Gemelli Recipe
Make Gemelli Recipe in just 35m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Pasta & cooking liquid
Sauce base
Vegetables & additions
Protein & finishing
Method
Pasta & cooking liquid
- 1
Boil water
Bring 4 liters of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 2 tablespoons kosher salt once boiling.
- 2
Cook gemelli
Add 12 oz dried gemelli to the boiling water and cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente (check package for time, usually 9–11 minutes). Reserve 1 cup (240 ml) of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Sauce base
- 3
- 4
Add heat & deglaze
Add 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes and cook 20–30 seconds. Pour in 120 ml dry white wine and use a wooden spoon to scrape any brown bits from the pan. Simmer until the wine is reduced by about half, about 2–3 minutes.
- 5
Add broth
Add 120 ml low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer; reduce slightly for 1–2 minutes to blend flavors.
Vegetables & additions
- 6
Tomatoes and spinach
Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes to the pan and cook until they begin to soften, about 2 minutes. Stir in 2 cups chopped baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 1–2 minutes.
- 7
Lemon & herbs
Remove the pan from heat briefly, then stir in the zest of 1 lemon and 1–2 tablespoons lemon juice (to taste). Add 1/4 cup chiffonaded fresh basil and stir to combine.
Protein & finishing
- 8
Finish sauce
Return the pan to low heat. Stir in 60 ml heavy cream if using and warm through for 30 seconds. Add 3/4 cup finely grated Parmesan and 1/4 cup grated pecorino (optional). Stir constantly to melt the cheese and create a smooth sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water, 2–3 tablespoons at a time, until you reach a silky consistency that will coat the pasta.
- 9
Combine pasta and sauce
Add the drained gemelli to the pan and toss thoroughly to combine, coating the pasta in sauce. Cook together over low heat for 1 minute so the pasta absorbs some sauce. If needed, add more reserved pasta water to loosen.
- 10
Season & serve
Season to taste with 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper (adjust). Divide into 4 servings and finish each plate with extra grated Parmesan and a few torn basil leaves if desired.