Shop DeLallo Gemelli Pasta:

What Is Gemelli Pasta?

Gemelli, which means “twins” in Italian, is a short, twisted pasta. Two hollow strands are twisted together to form the shape, giving it a festive look and al dente texture. It’s the base of a wide range of dishes, from plated pastas to pasta bakes to pasta salads, and clings to sauce effortlessly. If you’re looking to add a new interesting pasta shape to your repertoire, then gemelli is it.

The Origin Of Gemelli Pasta And Its Brief History

Gemelli hails from the southern Puglia region of Italy. The pasta is formed of a long, hollow strand that is folded over and twisted before being cut. This complicated shape became infinitely easier to make after the introduction of pasta factories in the 1700s and 1800s and, later, industrialization. Its popularity continues to grow worldwide.

How Is Gemelli Pasta Made And What Is It Made Of?

Gemelli is made using a basic pasta dough of durum wheat semolina flour and water. After kneading, the dough is pushed through bronze dies to form long, hollow strands. Each long strand is then folded over and twisted together to form gemelli’s signature shape. The dough is then cut into short lengths and sold fresh or dried.

When made in a factory setting, gemelli is sometimes made by wrapping two separate strands together before trimming.

How To Cook Gemelli

To cook gemelli, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Salt generously; this will help to flavor the pasta. Add the pasta and stir, ensuring the water comes back up to a boil. Cook until al dente, 7 to 8 minutes, or according to the package instructions. Drain in a colander and toss with your favorite sauce for a simple pasta dish or pasta salad.

If using gemelli for a pasta bake, consider boiling the pasta one minute short of al dente since it will continue to cook in the oven.

The Best Gemelli Pasta - The DeLallo Difference

DeLallo’s pasta is made in a region near Naples with the finest quality durum wheat and spring water. The pasta is extruded through bronze dies for a superior texture that catches sauce, giving you the best dining experience possible.

Gemelli Pasta Recipes And Usage Ideas

Gemelli’s unique shape makes it a versatile pasta. With an al dente texture and swirls that freely catch sauces of all kinds, this pasta can do it all. Serve with a simple tomato or pesto sauce for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. It’s equally at home in simple olive oil or butter sauces, and is especially good in pasta salads since it retains a nice bite. Check out 2 of our favorite Gemelli pasta salad recipes: Green Goddess Pasta Salad and Vegetable Alfredo Salad.

Try serving gemelli in your next pasta bake or pasta casserole for a change of pace.

The Best Sauces For Gemelli Pasta

Gemelli is equally well-paired with marinara sauce as it is with fresh pesto and creamy sauces, like alfredo. Try using it as the pasta in your next mac and cheese, or simply toss gemelli with garlic, olive oil, and lemon along with sausage or fresh vegetables for a simple but delicious meal. Heartier sauces like bolognese and ragus are not bad toppings for gemelli, but the dainty pasta will struggle to hold its own, making it better suited for lighter sauces.

Gemelli Pasta Substitutes

When substituting another pasta for gemelli, look for a variety with a similar al dente texture and ability to capture sauce. Casarecce, a short pasta made of a sheet of dough that is twirled into a scroll-like shape, is an excellent choice. Fusilli, a popular pasta shape that looks like short spirals, is also a good swap for gemelli in plated pastas, pasta salads, and casseroles.

DeLallo Gemelli Pasta: FAQ

How Do I Pronounce “Gemelli”?

Gemelli is pronounced “gih-mel-ee.”

What Does “Gemelli” Mean?

The word gemelli means “twins” in Italian. The name comes from the twin strands of hollow pasta that are twisted together to form gemelli.

What Is The Shape Of Gemelli?

Gemelli is a short, twisted pasta. It is made up of two hollow strands that are twisted together to form a single spiral pasta shape.

What Region Of Italy Is Gemelli From?

Gemelli comes from the Puglia region of Italy in the southeast but is eaten throughout the country.

Gemelli Vs Fusilli - What Is The Difference?

Gemelli and fusilli are both short, spiral pasta shapes. However, they do have their differences. Fusilli is made by spiraling a piece of pasta dough to form a tightly coiled spring-like shape. Gemelli is formed by twisting one long, folded over hollow strand of pasta (or two hollow strands of pasta) together. Both are excellent at clinging to sauces and make good swaps in recipes, but with slightly different textures.

Gemelli Vs Casarecce - What Is The Difference?

Casarecce is another good swap for gemelli in pasta recipes thanks to its similar size and sauce-capturing abilities. Unlike gemelli’s two twisted hollow strands, casarecce is made up of flat pieces of dough that are rolled up, creating a shape much like little scrolls.

Where To Buy DeLallo Gemelli Pasta

Order DeLallo gemelli pasta online or find it at most major supermarkets across the country.