Gwyneth Paltrow's Fried Zucchini Spaghetti

When your mother-in-law gives you the largest zucchini you've ever laid eyes on, use some for zucchini pancakes, some for chocolate zucchini bread (a recipe I thought I had shared but apparently have not! Soon!), and some for Gwyneth's fried zucchini spaghetti. Smile to yourself as you eat a huge bowl of it, knowing you don't have to share it with any of the picky eaters in your house.

Fried Zucchini Spaghetti
from My Father's Daughter, by Gwyneth Paltrow

1 pound small zucchini, very thinly sliced crosswise
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Salt
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3/4 pound spaghetti
1 cup shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, plus more for serving
1/2 cup torn basil leaves
Freshly ground pepper
Lemon wedges, for serving

In a medium bowl, toss the zucchini with the flour and a pinch of salt. In a very large skillet, heat half of the oil until shimmering. Add half of the zucchini and fry over high heat, turning once or twice, until browned and crisp, 3 to 4 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the zucchini to a paper towel–lined wire rack and season with salt. Repeat with the remaining oil and zucchini.

Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking liquid. Return the pasta to the pot and toss with the 1 cup of cheese, the basil and a generous pinch of pepper. Add the reserved pasta water a little at a time, tossing well to coat. Transfer the pasta to a bowl and top with the crispy zucchini. Serve right away with lemon wedges and additional cheese.