Observing a trend in recent years, many home cooks have been drawn to the versatility and deliciousness of gemelli pasta recipes. These dishes are perfect for weeknight dinners, as they can be prepared quickly and with minimal effort. Gemelli, which translates to ‘twins’ in Italian, is a unique type of pasta that resembles two ropes twisted together. However, this distinctive shape is actually achieved by cutting a single piece of pasta into two identical sections.
This clever design allows gemelli to hold onto a wide variety of sauces, making it an excellent choice for those who want to try something new. The crevices and texture of gemelli pasta also provide an ideal surface area for flavors to penetrate and linger. So, if you’re looking to break away from traditional penne recipes, be sure to give these fantastic gemelli pasta dishes a try. I have a feeling they’ll quickly become your go-to meals!
20+ Irresistible Recipes to Make With Gemelli Pasta

One Pot Mushroom Pasta

Making pasta lovers rejoice, this mouth-watering dish combines the earthy goodness of mushrooms with the rich flavors of a perfectly crafted pasta sauce, elevating every bite to new heights. The sautéed mushrooms are the true stars of the show, absorbing all the savory flavors and releasing their own deep, umami taste in return. Adding a peppery kick from the fresh arugula brings a delightful contrast to the dish, balancing out the creaminess of the sauce.
This easy-to-make mushroom pasta is an ideal choice for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner that’s sure to become a new favorite.
Spicy Shrimp Pasta

Pleasing both your taste buds for spicy food and seafood enthusiasts, this pasta dish is a must-try. It’s incredibly quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for any night of the week when you’re short on time. I particularly appreciate the bold flavors in this recipe, but if you prefer something milder, don’t hesitate to adjust the level of heat to your liking. Regardless, with just a handful of ingredients, you’ll be able to enjoy a fantastic dinner within 30 minutes.
Buttery Garlic Pasta

Bearing in mind the simplicity required for a quick and easy dinner, buttery garlic pasta is an excellent choice. This dish can be prepared with just five essential ingredients and takes no more than 15 minutes to cook. Buttery pasta is always a crowd-pleaser, and when combined with the pungency of garlic, it’s almost guaranteed to disappear quickly. Moreover, this recipe’s ease of preparation makes it accessible to anyone who wants to whip up a meal without much fuss.
One of the best aspects of this dish is that it relies on pantry staples you likely already have at home, making it an ideal solution for last-minute meals.
Chicken Pesto Pasta

Knowing how to balance flavors and textures is key to creating a truly memorable dish, and homemade pesto pasta is no exception. Not only does it offer an incredibly herbaceous taste experience, but its light and refreshing qualities make it perfect for even the hottest summer evenings. To craft this delicious sauce, you’ll combine fresh basil with bright citrus juice, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil – or, if you’re short on time, use a premade version instead!
Either way, the result is an incredible sauce that pairs beautifully with gemelli pasta, filling its crevices to perfection. As this recipe is designed to be served at room temperature, it can also be made ahead of time for added convenience.
Roasted Vegetable Pasta with Pancetta

While roasted vegetables are often relegated to side dishes, why not give them center stage with a hearty pasta entree? I have a soft spot for Brussels sprouts, despite their polarizing reputation. However, after trying this gem, even the most skeptical individuals will be won over by its delectable flavors and textures.
Lemon Basil Arugula Pasta Salad

Just as any pasta lover would desire, a well-crafted pasta salad can be a perfect accompaniment to a meal or even stand alone as a light lunch option. This particular gemelli pasta recipe excels in flavor profile, thanks to the harmonious combination of peppery arugula and a refreshing lemon basil dressing. To elevate it further, simply sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese and crushed walnuts on top, and you’ll be ready to indulge in this delightful dish.
Lemon Chicken Pasta

This particular pasta dish has a unique blend of bright citrus flavors and juicy chicken that will surely tantalize your taste buds. Not only does it take a mere 10 minutes to prepare, but its filling and high-protein content also make it an excellent option for those looking for a satisfying meal. The star of the show is undoubtedly the abundance of chicken, which provides an impressive amount of lean protein to keep you full and energized.
However, the real pièce de résistance is the creamy, lemony sauce that perfectly complements the pasta. When paired with the nutty flavor of Parmesan cheese, this dish reaches a new level of flavor and satisfaction. Whether you’re in the mood for something light and refreshing or a more indulgent treat, this lemon chicken pasta has got you covered.
Tuna Pasta Salad

