WHAT IS GEMELLI PASTA WITH TOMATO ZUCCHINI SAUCE?

This is a quick and easy summer recipe that uses short cut pasta along fresh zucchini and some nice red sauce.  Gemelli with tomato zucchini sauce uses tomatoes in several different formats (paste, puree, and if you want add fresh, dry or semi-dried).  This allows you to build up layers of red fruit texture and flavor.

SUGGESTIONS WHEN MAKING PASTA WITH TOMATO ZUCCHINI SAUCE

• Ridges to Hold Sauce

Gemelli pasta resembles thick corkscrews with plenty of creases for delicious sauce to nestle. This pasta has a nice heart bite which makes it excellent for richer sauces like this Tomato Zucchini sauce.  If the “twins” are not to your liking, try more classic short cuts like penne rigate or calamarata.

• Make it Meaty (Or Not)

This recipe is easily adaptable for meat lovers. Simply add 8 ounces of ground beef or turkey to the onions after they’ve browned a bit and then continue withe the rest of the recipe. Or, you can go the opposite way and make this pasta dish vegan by omitting the cheese.

WHAT PAIRS WELL WITH PASTA WITH TOMATO ZUCCHINI SAUCE

This is not an overwhelming combination in terms of flavors.  If you don’t wait too long in putting the garlic in, then most red or white wines or even sparkling bubbly or beer will work well.  This isn’t a bad recipe for picky eaters.  And you can never go wrong with a simple side salad for some raw, healthy greens!  While we list cherry tomatoes as a possible addition above, there are many other types to choose from – check out our Food Fight!!! on tomatoes here or here! (written by Chef Stef)