
Back in the village, the historic Church of San Salvatore stands as a symbol of the local community’s roots, with its simple façade and majolica-tiled dome overlooking the colorful houses.

Arriving in Nerano by sea allows you to avoid the winding, crowded roads of the coast. You dock directly at the pier, stepping off your Private Boat to find yourself immediately in a scenic and sensory paradise.

Your private boat tour on the Amalfi Coast

At Five Star Boats Positano, we believe that the true “Dolce Vita” lies at the intersection of astonishing views and extraordinary culinary experiences. Our full-day tour of Amalfi, Nerano, and Li Galli is designed specifically for those who want to live the sea while indulging in luxury and local flavors, offering you a unique opportunity to sample the best dishes from across the region.

Imagine starting your morning by setting sail from Positano, feeling the gentle sea breeze as you cruise past the legendary Li Galli archipelago. You’ll then drop anchor in the tranquil turquoise bays of Nerano. After a refreshing swim in the endless Mediterranean sea, your private skipper will escort you to the pier. There, a reserved table awaits you at a traditional seaside restaurant like Da Maria Grazia, il Cantuccio, la Conca del Sogno, Lo Scoglio, and Sirenuse Mare, a refined seaside retreat nestled among Mediterranean gardens, panoramic terraces, and atmospheres filled with authentic charm: here you can savor the genuine, creamy masterpiece that is Spaghetti alla Nerano, prepared with the freshest ingredients.
It’s not just a meal, but the culmination of an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Mediterranean.

FAQ

What is Spaghetti alla Nerano?
Spaghetti alla Nerano is a traditional dish from the Campania region, famous for its deceptive simplicity and rich, creamy taste. It is made with spaghetti or linguine tossed with fried zucchini, Provolone del Monaco cheese (or a similar aged caciocavallo), extra virgin olive oil, and fresh basil. The secret to its signature creaminess is the emulsion of starchy pasta water and cheese, completely without the need for heavy cream or butter.

What to serve with Spaghetti alla Nerano?
Since it is a rich and savory dish, it is best paired with the following:
Wine: A fresh, mineral white wine from the region—such as Greco di Tufo, Fiano di Avellino, or Falanghina—that perfectly balances the richness of the cheese and the sweetness of the zucchini.
Second Course: A light fish-based dish, such as grilled prawns or a fresh catch of the day baked with herbs.
Side Dish: A fresh Sorrento tomato salad with a touch of oregano to cleanse the palate between bites.
Digestif: A chilled glass of limoncello to conclude the meal on a refreshing note.

Where is Spaghetti alla Nerano from?
The dish originates from Nerano, a picturesque fishing village and hamlet within the municipality of Massa Lubrense. It is located on the Sorrento Peninsula, just a short distance from the Amalfi Coast. The recipe was invented in 1952 by Prince Pupetto Sirignano and Maria Grazia, the owner of the famous eponymous trattoria in Marina del Cantone.

Is Nerano worth visiting?
Absolutely. Nerano is a must-visit destination for those seeking an exclusive, authentic, and relaxing atmosphere far from mass tourism. It offers pristine coastal landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and an excellent culinary tradition. It is the ideal place to experience the true elegance and tranquility of the southern Italian coast.

What to see in Nerano?
If you visit Nerano and its surroundings, here are the top things you should not miss:
Marina del Cantone: The main beach, characterized by smooth pebbles and incredibly clear, deep blue water, offering gorgeous panoramic views.
Baia di Ieranto: A pristine and protected bay owned by the FAI (Italian National Trust), reachable by sea or via a scenic hiking trail. Mythology says that Ulysses lived here and that the bay was once home to the Sirens.
Punta Campanella: The very tip of the Sorrento Peninsula, perfect for light trekking and admiring a spectacular, close-up view of the Faraglioni of Capri.
The Historic Restaurants: Stopping at the family-owned seaside restaurants to taste authentic local specialties right by the water’s edge. The most famous are Da Maria Grazia, il Cantuccio, la Conca del Sogno, Lo Scoglio, and Sirenuse Mare.