Grocery
Gemelli Pasta
What it is
Gemelli is a type of short pasta. It is made from durum wheat semolina and water. The name 'gemelli' means 'twins' in Italian. This refers to its shape, which looks like two short strands of pasta twisted together. The twisted shape helps it hold sauces well. It is a versatile pasta shape that works with many different types of dishes. It cooks relatively quickly.
How people cook with it
Gemelli pasta is a popular choice for a variety of pasta dishes. Its unique shape makes it ideal for capturing sauces and ingredients.
- Tossed with pesto
- Mixed into pasta salads
- Served with creamy sauces
- Baked in casseroles
To cook gemelli, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook according to package directions until al dente, which means it is tender but still has a slight bite. Drain the pasta, reserving some of the cooking water. You can then toss it directly with your prepared sauce, adding a little of the reserved pasta water if needed to create a smooth, emulsified sauce that coats the pasta evenly. It is also excellent in baked dishes.
How it differs from similar foods
Unlike smooth tubular pastas, the twisted shape of gemelli provides more surface area for sauces to cling to. This makes it a good alternative to penne or rigatoni when you want a sauce to adhere more thoroughly to each piece of pasta.
Who it is for
Home cooks and professional chefs alike choose gemelli for its texture and sauce-holding capabilities.
How to keep the rest
Store any uncooked gemelli in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. Once cooked, refrigerate leftovers promptly in a sealed container. It is best consumed within a few days of cooking.