Gemelli with Summer Squash and Herby Breadcrumbs

A fresh summer pasta dish combining al dente gemelli with grated summer squash, topped with crispy herbed breadcrumbs and ricotta salata. This light yet satisfying meal features a delightful contrast of textures between the tender pasta, fresh vegetables, and crunchy breadcrumb topping.

4 servings
25 min

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup olive oil, divided, plus more to taste
  • 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
  • cup coarse breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme
  • ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
  • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, divided, plus more to taste
  • 2 whole summer squash
  • 1 pound gemelli
  • ¾ cup ricotta salata

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Heat 2 Tbsp. oil over medium in a large sauté pan. Add garlic, breadcrumbs, and thyme and cook, stirring occasionally, until breadcrumbs are crunchy and brown, 3-5 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl and stir in parsley and 1/4 tsp. salt.

    5 min

  2. 2.

    Coarsely grate squash into a large bowl. Toss with 2 Tbsp. oil and 1/2 tsp. salt.

    5 min

  3. 3.

    Cook gemelli in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Drain pasta, reserving 1 cup pasta cooking liquid, and add to squash. Stir vigorously and add pasta cooking liquid and oil as needed to fully coat. Season with salt.

    12 min

  4. 4.

    Transfer pasta to a serving bowl or platter and top with ricotta salata and reserved breadcrumbs. Serve immediately.

    3 min

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