Gemelli Garlic Lemon Pasta Recipe (One Pot)

User Reviews

5

60 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    10 mins

  • Cook Time

    15 mins

  • Total Time

    25 mins

  • Servings

    4 people

  • Calories

    413 kcal

  • Course

    Main Course

  • Cuisine

    Italian, American

Gemelli Garlic Lemon Pasta Recipe (One Pot)

This Gemelli Garlic Lemon Pasta is a creamy one-pot dish combining pasta cooked in chicken or vegetable broth with garlic, lemon zest and juice, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. Optional additions like broccoli, baby spinach, and artichoke hearts add vegetable texture and subtle flavor. The pasta simmers until al dente, then cream and cheese create a smooth sauce. A drizzle of truffle oil and lemon garnish finishes the dish with brightness and aroma. It's a comforting meal that balances citrus tang, cheesy richness, and herb freshness, suitable as a vegetarian option or base for added proteins.

Description

Gemelli Garlic Lemon Pasta Recipe (One Pot) uses gemelli pasta cooked directly in broth with minced garlic for infused flavor and a tender bite. The pasta absorbs broth while steaming, with optional chopped broccoli included early for preferred tenderness. After cooking, fresh lemon zest and juice brighten the dish alongside Parmesan cheese, creating a creamy, light sauce. Baby spinach and quartered artichoke hearts are stirred in last to wilt gently without overcooking. Italian parsley adds herby freshness, balanced by a hint of salt. A drizzle of white truffle oil and extra shaved Parmesan at serving enhance the earthy, bright profile.

The dish offers a creamy yet fresh pasta experience featuring garlic and lemon as key notes. The method of cooking pasta in broth reduces pots to wash and intensifies flavor. Inclusion of vegetables like broccoli and spinach adds color and nutrition. This recipe fits well for meatless meals and can accommodate many add-ins, providing a satisfying and versatile pasta option.

Serve the pasta immediately with lemon wedges and parsley garnish alongside simple salads or grilled proteins if desired. The lemon and garlic keep the pasta flavorful but light, making it suitable for spring or summer dining.

Broccoli requires timing attention: chopped small and steamed in the pasta pot for 2 to 5 minutes depending on texture preference. Follow notes to achieve crisp or tender broccoli. Adjust salt after cooking since broth may add varying saltiness. Reserve any excess cooking liquid for adjusting sauce consistency if needed.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 8 ounces gemelli pasta (or use pasta of choice, note this is half a bag)
  • 2 cups chicken broth may sub with vegetable broth
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream may use half and half
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese fresh grated
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese fresh shaved (or increase above to ½ cup)
  • ⅛-¼ cup flat-leaf parsley chopped, Italian
  • 1/2 lemon zest whole lemon and use half to garnish, zest
  • 1 ½ - 2 tablespoons lemon juice fresh squeezed, about ½ a lemon
  • 1 crown broccoli chopped small (optional)
  • 15 ounce artichoke hearts brine or marinated, quartered (optional)
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • white truffle oil drizzle if desired, for serving, La Tourangelle brand
  • ½-1 teaspoon kosher salt Optional, try the pasta before adding if you are watching your salt

Instructions

  1. Pour pasta into a deep pot or 4 quart dutch oven (larger if doubling). Add minced garlic and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover and cook pasta according to package directions, al-dente. See notes for broccoli if adding.
  2. When pasta is cooked, you should only have a little broth left, if too much, ladle some out and reserve. Add lemon zest and lemon juice, give it a good stir.
  3. Add heavy cream and the spinach and artichoke hearts if using and stir to wilt, covering the top if needed.
  4. Finally stir in the Italian parsley, reserving a little for garnish, then grated parmesan cheese, mixing it in to melt. Taste and add salt if needed.
  5. Serve with a little chopped parsley, a lemon wedge, leftover lemon zest, a drizzle of truffle oil and shaved parmesan.

Notes

  • Chop broccoli into small stalks and steam with pasta for 2-5 minutes, adjusting time for desired doneness.
  • Start with less salt and add after tasting, as broth may contain sodium.
  • Use leftover pasta cooking liquid to thin the sauce if needed.
  • This recipe can be adapted with your preferred pasta shape and additional proteins.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Serving 11 serving Calories 413kcal (21%) Carbohydrates 51g (17%) Protein 17g (34%) Fat 16g (25%) Saturated Fat 9g (45%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g (6%) Monounsaturated Fat 4g (20%) Cholesterol 42mg (14%) Sodium 654mg (27%) Potassium 383mg (8%) Fiber 4g (16%) Sugar 4g (8%) Vitamin A 2117IU (42%) Vitamin C 13mg (14%) Calcium 207mg (21%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4people

Amount Per Serving

Calories 413 kcal

% Daily Value*

Serving 11 serving
Calories 413kcal 21%
Carbohydrates 51g 17%
Protein 17g 34%
Fat 16g 25%
Saturated Fat 9g 45%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 4g 20%
Cholesterol 42mg 14%
Sodium 654mg 27%
Potassium 383mg 8%
Fiber 4g 16%
Sugar 4g 8%
Vitamin A 2117IU 42%
Vitamin C 13mg 14%
Calcium 207mg 21%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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60 reviews
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