Let’s be honest. Sometimes, “routine” and “summer” don’t quite go hand in hand. At least for me, I can spend one day working on my entire to-do list and do next to nothing the next day—which means dinner the next day isn’t my top priority. One of my favorite ways to enjoy a carefree day is with a summer pasta recipe that satisfies every warm weather craving. These options are easy solutions for lunch or dinner at home or on the go. Plus, everyone in your family is sure to love them. It’s hard not to.
Pasta is a year-round staple in my kitchen. While I’ve never said no to cheese lasagna in the summer, I tend to opt for summer pasta recipes with bright, light flavors like citrus and olive oil. Pair it with a protein for a more filling bowl, or simply serve it as a complement to a main course. No matter which one you choose, you won’t want to turn down these summer pasta recipes.
15 Summer Pasta Recipes to Brighten Up Your Summer
In my moments of relaxation this summer, I realized that as time goes by (and it seems to be getting faster and faster – and it’s not just me), when we don’t tune into the things that make us happy, they start to pass us by. this is definitely no Summer spell. Instead, things get more interesting when we can recognize the things that excite us and find ways to make them more present in our lives.
When we don’t adapt to the things that make us happy, they start to pass us by.
But what does this have to do with pasta, you might ask? I love cooking simple meals, celebrating the flavors of the season, and enjoying moments of relaxation—all best enjoyed with a delicious, indulgent meal. These summer pasta recipes are perfect for enjoying the sweet spontaneity of the season and elevating your daily routine. It’s time to relax and enjoy. After all, this is what summer is really about.
Lemony Spring Pasta Salad with Olives, Artichokes and Bacon
Why we love it: Lemon is the unknown flavor of summer, and this is the dish I turn to when I want to incorporate its spicy flavor into a meal. There’s a lot to love about the combination of crunchy arugula and bacon, which accentuates the sweet citrus flavor of the lemon.
Hero ingredients: Artichokes are a highly underrated and versatile ingredient.
Exploded Tomato Pasta
Why we love it: Tomato Girl summer may be decidedly 2023, but this recipe is forever. Containing only five ingredients, its elegance is beautiful in its simplicity. This is my go-to dish when I don’t know what to make for a dinner party (and my guests are only minutes away). This has truly been my lifesaver and pasta dish that I will be eating on repeat all summer long and beyond.
Hero ingredients: Sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, tomato paste… tomato,Well.
Pasta with pesto sauce
Why we love it: All the vegetables you need for your daily nutritional needs in one delicious dish? Sign me up While I love a good salad, I also love anything that masks the often bitter taste of spinach with Parmesan cheese, olive oil, lemon, and cream. Once your kids accept the fact that this dish is a vibrant, emerald green, they’ll be addicted to every silky noodle-like bite.
Hero ingredients: Go ahead and stack the grated Parmesan cheese.
Green Goddess Pasta Salad
Why we love it: This pasta salad is vegan, packed with veggies, and totally delicious. It’s the easiest way to get your daily dose of vegetables while enjoying a delicious lunch or dinner that will leave you feeling refreshed. Sign me up
Hero ingredients: I’d be lying if I told you the green goddess look wasn’t the star here, but I have to give props to Avocado. Creamy and undeniably mesmerizing.
Creamy Lemon Pasta
Why we love it: Cream may not be at the top of your summer food vocabulary, but this pasta breaks the rules and offers a fresh way to enjoy it. Yes, butter and cream are the base of its sauce (which is perfect for drinking), but the addition of lemon lightens the flavor and makes it perfect for summer.
Hero ingredients: When it comes to herbs and red pepper flakes, a heavy hand is key.
Creamy Vegan Pasta with Tomatoes and Basil
Why we love it: This recipe continues to find its way into my rotation and I’m amazed at how good it tastes every time I make it. The walnut sauce is delicious, the freshly popped tomatoes are unparalleled, and the whole dish comes together in about 15 minutes. incredible? Make one for yourself and find out.
Hero ingredients: Again, pile on those decorations. Lemon zest, basil, and red pepper flakes make this pasta shine.
