Welcome to our blog, pasta lovers! Today, we're diving into the world of gigli pasta and exploring some of the best recipes that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Gigli, meaning "lilies" in Italian, is a unique pasta shape that resembles beautiful flowers.
Its ruffled edges and twisted design make it a perfect canvas for soaking up sauces and capturing flavors. Whether you're a fan of creamy or tangy, meaty or vegetarian, we've got you covered. So, grab your apron and let's explore the delightful world of gigli pasta recipes together!
1. Gigli Pasta with Chickpeas
Gigli Pasta with Chickpeas is a delightful and healthy vegetarian dish that can be prepared in just 20 minutes. The combination of gigli pasta, roasted chickpeas, harissa, and dukkah creates a flavorful and satisfying meal.
The gigli pasta, also known as little bells, adds a visually appealing touch to the dish. This recipe is easy to adapt and allows for the addition of various vegetables. Overall, Gigli Pasta with Chickpeas is a quick, nutritious, and delicious option for pasta lovers.
2. Gigli Pasta with Broccoli and Vegan White Sauce
This Gigli Pasta with Broccoli and Vegan White Sauce is a comforting and healthy dish that combines curly gigli pasta, broccoli florets, and a creamy dairy-free, oil-free alfredo sauce made from cauliflower and cashews.
The sauce coats the pasta perfectly, creating a delicious Italian-inspired plant-based dinner. It's a great option for those looking for a lighter and vegan-friendly pasta recipe.
3. Gigli with Salted Purple Sprouting Broccoli
This seasonal take on the classic Italian pasta dish is a delightful combination of crunchy purple sprouting broccoli, olive oil, and chili. With a small ingredient list, this recipe is simple and fast to make, yet incredibly delicious.
The strong flavors of the broccoli mixed with the spicy kick of the chili create a delightful taste experience. Perfect for enjoying during the British purple sprouting broccoli season from January to May.
4. Rigatoni al Forno with Béchamel Sauce
Rigatoni al Forno with Béchamel Sauce is a delicious and hearty baked pasta dish. Made with sausages, a rich sauce, béchamel, and rigatoni, it is a perfect option for feeding a crowd.
The recipe is easily adaptable, allowing for variations in pasta shapes and cheese choices. The addition of spices and herbs adds depth of flavor to the dish. Overall, Rigatoni al Forno with Béchamel Sauce is a comforting and satisfying meal option.
5. Pasta alla Gricia
Pasta alla Gricia is a traditional Roman dish that features gigli pasta, guanciale (pork), Pecorino Romano cheese, and black pepper. It is a simple yet flavorful recipe that showcases the rich and savory flavors of the ingredients.
The combination of the crispy guanciale, creamy Pecorino sauce, and perfectly cooked gigli pasta creates a satisfying and delicious meal. Pasta alla Gricia is a must-try for pasta lovers looking to experience the authentic flavors of Rome.
6. Creamy Salmon Pasta
Creamy Salmon Pasta is a delicious and impressive dish that is perfect for both dinner and lunch. The recipe features tender salmon fillets cooked in foil for a moist and flavorful result. The creamy pasta sauce, made with garlic, double cream, and white wine, adds richness to the dish.
The choice of gigli pasta shape adds an element of fun and excitement to the meal. Overall, Creamy Salmon Pasta is a must-try recipe for seafood lovers looking for a satisfying and easy-to-make dish.
7. Vegan Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Gigli Pasta
This Vegan Creamy Mushroom and Asparagus Gigli Pasta recipe is a delightful and satisfying dish. The frilly gigli pasta pairs perfectly with the creamy vegan white sauce, which is made from cauliflower and cashews.
The addition of button mushrooms and asparagus adds a savory and earthy flavor to the pasta. It's a great option for those looking for a comforting and healthy plant-based meal.
8. Cacio e Pepe
Cacio e Pepe is a simple and delicious pasta dish that can be made in under 30 minutes. This recipe uses gigli pasta instead of the traditional spaghetti, but still delivers a flavorful and satisfying meal. The dish is made by tossing the cooked pasta with butter, freshly ground black pepper, and a combination of finely grated pecorino and Parmesan cheese.
The cheese melts to create a smooth and creamy sauce, which is enhanced by the addition of pasta water. Cacio e Pepe is a quick and easy option for a midweek meal when you're short on time but still want a tasty and comforting dish.
9. Pasta Carbonara
Pasta Carbonara is a delicious and simple dish that combines eggs, pancetta or bacon, and pasta. It can be made with various types of pasta, including gigli. The creamy sauce, made with a combination of cream and pasta water, coats the noodles perfectly.
Optional additions like peas or chicken can add extra flavor and protein. Overall, Pasta Carbonara is a satisfying and versatile dish that is sure to please pasta lovers.
10. Spicy Rigatoni Vodka Pasta
Spicy Rigatoni Vodka Pasta is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines rigatoni pasta with a spicy tomato-based sauce infused with calabrian chili peppers and a splash of vodka.