Varying your lunch routine can be a challenge, but with recipes like this one for tuna salad, you have endless possibilities. Load it into bread, scoop it over lettuce leaves, or pile it onto a hot baked potato, and you’ll have a delicious meal in no time. This versatile pasta salad is made with canned tuna, green peas, and gemelli pasta, resulting in a dish that’s both healthy and packed with flavor, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch.
Gemelli Pasta with Herbed Ricotta & Cherry Tomatoes

Getting your hands on a delicious and effortless vegetarian recipe can be a game-changer for any meal prep or cooking enthusiast. This mouth-watering dish is sure to become an instant favorite once you try it! The herbed ricotta cheese is a masterstroke, lending itself perfectly to keeping the pasta light and vibrant, as opposed to a rich cream sauce that can leave you feeling weighed down.
Meanwhile, the burst of cherry tomatoes adds a welcome splash of brightness and acidity to balance out the richness of the dairy. Plus, they look stunning on your plate!
Gemelli with Tomato Sauce and Broccoli

You’ll love the simplicity of this delicious pasta dish, smothered in a tasty tomato sauce and studded with nutritious broccoli florets. The best part? You only need six basic ingredients that are likely already stocked in your pantry! This uncomplicated recipe is perfect for families with kids who may be picky eaters, thanks to the mild flavor of the tomato sauce. Feel free to spice things up by adding some diced chilies for an extra kick.
Gemelli With Sausage and Asparagus

Keep in mind that this gemelli with sausage and asparagus is not just another pasta dinner, but a game-changer. One bite and you’ll be hooked – the flavors are simply irresistible! The sauce is expertly crafted with aromatic white wine and rich sun-dried tomatoes, which complement the bold sausages perfectly. What sets this recipe apart from others is the use of sausages instead of more traditional protein options like chicken or pork.
This adds a depth of flavor that’s hard to match, whether you’re using spicy Conecuh or smoky Andouille – both work beautifully in this dish.
Turkey Pasta Bake

Unlock a world of flavors by trading in your bland turkey pasta bake for this incredible alternative that’s sure to impress both kids and adults alike this holiday season. Artichokes and sun-dried tomatoes bring an unmistakable burst of uniqueness, adding a delightful twist to the classic leftovers dish. The combination is a game-changer, elevating those humble turkey leftovers to new heights and providing a sensory experience that will leave everyone wanting more. And the pièce de résistance?
A generous topping of melted cheese that adds a golden-brown crust, crispy edges, and a side of satisfaction guaranteed for all.
Gemelli Pasta with Caramelized Pears and Gorgonzola Sauce

Wrapped in a delicate balance of flavors, this dish is undoubtedly one of the most sophisticated pastas you’ll ever have the pleasure of enjoying. A combination of creamy Gorgonzola sauce and sweet caramelized pears may sound like something only a high-end restaurant could pull off, but trust me when I say it’s surprisingly easy to recreate at home.
The key to this dish is the harmony between the rich, velvety cheese sauce and the crunchy, juicy pear, creating a truly unforgettable taste experience that will leave you wanting more. Go to Recipe
Pasta with Bacon, Tomato and Yellow Squash

Honestly, there’s something about this pasta salad that embodies the essence of summertime. The vibrant red tomatoes and sunny yellow squash are a perfect representation of the season’s warmth and beauty. Furthermore, when combined with the smoky flavor of salty bacon and the simplicity of delicious pasta, it’s a match made in heaven. This dish is so delightful, it’s like savoring a bowl of sunshine on a warm summer day.
Baked Feta Pasta

Visually stunning and tantalizingly delicious, this viral TikTok pasta dish has captured the hearts of many with its simplicity and mouth-watering flavors. Drizzle a block of crumbled feta cheese over cooked pasta, followed by halved cherry tomatoes, all generously coated in olive oil and seasoned to perfection. To take it to the next level, I recommend adding sliced cipollini onions and minced garlic for an extra boost of flavor, although it’s still incredibly enjoyable even without them.
Simply pop it into the oven until the cheese is melted, the tomatoes are tenderly roasted, and the entire dish is infused with a depth of savory goodness.
Baked Pesto Salmon with Gemelli Pasta

