Indulge in the flavors of Italy with this irresistible Gemelli Pasta Recipe with pesto, seared shrimp (or scallops) zesty lemon, and the perfect buttery crunch of Italian bread crumbs!
This dish brings together the finest ingredients like pesto, lemon, cream and shrimp on a canvas on gemelli pasta... Creating a symphony of flavor and texture! A great choice for Easter, spring gatherings, or everyday indulgence!
This Creamy Gemelli Pasta cooks in about 30 minutes for a quick and nutritious weeknight meal! Serve with easy sourdough bread or a green goddess salad!
Gemelli Pasta Recipe Ingredients
- 12 oz gemelli pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (or scallops)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup pesto sauce (or see recipe for fresh pesto below)
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- ¼ cup buttered Italian bread crumbs
- Lemon slices for garnish
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup pine nuts, toasted
How to Make Gemelli Pasta
Prepare the Gemelli Pasta
Bring a capacious pan of water to a boil over medium heat.
Add a generous pinch of salt and stir in the gemelli pasta.
Cook according to package instructions until the pasta is al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
Seared Shrimp (or Scallops)
Heat a heavy-based wok or non stick skillet over medium heat and add a little olive oil.
Add the shrimp (or scallops) and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they're cooked through and golden.
Remove from the wok and set aside.
Prepare the Creamy Lemon-Pesto Sauce
In the same pan or wok, add a touch more olive oil if needed and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently for a couple of minutes.
Stir in the pesto sauce, grated Parmesan cheese, and half of the lemon zest and juice. Mix until well combined.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked gemelli pasta to the creamy pesto sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly.
Use reserved pasta cooking water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
Stir in the fresh basil, reserving some for garnish.
Assemble the Dish
Divide the creamy gemelli pasta among serving plates.
Top with the seared shrimp (or scallops).
Sprinkle with buttered Italian bread crumbs and toasted pine nuts for the perfect crunch.
Garnish each plate with lemon slices and a sprinkle of reserved fresh basil.
Optionally, add red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Serve & Enjoy
Serve this delicious meal immediately, accompanied by crusty Italian bread.
The combination of creamy sauce, tender pasta, vibrant pesto, and succulent shrimp (or scallops) will make this dish a new family favorite!
Homemade Pesto Sauce
Elevate your gemelli pasta dish with Creamy Pesto Sauce. This irresistible sauce embodies the essence of Italian cuisine, infusing your family favorite dish with rich creaminess and flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup pine nuts
- 2 cloves garlic
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoon heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Toast Pine Nuts
In a dry, heavy-based wok over medium heat, toast the pine nuts until golden and aromatic. Set aside to cool.
Blend Ingredients
In a food processor, combine fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, and peeled garlic cloves.
Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped and well combined.
Add Creaminess
With the food processor running, gradually drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil until the mixture forms a smooth paste.
Incorporate Cream and Lemon
Stir in the heavy cream to achieve a luscious and creamy texture.
Squeeze in the lemon juice for a burst of freshness.
Season to Perfection
Season the creamy pesto sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the flavors to suit your preferences.
Serve and Enjoy
Add this creamy pesto sauce to your gemelli pasta for a delightful fusion of textures and tastes, capturing the essence of Italian cuisine and turning any dish into a delicious masterpiece.
Recipe Card
If you try this recipe and love it, I’d love if you give it 5 stars and let me know how it turned out in the comments or review! Tag me on Instagram @farmhouse_harvest with your delicious creation!
Gemelli Pasta Recipe Pesto, Shrimp Lemon
Indulge in the flavors of Italy with this irresistible Gemelli Pasta Recipe with pesto, seared shrimp (or scallops) zesty lemon, and the perfect buttery crunch of Italian bread crumbs! This family-favorite dish for gatherings or everyday indulgence!
Ingredients
- 12 oz gemelli pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (or scallops)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup pesto sauce (or see recipe for fresh pesto below)
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- ¼ cup buttered Italian bread crumbs
- Lemon slices for garnish
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup pine nuts, toasted
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil over medium heat.
- Add a generous pinch of salt and stir in the gemelli pasta.
- Cook according to package instructions until the pasta is al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
- Heat a heavy-based wok or non stick skillet over medium heat and add a little olive oil.
- Add the shrimp (or scallops) and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they're cooked through and golden.
- Remove from the wok and set aside.
- In the same pan or wok, add a touch more olive oil if needed and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently for a couple of minutes.
- Stir in the pesto sauce, grated Parmesan cheese, and half of the lemon zest and juice. Mix until well combined.
- Add the cooked gemelli pasta to the creamy pesto sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly.
- Use reserved pasta cooking water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
- Stir in the fresh basil, reserving some for garnish.
- Divide the creamy gemelli pasta among serving plates.
- Top with the seared shrimp (or scallops).
- Sprinkle with buttered Italian bread crumbs and toasted pine nuts for the perfect crunch.
- Garnish each plate with lemon slices and a sprinkle of reserved fresh basil.
- Optionally, add red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Serve this delicious meal immediately, accompanied by some crusty Italian bread.
Let me know what you think!
Share your cooking tips and feedback in the comments below.
Did you add any twists to these recipes? I'd love to hear!
Gemelli Pasta Recipe with Pesto, Seared Shrimp or Scallops, and Zesty Lemon Slices - Easy Weeknight Dinner
This delightful ensemble is not only a feast for the senses but also a solution for your busy weeknight cravings!
Crafted for convenience, this recipe caters to your desire for an easy and hassle-free meal.
But it's not just about the indulgence – it's about nourishing your body too. Packed with the goodness of fresh herbs, lean proteins, and the wholesome benefits of whole wheat gemelli pasta.
Gemelli Pasta
Gemelli pasta, an Italian word meaning "twins," is a type of short pasta that takes on the appearance of two strands of pasta twisted together. This pasta, known for its distinct spiral shape, captures sauces and flavors in its crevices, making it a superior quality choice for creamy pasta sauces and hearty dishes.
Cooking gemelli to al dente perfection is effortless. Boil it in a pan of water over medium heat, allowing it to retain its tender texture while retaining a satisfying bite.
Gemelli's unique shape, reminiscent of two intertwined strands, offers a delightful canvas for a variety of recipes.
Rebecca
This looks soooo good!! I'm going to save this recipe!
Arianna
This looks delicious! I can’t wait to make it!