spicy
spaghetti
lemon
zucchini
sausage
pasta
vegetarian
quick + easy
This video is unavailable because we were unable to load a message from our sponsors.

If you are using ad-blocking software, please disable it and reload the page.
Playing How To Make Spaghetti with Zucchini and 'Nduja | Rachael Ray

How To Make Spaghetti with Zucchini and 'Nduja | Rachael Ray

Rach's Chicken Riggies + Expert-Picked Style, Design and Tech Es…

Quick Maple Pork Chops With Garlicky Mashed Potatoes + Tom Payne…

Tony Hale Dishes On "I Love Lucy" Film + Rach Makes a Greek Feast

Jessica Alba & Cash Warren's "Double Date" With Rach & John + Ra…

Rach's Bagels 5 Ways (Like Spinach & Artichoke!) + Ham, Egg & Ch…

How To Make Tso Tini Cocktail | John Cusimano

How To Make Rachael's General Tso's Chicken

How To Make Perfectly Charred Carne Asada Tacos with Avocado Cre…

We Surprise The Adorable Couple Behind The Secret @MealsSheEats …

How To Make John's Blackberry-Ginger "House Call Mocktail | John…

What Happens In Your Body When You Eat Whole vs Refined Grains |…

How To Make Pho | Rachael Ray

How To Make Honey Soy Glazed Salmon | Dr. Ian Smith

Deals From Rue La La: Genuine Soft Leather Jackets, Healthy Pres…

Cake Boss Buddy Valastro's Fun Cake Decorating Ideas For Spring

Former Rachael Ray Mag Editor Wrote 365 Thank You Letters In One…

How To Make Meatball Patty Melt Pizzas | Rachael Ray

Buddy Valastro Tells Rach He's at "About 75%" Strength in His Ha…

Buddy Valastro Surprises His Biggest Fan AGAIN—9 Years After Emo…

Jane Lynch Talks Hosting "The Weakest Link" Reboot + Rach Makes …

Each product has been independently selected by our editorial team. We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms.

Rach makes a quick + simple spicy spaghetti with zucchini and lemon that comes together fast—her secret ingredient? 'Nduja, a.k.a. Calabrian sausage paste. Rach likes to use La Quercia 'Nduja or Tempesta 'Nduja.

For a vegetarian adaptation, instead of the 'nduja, whisk up 2 tablespoons Calabrian chili paste (a jarred product widely available in large markets or online) with ½ to ¾ cup boiling pasta water.

What Is 'Nduja? Rachael Explains & Reveals Which She Buys

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO)
  • 3 medium zucchini (or 10 to 12 baby), thinly sliced on a bias or cut with a mandolin (for medium zucchini, halve lengthwise and remove seeds with spoon before slicing)
  • Salt
  • 1 preserved lemon, trim the cheeks and very thinly slice, discard membrane and seeds, OR the zest of a lemon and juice of ½ lemon
  • 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or chopped
  • ¼ to ⅓ cup 'nduja (Calabrian or Calabrian-style sausage paste, domestic or imported — Rach likes La Quercia or Tempesta), or 4 to 5 ounces
  • 2 tablespoons Calabrian chili paste (for vegetarian preparation)
  • 1 pound spaghetti or lemon spaghetti
  • About 1 cup loosely packed chopped herbs, such as mint, parsley and small leaves of basil
  • 1 cup loosely packed grated pecorino (sheep's milk) and/or Parmigiano-Reggiano (cow's milk) cheese

Yield

Serves: 4

Preparation

Heat a large pot of water to boil for pasta, 4 to 5 quarts.   

Heat a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Add EVOO, 3 turns of the pan, add zucchini and season with salt, lightly brown 3 to 4 minutes, add preserved lemon or zest of 1 lemon and garlic, toss and reduce heat by half.  

Place 'nduja in a bowl and add about ¾ to 1 cup of boiling water from the pasta pot, whisk to loosen the sausage paste and create a spicy sauce or bath for the pasta. For a vegetarian preparation, whisk a couple of tablespoons of Calabrian chili paste with boiling water.

Salt the boiling water and add the pasta. Cook the pasta 1 minute less than pasta cooking time on package, reserve another ½ cup water, then drain, add to zucchini along with herbs and cheese and spicy liquid. Use a splash or 2 of the water if the pasta gets too tight or dry while tossing to combine.