Penne with Brussels Sprouts and Kale Pesto
Why we love it: This Kale Pesto Brussels Sprouts Pasta is packed with greens and packed with flavor and good-for-you ingredients. Think walnuts, olives, and plenty of veggies. Everyone comes together to make a delicious pasta dish.
Hero ingredients: Warning: You’ll want to drizzle everything with silky kale pesto.
Aranillano Pasta
Why we love it: Thinly sliced golden-brown zucchini is the characteristic element of this dish, inspired by the traditional spaghetti alla Nerano. You never know, it only takes 15 minutes to assemble, perfect for weeknight dinners or impromptu gatherings. And, with zucchini so plentiful this time of year, there’s no better time to whip up this simple yet impressive dish.
Hero ingredients: Basil, basil, and more basil.
Garlic Shrimp, Asparagus and Tomato Pasta
Why we love it: For a heartier, protein-packed pasta, garlic shrimp pasta is the way to go. It is inspired by the Mediterranean diet and introduces several healthy vegetables. Perfect for a satisfying summer lunch or dinner that fills you up without weighing you down.
Hero ingredients: These tomatoes were beautifully cooked, almost jammy. Um.
One-pot spring pasta with summer vegetables and ricotta ganache
Why we love it: More vegetables! Seriously, I just can’t get enough of these summer pasta recipes that celebrate seasonal produce. In this case, it’s all about asparagus, broccoli (a personal favorite), peas, and cherry tomatoes. Together they make a delicious spring pasta.
Hero ingredients: Ricotta ganache brings a variety of creamy flavors to the table. (Or rather, noodles.) It’s like a cheesy blanket that’s light enough to make a great addition to summer pasta recipes.
Lemon Carbonara with Peas and Zucchini
Why we love it: This carbonara is a little lighter than the traditional thin meat dish we love this time of year. This creamy vegetarian version uses peas and zucchini instead of bacon and is best enjoyed outdoors.
Hero ingredients: Peas, of course. It’s time for these small but mighty superstars to get the recognition they deserve.
Summer Pasta Salad
Why we love it: Caramelized roasted vegetables meet swirled pasta. This is the pasta salad you’ll want to have all summer long and a popular addition to grilling. It’s also rich in protein, complex carbohydrates, fiber and healthy fats. Victory on all fronts.
Hero ingredients: Kalamata olives have a salty flavor that makes everything else pop.
Summer pasta with tomatoes, burrata and basil
Why we love it: Giant creamy burrata cheese lovingly coats each noodle, making it the perfect dish for breakfast, lunch and dinner. seriously. If you think that sounds a bit heavy for a summer night, think again! The “sauce” is made from popped tomatoes, olive oil and garlic. Please give me the biggest bowl.
Hero ingredients: To make this easy pasta, make sure to use fresh tomatoes, aromatic basil, and good olive oil. The proof is in the pudding—er, pasta.
One Pot Garlic Mushroom Pasta with Sausage and Arugula
Why we love it: I know what you are thinking. Sausage isn’t exactly a “light” summer pasta. But I beg to differ—and here’s why. This recipe uses only a small amount of Italian sausage and basically mimics a sausage and mushroom pizza (yum), with a sauce of just lemon zest and juice, arugula, Parmesan cheese and a splash of cream. I call it “light” because you can eat it for lunch without weighing you down for the rest of the day, or enjoy it for dinner without feeling too full. Please don’t ask any more questions.
Hero ingredients: I will always support mushrooms. They are nutritious and delicious.
Summer Vegan Pasta Salad with Feta and Lemon Tahini Dressing
Why we love it: Is the weather too hot to enjoy a hot bowl of noodles? not a problem. This summer pasta salad is packed with vegetables and herbs that are made even more delicious by the miso tahini dressing on top. It’s healthy, balanced, and easy to taste even on the hottest days of summer.
Hero ingredients: It’s really delicious with a little salty feta in every bite. Feel free to pick some cubes with your fingers. I know I will.
