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    Home » Recipes » Pasta and Noodles

    Gemelli Pasta with Pesto, Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach

    Published: Mar 30, 2022 · Modified: Aug 17, 2022 by Abi Cowell · As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases · See my privacy policy linked in footer · This blog uses cookies

    Jump to Recipe
    pinterest image

    Just 4 ingredients and you'll have a delicious and flavorful one pot dinner ready to go with this pesto gemelli pasta studded with spinach and cherry tomatoes. Bursting with fresh basil flavor, this easy vegan veggie pesto pasta can be served warm or cold as a pesto pasta salad.

    pasta in bowl with fork, napkin, lemon and basil leaves

    Pesto pasta is ideal in summertime, when tomatoes and basil is in season. But, it can be enjoyed all year round in most parts of the world. Basil pesto freezes well, so keep a jar stored in the freezer and pull it out when you want that burst of summertime flavor.

    Jump to:
    • 🧄 Ingredient notes
    • 📋 Substitutions and variations
    • 🔪 Instructions
    • ⭐️ Expert tips
    • 🍳 Equipment
    • 🥡 Make ahead and storage tips
    • ☕️ Tea pairing
    • ❓ FAQ
    • 🗺 Cultural influences
    • 💜 More recipes you'll love
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Reviews

    🧄 Ingredient notes

    This simple and quick veggie pesto pasta requires just a few ingredients.

    ingredients
    • Gemelli pasta - the pesto clings to the spiral shape of gemelli pasta, making this a great choice for this recipe
    • Vegan green basil pesto - use either homemade or store-bought pesto. I used a homemade oil-free pesto, but use what you have. Pesto is so good and full of fresh basil flavor, it makes you want to put it on everything!
    • Cherry tomatoes - the little cherry tomatoes pack a lot of sweet summertime flavor in a small bite. I find the best deal on quality cherry tomatoes at Costco, but if you grow any in your summer backyard garden, absolutely use those in this!
    • Spinach - fresh baby spinach is very mild in flavor, it adds nutrients to the dish without taking away from the intense basil pesto flavor
    • Lemon juice - brightens the whole dish!

    📋 Substitutions and variations

    Here are some suitable substitutions you can use when making this pesto pasta:

    • Gemelli pasta - can be substituted with other medium pasta, like fusilli, spirals, shells, macaroni, casarecce, rotini, gigli, penne or penne rigate.
    • Fresh baby spinach - can be substituted with chopped mature spinach, kale or swiss chard.
    • Cherry tomatoes - can be subsituted with diced fresh roma tomatoes.
    • Nut-free - make this nut-free by choosing a nut-free pesto, perhaps one made with seeds instead.
    • Gluten-free - make this gluten-free by using your favorite gluten free pasta
    • WFPBNO - make this whole food plant based no oil by using whole wheat pasta and oil-free vegan pesto
    • SOS-free - make this SOS-free by omitting the salt and making a homemade salt-free pesto

    Looking to switch things up? Try these pasta variations:

    • Spicy - add chili pepper flakes to the finished dish to infuse a little heat to this pesto pasta.
    • Cheesy - add some vegan parmesan (homemade or store-bought)
    • Broccoli - substitute broccoli for the spinach
    • Creamy pesto pasta salad (pictured below) - Add a few tablespoons of vegan sour cream to this pesto pasta with veggies to make it creamy and rich. I recommend using my cashew cream recipe to accomplish this (pictured below), it tastes amazing!
    creamy pesto pasta with veggies

    🔪 Instructions

    Perfect for a weeknight dinner, you can pull this meal together in less than 30 minutes and just one pot. It's a matter of boiling your gemelli pasta, cutting your tomatoes, then mixing in the vegan pesto and veggies. Season with salt and pepper and devour!

    Step 1 boil pasta

    Boil the gemelli pasta in well-salted water.

    Step 2 cut tomatoes

    Cut your cherry tomatoes in half, lengthwise.

    Step 3 add spinach to boiling pasta

    When pasta is done, turn off heat and immediately stir in all of the spinach in the pasta water. The spinach will wilt within seconds.

    Step 4 add pesto

    Drain all the water out of the pot and return the pasta and spinach to the pot. Stir in pesto.

    Step 5 stir in tomatoes

    Carefully stir in tomatoes.

    Step 6 season and salt and pepper and serve

    Taste and season with salt and pepper, as needed. Serve with fresh lemon wedges and basil leaves.

    closeup of pesto pasta on fork

    Hint: Serve hot or cold, depending on your preference. An extra squeeze of lemon juice and sprinkle of kosher salt over leftover pesto pasta brings more life to it.

    🧯 Food safety

    • Wash hands with soap and water before cooking
    • Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
    • If storing it, don't add hot pasta to refrigerator. Divide it into separate airtight containers, allow to cool on the counter open with no lids. Then, when they are cool, put lids on and refrigerate.
    • Never leave cooking food unattended
    • Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

    See more guidelines at USDA.gov.

    ⭐️ Expert tips

    • If you want the spinach in smaller pieces, roughly chop it before adding it to the water.
    • Don't skip the lemon juice - it brightens the whole dish
    • Tomatoes come unseasoned from the garden - so you may need to add some salt and pepper, just taste it first to be sure. Your pesto may add enough flavor and seasoning already.

    🍳 Equipment

    • Serrated tomato knife - makes cutting all those cherry tomatoes super easy and quick

    🥡 Make ahead and storage tips

    Store the prepared pesto pasta in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, but fresh basil loses its freshness and flavor more each day. So, best to eat it within 3 days for optimal flavor.

    These ingredients don't stand up well to freezing.

