Gemelli Pasta with Lemon and Garlic

Do you ever find yourself staring at the pantry, craving a satisfying meal but short on time and energy? I do. That’s when I turn to this Gemelli Pasta with Lemon and Garlic. I first threw it together on a particularly hectic Wednesday, and it’s since made our dinner rotation for those nights when I want something delicious and fast. It’s a dish that comes together in less than 20 minutes and delivers vibrant flavor using just a handful of simple ingredients.

Lemon and garlic are a match made in heaven–when cooked, the sharpness of the garlic mellows to a richer, milder flavor that is perfectly complemented by the acidity of the lemon juice. A generous drizzle of olive oil and butter, plus a bit of parmesan and parsley, creates a vibrant sauce. This zesty mixture clings perfectly to the twisted shape of tender Gemelli pasta, turning each bite into a flavor powerhouse.

Delicious I add spinach will definitely make again.

kathy

Gemelli Pasta with Lemon and Garlic Ingredients

• Gemelli Pasta: I love how the sauce clings to every twist. Other short pasta shapes work well too.
• Olive Oil: Use a good quality extra-virgin here. It’s a key flavor in the sauce.
• Butter: I prefer salted for added flavor, but unsalted works if you want more control over seasoning.
• Garlic: Fresh cloves are a must. Their flavor mellows beautifully when cooked. Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Just a pinch adds a subtle warmth. Adjust to your heat preference.
• Lemon: You’ll need both juice and zest. Look for lemons that feel heavy for their size – they’ll be the juiciest.
• Fresh Parsley: I prefer flat-leaf for its robust flavor, but curly works too.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best, but pre-grated works if that’s what you have on hand.
• Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: For seasoning to taste.

What is gemelli pasta?

Gemelli pasta is the key ingredient that distinguishes this dish from other lemon-garlic pastas. It’s a short variety of pasta that looks like two tubes twisted together, but is actually a single strand. This distinct shape creates channels for sauce to cling to, making it the perfect vessel for soaking up every last bit of luscious lemon-garlic sauce. The name “gemelli” loosely translates to “twins” in Italian, a clever name for this symmetrical pasta.

Recipe Options

• Add grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp to make this a meal on its own (as .
• Toss in some halved cherry tomatoes or sautéed spinach.
• Try pecorino romano for a sharper flavor.
• Substitute basil or cilantro for parsley.
• Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for extra heat.

This simple pasta proves that you don’t need a long list of ingredients or complicated techniques to make a satisfying meal. The bright lemon, mellow garlic, and tender pasta come together in a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with friends, I think you’ll find this pasta hits the spot.

More Classic Italian Pasta Recipes

• Broccoli Rabe and Sausage Pasta
• Lemon Garlic Pasta (The same luscious sauce as this recipe, but with long, slender pasta – a reader favorite!)
• Shrimp Fra Diavolo
• Lemon Basil Pasta
• Spinach and Mushroom Pasta
• The Best Bolognese Sauce Recipe
• 45+ Best Pasta Recipes

How to Make Gemelli Pasta with Lemon and Garlic

Cook gemelli pasta according to package directions; drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.

Meanwhile cook and stir garlic and red pepper flakes in a large skillet of sizzling butter and olive oil until fragrant. Stir in cooked pasta and pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Season to taste and serve topped with parmesan cheese and parsley.