Summer is the perfect time to enjoy light and refreshing meals, and what better way to do that than with pasta? Whether you prefer a tangy tomato-based sauce or a zesty lemon-infused dish, there are endless possibilities to explore.
In this blog post, we will dive into the best summer pasta recipes that will satisfy your cravings and keep you cool during those scorching hot days. So grab a fork and get ready to indulge in these mouthwatering creations that will leave you wanting more.
1. Summer Pasta with Rosé & Tomatoes
Summer Pasta with Rosé & Tomatoes is a light and simple pasta recipe that combines linguini with rosé wine-braised cherry tomatoes. Topped with Parmesan, this dish is perfect for a summer meal.
Serve it hot or cold, as a main dish or as a side with grilled chicken. The recipe is easy to follow and the flavors are refreshing. It's a must-try for pasta lovers looking for a taste of summer.
2. Summer Pasta
Summer Pasta is a light and refreshing dish packed with seasonal produce like cherry tomatoes, sweet corn, zucchini, baby spinach, and roasted red peppers. The combination of these vibrant ingredients creates a burst of flavors in every bite.
Tossed in a light cream sauce with spaghetti and ground Italian sausage, this recipe brings a restaurant-quality meal right to your home. It's the perfect dish to enjoy during the summer months when fresh produce is abundant.
3. Ina Garten's Summer Garden Pasta
Ina Garten's Summer Garden Pasta is a must-try recipe for the summer season. Made with halved cherry tomatoes, garlic, basil, and crushed red pepper flakes, this pasta dish is bursting with fresh flavors.
The tomatoes are marinated in olive oil for a few hours, resulting in saucy and flavorful bites. While the pasta was a bit dry, adding a little pasta water could help enhance the overall texture. With its simplicity and vibrant taste, this recipe is perfect for showcasing the best of summer's tomatoes.
4. Tomato Zucchini Summer Pasta
Tomato Zucchini Summer Pasta is a simple and flavorful dish that captures the essence of summer. With only ten ingredients and less than thirty minutes of cooking time, this quick weeknight pasta is perfect for enjoying the freshest produce of the season.
The zucchini is browned in ghee, giving it a delicious crust and enhancing its natural flavor. The sauce, made with cherry tomatoes, pasta water, and fresh basil, adds a burst of freshness to the dish. This full-flavored pasta is a delightful combination of the best ingredients summer has to offer.
5. Pasta with Simple Cherry Tomato Sauce
Pasta with Simple Cherry Tomato Sauce is a flavorful summer pasta dish featuring sautéed cherry tomatoes, toasted pine nuts, basil, mozzarella, and parmesan.
It's a classic combination that is both simple to make and delicious to eat. The addition of orecchiette pasta adds a nice texture to the dish. Overall, it's a perfect recipe for a light and refreshing summer meal.
6. Easy Summer Pasta Salad
Easy Summer Pasta Salad is a refreshing and colorful dish perfect for summer BBQ's and potlucks. Loaded with fresh vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, and tomatoes, this pasta salad is both vibrant and delicious.
Tossed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette and garnished with feta cheese and basil, it's a crowd-pleasing recipe that can be easily doubled or tripled. The leftovers also hold up well, making it a great option for lunch or dinner. Overall, Easy Summer Pasta Salad is a must-try recipe for the summer season.
7. Summer Pasta with Zucchini, Squash and Corn
This summer pasta recipe is a celebration of seasonal vegetables. With zucchini, squash, and corn, it's bursting with fresh flavors. The white wine lemon butter sauce adds a delightful tanginess.
The orecchiette pasta perfectly complements the veggies. It's a quick and delicious dish, ideal for a homemade meal in under 30 minutes. Whether enjoyed on its own or as a side dish, this summer pasta is a must-try.
8. Summer Cavatelli
Summer Cavatelli is a fresh and vibrant pasta dish perfect for the summer season. Made with sweet corn, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and homemade cavatelli pasta, this recipe is bursting with flavor. The addition of marinara sauce and Pecorino Romano cheese adds a delicious depth to the dish.
It's a quick and easy meal that can be prepared in under 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Overall, Summer Cavatelli is a delightful and satisfying pasta recipe that showcases the best flavors of summer.
9. Summer Pasta Salad
Summer Pasta Salad is a versatile and refreshing dish that is perfect for summer gatherings. It is packed with colorful vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and tomatoes, and can be customized with your choice of protein, such as chicken or turkey.
The addition of olives and two types of cheese adds a delightful burst of flavor. The salad is tossed in a homemade Italian dressing, which is quick and easy to make. This pasta salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge, making it a convenient option for busy summer nights.