    ☕️ Tea pairing

    This vegetarian pesto pasta recipe would be delicious paired with mint tea, since basil is part of the mint family. When served cold as a vegan pesto pasta salad, pair with classic southern iced tea.

    ❓ FAQ

    How do I store gemelli pasta?

    Store this gemelli pasta dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.

    What can I do with leftovers of gemelli pasta?

    Leftover gemelli pasta that is plain can be used to make pasta salad or baked pasta. Leftover gemelli pesto pasta with cherry tomatoes and spinach can be served cold as a pasta salad or heated in the microwave or oven.

    Is gemelli pasta vegan?

    Yes, dried gemelli pasta is vegan, as it does not include egg as one of the ingredients. Fresh gemelli pasta that is prepared with eggs would not be considered vegan.

    What is gemelli pasta?

    Gemelli is an s-shaped pasta that is formed in to a tight spiral shape. It is medium size pasta that is excellent for pasta salads and baked pasta.

    Where to buy gemelli pasta?

    Organic gemelli pasta can be purchased at Costco in the United States. It can also be purchased in grocery stores that carry a wide variety of pasta or you can buy gemelli pasta online at Amazon.

    What to make with gemelli pasta?

    Gemelli pasta, with it's spiral shape, holds sauce well. It is excellent for pesto pasta, pasta salads and pasta with veggie sauce.

    Is gemelli pasta gluten free?

    Traditional gemelli pasta is not gluten free, as it is made with wheat flour. Some gemelli pasta, that is made with gluten-free flour like rice, chickpea, lentils, for example, are gluten-free.

    pasta in bowl with fork, napkin, lemon and basil leaves

    🗺 Cultural influences

    Gemelli is a type of pasta from Italy. The name "gemelli" comes from the Italian word that means "twins", since the pasta shape looks like it's two tube-shaped pieces of pasta swirled together.

    In fact, it is one piece that is twisted into an S-shaped spiral. It is from the fusilli family of pastas.

    Gemelli pasta is traditionally used in pasta salads and casseroles (baked dishes), but also works well in light tomato sauces (with or without vegetables) and creamy sauces.

    💜 More recipes you'll love

    If you love this veggie pesto pasta recipe, check out these other veggie pasta dishes, all vegan, vegetarian and plant-based!

    • white bowl of kale orzo salad with cranberries and pecans with spoon resting on side
      Vegan Kale Orzo Pasta Salad
    • creamy tomato shell pasta in pan with fresh basil
      Conchiglie Rosa with Vegan Rose Pink Pasta Sauce
    • vegan creamy mushroom pasta with asparagus
      Vegan Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Gigli Pasta
    • creamy pasta dish with broccoli in white bowl
      Gigli Pasta with Broccoli and Vegan White Sauce

    Love this recipe? Please rate it 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ below in the recipe card. And, if you make it, please tag me on Instagram or Facebook in your posted photos! I would love to see your creations. 😄

    📖 Recipe

    pasta dish in white bowl, garnished by basil

    Gemelli Pasta with Pesto, Tomatoes and Spinach

    Abi Cowell
    Just 4 ingredients and you'll have a delicious and flavorful dinner ready to go with this pesto gemelli pasta studded with spinach and cherry tomatoes. Bursting with fresh basil flavor, this easy vegan veggie pesto pasta can be served warm or cold as a pesto pasta salad.
    5 from 7 votes
    Estimated Cost: $5
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved Recipe!
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 15 minutes mins
    Total Time 25 minutes mins
    Course Pasta
    Cuisine Italian
    Servings 4
    Calories 524 kcal

    Equipment

    • Stock Pot to cook pasta
    • Colander or strainer
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 16 ounces gemelli pasta 1 package
    • ⅓ cup vegan pesto green basil pesto, either homemade or store-bought
    • 8 ounces cherry tomatoes halved
    • 8 ounces fresh baby spinach
    • Salt and black pepper to taste
    • Lemon wedges and fresh basil leaves for garnish

    Instructions
     

    • Bring a large pot of well-salted water to boil. Once it is boiling, add gemelli pasta to water and stir. Cook according to package directions, until tender.
      16 ounces gemelli pasta
    • When pasta is done, turn off heat and immediately stir in all of the spinach in the pasta water. The spinach will wilt within seconds.
      8 ounces fresh baby spinach
    • Drain all the water out of the pot and return the pasta and spinach to the pot. Stir in pesto.
      ⅓ cup vegan pesto
    • Then, carefully stir in tomatoes. Taste and season salt and pepper, as needed. Serve hot right away with lemon wedges and fresh basil leaves, if available. Or, chill and serve as a cold pesto pasta salad.
      8 ounces cherry tomatoes, Salt and black pepper, Lemon wedges and fresh basil leaves

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1portionCalories: 524kcalCarbohydrates: 91gProtein: 18gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 251mgPotassium: 693mgFiber: 6gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 6011IUVitamin C: 29mgCalcium: 119mgIron: 4mg
    Keyword gemelli pasta with pesto, tomatoes and spinach
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    About Abi Cowell

    Hey y'all! I’m the plant-based food blogger, recipe developer, photographer and cooking class instructor behind Very Veganish. Join me as we explore and taste incredible plant-based food, with cultural influences from around the world. You’ll find healthy comfort food vegan recipes and inspiration here. When I'm not cooking, you'll find me homeschooling my two boys, volunteering and trying to survive the Texas summers with copious glasses of iced tea.

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    Abi Cowell smiling in her kitchen

    Hi! I'm Abi, mom of two hungry boys, caregiver, plant-based food blogger and cooking instructor from Houston, Texas. I help busy women create simple & healthy vegan meals in under 30 minutes so they spend less time in the kitchen cooking and cleaning. Join me as we make quick & easy vegan comfort food you and your family will love (no matter how they eat).

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