23 Best Gemelli Pasta Recipes You’ll Ever Try

From simple weeknight dinners to fabulous potluck pastas, these gemelli pasta recipes are too good to miss.

In fact, I have a feeling they’ll quickly become your newest go-to meals!

Gemelli means “twins” in Italian, and this short, narrow pasta looks like two ropes twisted together.

However, it’s really just one piece of pasta cut to look like two.

Still, that shape helps it hold on to all kinds of sauces. And the little crevices are great for trapping tons of flavor!

So if you’re tired of penne, try these fantastic gemelli pasta recipes. You won’t regret it.

20+ Irresistible Recipes to Make With Gemelli Pasta

1. One Pot Mushroom Pasta 

Flavorful and full of wonderful ingredients, this is one pasta dish you’ll make again and again.

The earthy mushrooms soak up all of the flavors in the pasta sauce, making every bite better than the last.

Plus, the arugula gives it a delicious, peppery bite. 

This mushroom pasta dish is light, tasty, and the ideal weeknight dish. 

2. Spicy Shrimp Pasta 

If you like spicy food and seafood, you need to try this pasta dish. It’s quick and easy to whip up, so you could serve it any night of the week.

I love the flavors here, but if you want it more mild, feel free to adjust the level.

Either way, with only a few ingredients, you’ll have a fantastic dinner ready in 30 minutes. 

3. Buttery Garlic Pasta 

Will just five ingredients and 15 minutes, you can have dinner ready to go.

Buttery pasta is always a hit, and when you add garlic, it’s sure to be gobbled up in no time.

Plus, this is so simple, anyone can make it.

I love that this pasta is made with pantry staple ingredients you likely already have. That means it’s perfect for a last-minute meal.

4. Chicken Pesto Pasta 

Homemade pesto pasta is incredibly herbaceous and light enough for even the hottest summer evenings. 

You’ll make the pesto with fresh basil, bright citrus juice, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.

Or, of course, go ahead and buy some premade!

Either way, it makes an incredible sauce that’s perfect for filling the crevices of gemelli pasta. 

And since this recipe is meant to be served at room temperature, it can be made in advance. 

5. Roasted Vegetable Pasta with Pancetta 

Roasted veggies are my favorite sides to any meal. But why not make them the star of your entree with some hearty pasta?

I adore Brussels sprouts, but I know they’re a controversial vegetable. That said, I think everyone will love this pasta dish.

Between the chewy gemelli pasta, zesty lemon juice, salty Parmesan cheese, and crunchy pancetta, it’s a sure-fire family fave!

6. Lemon Basil Arugula Pasta Salad 

Pasta salad is ideal for a tasty side dish or light lunch. And this one is chock-full of flavor. 

Tossed with arugula and drizzled with a delicious lemon basil dressing, this gemelli pasta recipe is a real winner.

Sprinkle on some grated Parmesan cheese and walnuts, and you’re good to go.

7. Lemon Chicken Pasta 

This lemon chicken pasta has tons of bright citrus flavor and juicy chicken. Plus, it only takes 10 minutes to make!

Since it’s loaded with chicken, it’s filling and full of lean protein.

Meanwhile, the creamy, lemony, and perfectly seasoned sauce is so good, you’ll want to lick the plate clean. 

Parmesan cheese is the perfect finishing touch on this dish. Enjoy!

8. Tuna Pasta Salad 

Tuna salad is the kind of simple, budget-friendly recipe you can use in a number of ways.

Load it into bread, scoop it over lettuce leaves, or pile it onto a hot baked potato, and you’ve got something truly delish.

This tuna pasta salad features tuna, peas, and gemelli pasta, making it heart, fresh, and full of goodness.

9. Gemelli Pasta with Herbed Ricotta & Cherry Tomatoes 

On the hunt for a quick and easy vegetarian recipe? Try this once, and you’ll be hooked!

The herbed ricotta is absolutely incredible, and it keeps the pasta light and fresh (as opposed to a heavy cream sauce that weighs you down).

The burst cherry tomatoes add some much-needed bright acidity to cut through the dairy. And they look great, too!

10. Gemelli with Tomato Sauce and Broccoli 

Smothered in a yummy tomato sauce and studded with broccoli florets, you only need six simple ingredients for this meal.

And I bet you already have them on hand!

This simple pasta is super kid-friendly, thanks to the mild tomato sauce. But if you’re into heat, try throwing some chilies into the mix.

11. Gemelli With Sausage and Asparagus 

One bite and this gemelli with sausage and asparagus will become your new favorite pasta dinner. 

The sauce is filled with flavorful ingredients, including white wine and sun-dried tomatoes.