10. Dump and Bake Summer Pasta
Dump and Bake Summer Pasta is a quick and easy summer recipe that combines fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and cheesy goodness. With ingredients like zucchini, corn, tomatoes, and basil, this dish captures the flavors of the season. The pasta cooks in the oven, eliminating the need for boiling, making it a convenient and hassle-free dinner option.
Whether you use store-bought rotisserie chicken or cook your own, this recipe is versatile and allows for customization with different herbs, spices, and cheeses. Overall, Dump and Bake Summer Pasta is a delicious and healthy meal that takes advantage of the best produce summer has to offer.
11. Italian Garden Pasta
Italian Garden Pasta is a quick and delicious summer dish that can be enjoyed hot or cold. Made with spaghetti pasta, fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper, this recipe is perfect for those looking for a simple and flavorful meal.
It can be easily customized with different types of pasta and tomatoes. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheated in the microwave. Overall, Italian Garden Pasta is a refreshing and easy-to-make option for summer dining.
12. Creamy Shrimp Pasta with Corn and Tomatoes
Creamy Shrimp Pasta with Corn and Tomatoes is a delicious summer pasta recipe. The combination of garlicky shrimp, creamy noodles, fresh corn, cherry tomatoes, and basil creates a flavorful and satisfying dish.
The creamy rosé sauce adds a burst of flavor, while the grilled corn adds a smoky touch. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal or for entertaining guests.
13. Pesto Pasta with Grilled Chicken
Pesto Pasta with Grilled Chicken is a delicious and versatile summer dish. It can be served cold as a refreshing pasta salad or hot as a satisfying entree. The combination of homemade or store-bought pesto, grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil creates a flavorful and vibrant dish.
The leftovers can be easily stored and reheated, or enjoyed cold. Overall, Pesto Pasta with Grilled Chicken is a must-try recipe for pasta lovers looking for a tasty summer meal.
14. Summer Squash Pasta
Summer Squash Pasta is a bright and flavorful pasta dish that can be prepared in under 30 minutes. Made with simple seasonal ingredients like yellow squash, zucchini, garlic, lemon, and fresh basil, this pasta is a perfect choice for a light and satisfying summer meal.
The addition of tangy goat cheese adds a creamy and tangy element to the dish. It's a versatile recipe that can be customized with other seasonal produce. Overall, Summer Squash Pasta is a delicious and easy-to-make option for summer pasta lovers.
15. Summer Orzo Pasta Salad
Summer Orzo Pasta Salad is a refreshing and flavorful addition to any summer gathering. This salad combines orzo pasta, chickpeas, feta cheese, crisp summer vegetables, and fresh herbs, all tossed in a light vinaigrette.
It's easy to prepare ahead of time, allowing you to spend more time with your guests. The combination of fresh ingredients and homemade dressing elevates the flavors, making it a crowd-pleasing dish.
16. Classic Italian Pasta Salad
Classic Italian Pasta Salad is the perfect summer dish for cookouts and parties. Made with tri-colored rotini pasta, Italian salami, cherry tomatoes, red onions, mozzarella pearls, peperoncini, olives, and fresh basil, this cold pasta salad is bursting with flavor.
Tossed in Italian dressing, it's a refreshing and satisfying side dish that pairs well with grilled meats and other summer favorites. The combination of ingredients gives it a true Italian taste, making it a must-try recipe for pasta salad lovers.
17. Summer Vegetable Pasta Salad
Summer Vegetable Pasta Salad is a refreshing and versatile dish perfect for the warm summer months. Packed with colorful vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, and red onion, it offers a delightful crunch and burst of flavors.
The tangy homemade vinaigrette adds a zesty kick, while the bowtie pasta provides a satisfying base. This salad is not only great for potlucks and BBQs, but it also holds up well in the fridge for meal prep. With endless options for customization, it's a go-to recipe for a light and fresh summer meal.
18. Easy Summer Pasta
Easy Summer Pasta is a vibrant and flavorful dish that perfectly captures the essence of summer. With cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and extra virgin olive oil, this pasta is simple yet bursting with delicious flavors.
A pinch of sugar helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, while the pasta water creates a silky sauce. It's a vegetarian dish that can be easily customized with additions like grilled chicken or shrimp. Serve it with your choice of long noodles, and top it off with some Parmesan cheese for a delightful summer meal.
19. Creamy Summer Pasta Salad
Creamy Summer Pasta Salad is a light and tangy pasta salad filled with broccoli, cucumber, red pepper, black olives, and green onions. The dressing is creamy, slightly tangy, and a little bit sweet, providing the perfect complement to the salad.
With a high ratio of vegetables to pasta, this salad is refreshing and disappears quickly. It's a perfect side dish for summer potlucks and barbecues. Homemade and better than any store-bought deli salad.