SPAGHETTI NONNA NINA

A Creamy and Crunchy Classic from Roman Cucina Povera

Spaghetti Nonna Nina is a humble yet deeply flavorful dish inspired by the traditions of cucina povera - Italy’s “peasant cooking” philosophy that turns simple, affordable ingredients into comforting and nourishing meals. This recipe is a beautiful example of that spirit: spaghetti tossed with lemon zest, fresh mint, and golden toasted breadcrumbs, creating a pasta that’s both creamy and crunchy, fresh and satisfying.

The toasted breadcrumbs, whatever bread you use to make them, are used in many traditional southern Italian recipes, lending texture and a subtle nutty flavor. The mint and lemon combination brings a burst of brightness, making this dish feel incredibly fresh and perfect for warmer months. Despite its simplicity, it’s surprisingly elegant and always leaves a lasting impression at the table.  

Ideal for vegetarians and lovers of Mediterranean flavors, this pasta can be served as a quick weeknight dinner, a light lunch, or even as a refreshing first course for a summer gathering. It pairs wonderfully with a glass of crisp white wine like Verdicchio or Fiano.  

If you fancy more vegetarian pasta recipes check our Pasta a la Norma, Pasta and Potatoes, and Pasta Puttanesca.  

This recipe is a great example of how the Mediterranean diet celebrates flavor and balance. The olive oil used to sauté the breadcrumbs adds heart-healthy fats, while the lemon juice and zest offer vitamin C and aid digestion.

Calamint is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, while breadcrumbs provide fiber and a satisfying crunch.  

Made without heavy sauces, this pasta can be light yet filling, and you can use whole wheat spaghetti for added fiber and nutrients. It's a wonderful way to enjoy a satisfying, vegetarian meal using simple pantry staples.

A little history

The origins of this dish lie in the rural kitchens of central and southern Italy, where lemons and herbs grow abundantly. Nonna Nina, like many grandmothers of her generation, likely invented or passed down this recipe as a way to use what was on hand - day-old bread, fresh herbs from the garden, and a bit of pasta to feed the family.  

Breadcrumbs, once called “the poor man’s Parmesan,” were toasted in olive oil and sprinkled over pasta to give it flavor and texture without the cost of cheese. The addition of mint and lemon gives this version a distinctly Italian personality, both rustic and refreshing.

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INGREDIENTS👇🏻

  • 160g | 5.6oz spaghetti pasta

• 50g | 1.8oz croutons

• 50g | 1.7oz Pecorino cheese

• 2 tbsp sunflower oil

• ½ lemon zest + ½ lemon juice

• Fresh lesser calamint leaves [or mint leaves]

• Fine and coarse sea salt

• Black pepper40ml | 1.41fl oz extra virgin olive oil

The recipe step by step

1. Wrap your croutons in a kitchen towel and bash to create rough bread crumbs, if you are using stale bread you might want to grill it for a few minutes to create the desired crunch

   
   

2. Bring the breadcrumbs to a pan with the sunflower oil and the lemon zest, season with sea salt and black pepper, and sauté until golden-brown

   
   

3. In a blender add extra virgin olive oil, fresh Lesser Calamint leaves [mint will not give the same aroma, but it is the next best thing to use], lemon juice and blitz to create a smooth emulsion

   
   

4. Salt the boiling water with coarse sea salt and cook the spaghetti till 4-5 minute before its full cooking time

   
   

5. Drain the spaghetti, making sure to retain all its cooking water, and move them to a pan

   
   

6. Sauté the spaghetti for the last 4-5 mins, adding ladles of its cooking water little by little

   
   

7. Add the lemon and mint emulsion, season with sea salt and stir thoroughly

   
   

8. In the meantime, create a cream with 30g | 1oz Pecorino cheese and a couple of spoonful of the cooking water

   
   

9. Remove the pan from the stove, add 20g | 0.7oz Pecorino cheese and stir thoroughly

   
   

10. Top the pasta with some fresh lesser calamint leaves, breadcrumbs and cheesy cream before serving…then enjoy! 😋