In addition, you’ll use sausages instead of the more mild chicken or pork. They add so much flavor on their own, be it spicy Conecuh or smoky Andouille.

12. Turkey Pasta Bake 

Forget that plate of boring leftovers and try this incredible turkey pasta bake this holiday season.  

Artichokes and sun-dried tomatoes offer plenty of unique and bright flavors. They’re sure to lift those turkey leftovers to delicious new heights,

Oh, and it’s all topped off with cheese before baking. So it’s bubbly and crispy around the edges and guaranteed to please the whole family.

13. Gemelli Pasta with Caramelized Pears and Gorgonzola Sauce 

Is there anything more sophisticated than pasta with caramelized pears and Gorgonzola? No, I don’t think so!

And while it sounds kind of fancy, it’s actually pretty easy to make at home.

The creamy Gorgonzola sauce coats the gemelli pasta beautifully, while the fruity pears balance it out just right.

14. Pasta with Bacon, Tomato and Yellow Squash 

I love how fresh and colorful this pasta salad is. The bright red tomatoes and yellow squash just scream summer.

Better yet, they’re insanely tasty, especially with salty bacon and simple yet delicious pasta. 

This pasta is so wonderful, it’s like eating a bowl of sunshine. 

15. Baked Feta Pasta 

This viral TikTok pasta is not only super easy, but it’s spectacularly tasty to boot. 

Drizzle a block of feta cheese and some cherry tomatoes with olive oil and seasonings.

Then, bake it in the oven until the cheese is melted and the tomatoes are perfectly roasted. 

I like to throw in some cipollini onions and garlic for added flavor, but it’s super yummy either way.

16. Baked Pesto Salmon with Gemelli Pasta 

I’m a huge fan of pasta and salmon – smoked, baked, grilled, you name it!

The flaky pink fish always looks fantastic against the pale pasta, no matter what sauce you add.

And while I love salmon with citrus and spice, this herbaceous pesto pairs flawlessly with buttery salmon.

Your whole family will want seconds of this pasta dish. So be sure to make extra!

17. One-Pot Chicken Florentine Pasta 

You know I love a good one-pot meal. And this chicken Florentine pasta does not disappoint. 

Chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic start this dish off with insane flavor.

Then you’ll add cream and chicken broth to coat everything in rich goodness.

And since this is all made in one pot, all the ingredients have time to mingle, making it unbelievably flavorful. 

The minimal clean-up doesn’t hurt either!

18. Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Spinach 

On the hunt for a 20-minute meal you can make with your eyes closed? How about this sensational pasta dish with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach?

Bright, zingy, vibrant, and wonderfully filling, this will keep you fueled for hours to come.

This is also a great way to add some greens to your diet, and I bet kids will love it too!

Feel free to add sausage, chicken, or shrimp for added protein.

19. Braised Beef Ragu with Gemelli 

Although this dish requires a good amount of time, it all happens in the oven. So, there’s no need to stand over a stove.

Just prep it and let the oven do its thing.

And if you’re nervous about braising, don’t be! It’s a super simple method that ensures the beef is as tender as possible.

Make this once, and you’ll never use store-bought ragu again.

20. One-Pot Lemon Garlic Pasta 

A delicious one-pot meal ready in just 20 minutes? Yes, please!

Lemon and garlic are a terrific combination of flavors. They’re zesty and savory, which is perfect for mild pasta!

If you’ve got some leftover chicken, throw it in the pot for added protein. But really, it’s tasty and filling as is.

21. Fresh Herb Gemelli Pasta 

I think simple pasta recipes are so important. And this one is a great recipe to whip up when you’re at a loss for dinner ideas. 

All you need is pasta, olive oil, garlic, and some fresh herbs.

Believe it or not, cooking the herbs and garlic in olive oil activates the exquisite flavors, giving them a big boost to make the final dish insanely rich. 

This is truly a fantastic dish. Give it a try tonight, and let me know what you think!

22. Gemelli Pasta Recipe with Tomatoes and Mascarpone 

I’ll try anything with “mascarpone” in the title. Luckily, this pasta dish is as good as it sounds.

Not only is it super quick and easy, but it’s insanely creamy and flavorful.

This recipe is perfect for summer. Serve it with BBQ chicken or pulled pork for a complete meal.

23. Gemelli Pasta with Pesto, Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach 

This light and fresh pasta dish only requires four simple ingredients. 

Full of beautiful cherry tomatoes and flavorful spinach, you’ll love the bright basil flavor from the pesto sauce.  

Better still, this gemelli pasta with pesto, cherry tomatoes, and spinach is a versatile dish that’s scrumptious hot or cold.

So, why not make a big batch for dinner and save the rest for lunch tomorrow?