Taking my passion for pasta and salmon to the next level is a challenge I’m always eager to take on. Whether it’s smoked, baked, or grilled, the versatility of these two ingredients is truly limitless. The combination of the flaky pink fish with pale pasta creates a visually appealing dish that can be elevated with a variety of sauces. While I appreciate salmon paired with citrus and spice, this herbaceous pesto brings out the buttery flavor of the fish in a way that’s nothing short of magical.
Your whole family will likely be asking for seconds, so don’t be surprised if you need to make extra portions!
One-Pot Chicken Florentine Pasta

Delighting in a good one-pot meal has always been a pleasure for me, and the chicken Florentine pasta is no exception. The harmonious blend of flavors starts with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and aromatic garlic, which immediately elevates this dish to new heights. As we continue to build upon this flavor foundation, rich cream and savory chicken broth are added, expertly coating every component in a luscious, velvety goodness.
The beauty of this one-pot wonder lies not only in its incredible taste but also in the fact that it requires minimal effort in clean-up, making it an ideal option for any home cook.
Braised Beef Ragu with Gemelli

Understanding that cooking methods like braising can seem intimidating at first, it’s essential to note that this dish requires minimal hands-on time. Since the cooking process takes place in the oven, you won’t need to stand over a stove, constantly monitoring the food. Instead, simply prep the ingredients and let the oven do its magic.
One of the best things about braising is that it’s an incredibly straightforward method, ensuring that even the toughest cuts of beef become tender and fall-apart delicious. If you’re new to braising or have doubts about this technique, rest assured that with a little practice, you’ll be whipping up homemade ragu like a pro. Once you’ve mastered this recipe, you’ll never need to rely on store-bought options again.
One-Pot Lemon Garlic Pasta

Delighting foodies with quick and easy meals has never been easier than with this one-pot wonder! The harmonious union of lemon and garlic creates a zesty and savory flavor profile that pairs perfectly with the mild simplicity of pasta. Whether you have leftover chicken on hand or not, this dish is both satisfying and protein-packed on its own merit.
Fresh Herb Gemelli Pasta

Relying on simple yet effective ingredients, this pasta recipe stands out as an excellent option when struggling with dinner ideas. To prepare this delightful dish, all that’s required is a few basic components: pasta, olive oil, garlic, and some fresh herbs. Interestingly, the process of cooking the herbs and garlic in olive oil enhances their flavors, resulting in a rich and incredibly savory final product. This recipe truly showcases its potential as a fantastic meal option.
I encourage you to give it a try tonight and share your thoughts with me!
Gemelli Pasta Recipe with Tomatoes and Mascarpone

Sometimes my obsession with mascarpone cheese knows no bounds. Fortunately, this pasta dish does justice to its title, delivering on both taste and expectations. Not only is it incredibly quick and straightforward to prepare, but the end result is also astoundingly creamy and richly flavored. This recipe makes it perfect for warm summer evenings when you want a light yet satisfying meal. Serve it alongside BBQ chicken or pulled pork for a well-rounded and indulgent experience.
Gemelli Pasta with Pesto, Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach

Taking just four simple ingredients, this light and fresh pasta dish is a true delight. Topped with beautiful cherry tomatoes and a generous helping of flavorful spinach, the addition of pesto sauce brings a bright basil flavor that’s impossible to resist. Not only does this gemelli pasta with pesto, cherry tomatoes, and spinach make for a scrumptious hot meal, but it also holds its charm when served chilled.
So, why not prepare a big batch for dinner tonight and save the rest for lunch tomorrow? This way, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal without any fuss or bother.
23 Favorite Ways to Use Gemelli Pasta
Looking at the various types of dishes that can be made with Gemelli pasta, it’s clear why this versatile ingredient has become a staple in many kitchens. From comforting weeknight dinners to impressive potluck pasta salads, these quick and easy recipes showcase the endless possibilities of Gemelli pasta.
Instructions

Key to a successful cooking experience is having a clear plan and being well-prepared. This involves selecting a suitable recipe that aligns with your tastes and dietary needs, as well as gathering all the necessary ingredients. Once you have these essential components in place, you can focus on executing the recipe efficiently, aiming to complete a delicious gemelli pasta dish within 30 minutes or less.