The addition of heavy cream creates a creamy and luscious texture, while the tomato paste adds depth of flavor. This recipe is easy to make and requires simple ingredients. It's a must-try for pasta lovers looking for a spicy and indulgent dish.
11. Creamy & Spicy Harissa Pasta
Creamy & Spicy Harissa Pasta is a delicious and indulgent dish that combines the creaminess of the sauce with a hint of spiciness from the harissa paste. The pasta is smothered in a luscious and flavorful sauce, topped with cheese for an extra indulgent touch.
The recipe allows for flexibility in choosing the pasta shape and suggests alternative ingredients for customization. Overall, this recipe offers a delightful combination of creamy and spicy flavors that will satisfy any pasta lover.
12. Lazy Lasagna Casserole
Lazy Lasagna Casserole is a no-fuss and quick way to satisfy your craving for lasagna. It features campanelle pasta layered with a flavorful meat sauce, creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. This dish can be baked immediately or frozen for later use.
It's a great option for busy days or as a make-ahead meal. The recipe is versatile, allowing you to use other short pasta varieties if campanelle is not available. Overall, Lazy Lasagna Casserole is a delicious and convenient alternative to traditional lasagna.
13. Pasta with Creamy Corn Sauce, Basil, and Breadcrumbs
Pasta with Creamy Corn Sauce, Basil, and Breadcrumbs is a delightful dish that captures the essence of late summer. The creamy sauce, made from blended sweet corn, is rich and flavorful without the need for cream.
Topped with garlicky breadcrumbs and fresh basil, this pasta is a textural delight. The gigli pasta shape is perfect for soaking up the sauce, creating a satisfying and delicious meal.
14. Baked Goat Cheese Pasta
Baked Goat Cheese Pasta is a delightful twist on the popular baked feta pasta trend. This recipe features creamy chevre goat cheese, fresh asparagus, sweet peas, fragrant mint and basil, and a touch of lemon zest.
The result is a silky cheese sauce that coats the gigli pasta perfectly. It's an easy and flavorful dish that captures the essence of spring.
15. Caprese Pasta Salad
Caprese Pasta Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines the classic caprese flavors of tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella with tender gigli pasta. The homemade white balsamic vinaigrette adds a tangy and sweet touch to the salad.
It's a perfect vegetarian option for summer gatherings and pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. Overall, a simple yet delicious pasta salad that will be loved by friends and family.
16. Homemade Bolognese Sauce with Gigli Pasta
The Homemade Bolognese Sauce with Gigli Pasta is a classic Italian dish that is worth the time and effort to make. The slow-cooked Bolognese sauce is rich and flavorful, made with a mix of ground beef, pork, and veal. The sauce is simmered for hours, allowing the flavors to develop and the meat to become tender.
When served with Gigli pasta, the dish becomes a truly unforgettable culinary experience. The Gigli pasta, native to Southern Tuscany, pairs perfectly with the hearty Bolognese sauce. Overall, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves Italian food.
17. Easy Instant Pot Lasagna
Easy Instant Pot Lasagna is a quick and convenient way to make delicious lasagna without the need for a springform or cake pan. The recipe produces flavorful Italian comfort food in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods.
With tender noodles, bold flavors, and gooey cheese, this one-pot meal is a winner. Whether enjoyed on a warm summer evening or a cold winter night, this hearty and comforting dish is sure to satisfy.
18. Tomato Sauce
This tomato sauce recipe is a quick and simple way to elevate your pasta dish. Made with San Marzano tomatoes, it has a sweeter and less acidic flavor.
The sauce is cooked with onions, basil, red wine, sugar, salt, and pepper, resulting in a rich and flavorful sauce. Perfect for pairing with your favorite pasta or as a healthy alternative with brown rice.
19. Fregola Pasta
Fregola pasta is a unique and versatile Italian pasta made in the shape of small pearls or beads. It has a dense texture and a mild nutty flavor, adding depth to any dish it is used in.
Fregola is commonly used in soups, risotto, and salads, and can be paired with various sauces, seafood, meats, and vegetables. While not widely available in supermarkets, it can be purchased online from select retailers. Overall, fregola pasta is a delicious and interesting option to explore in your cooking.
20. Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie Pasta
Instant Pot Chicken Pot Pie Pasta is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that captures all the flavors of a classic chicken pot pie. Loaded with tender chicken, veggies, and a creamy sauce, this recipe is the perfect comfort food.
It can be paired with salads or roasted vegetables, and leftovers can be stored and reheated easily. Overall, this recipe is a must-try for pasta lovers looking for a comforting and flavorful meal.
21. Quick & Easy Chicken Lasagna Soup
Quick & Easy Chicken Lasagna Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that can be ready in just 30 minutes. Made with ground chicken, vegetables, and mafalda noodles, this soup has all the flavors of lasagna without the hassle of layering and baking.
The addition of cottage cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan gives it a creamy and cheesy texture. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
