Let’s be realistic. Sometimes “routine” and “summer” don’t exactly go together. At least for me, I can get through my to-do list one day and do almost nothing the next. That means dinner the second day is not at the top of my priority list. One of my favorite ways to enjoy a carefree day is with a summer pasta recipe that satisfies all your warm-weather cravings. This choice is an easy solution for lunch or dinner at home or on the go. Plus, your whole family will love it. It’s hard not to.
Pasta is a year-round staple in my kitchen. While I’ve never turned down a cheesy lasagna in the summer, I tend to opt for summer pasta recipes that are bright and light, like citrus and olive oil. They can be more filling when paired with protein, or they can simply be enjoyed as a complement to a main dish. Whatever you choose, you’ll never turn down these summer pasta recipes.
15 Summer Pasta Recipes to Brighten Up Your Summer
As I took a break this summer, I realized that as time goes by (it seems to be getting faster and faster, I’m sure it’s not just me) if we don’t tune in to what makes us happy, it starts to pass us by. This is definitely true. ~ No Summer Mantra. Instead, it is much more enjoyable when we recognize the things that move us and find ways to make them more present in our lives.
If we don’t pay attention to what makes us happy, they start to pass us by.
But what does this have to do with pasta, you may ask? I love cooking simple meals, celebrating seasonal flavors, and enjoying moments of relaxation. All of this is best served with a delicious, long-lasting meal. These summer pasta recipes are perfect for enjoying the sweet spontaneity of the season and elevating your everyday life. It’s time to kick back and enjoy. After all, that’s what summer is all about.
Lemon Spring Pasta Salad with Olives, Artichokes and Bacon
Why we love it: Lemon is the hidden flavor of summer, and this is my go-to dish when I want to bring that tartness to a meal. There’s so much to love about this crunchy arugula and bacon combo that highlights the sweet citrus flavor of lemon.
Hero Materials: Artichokes are an underrated but versatile ingredient.
Burst Tomato Pasta
Why we love it: Tomato Girl Summer is definitely 2023, but this recipe is timeless. With only five ingredients, it’s beautiful in its elegant simplicity. It’s my go-to dish when I have no idea what to make for a dinner party (and only have a few minutes left). It’s a real lifesaver, and it’s a pasta dish I’ll be making again and again all summer long and beyond.
Hero Materials: Sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, tomato paste… tomatoof course.
Green sauce pasta
Why we love it: Can you get all the vegetables you need every day in one delicious dish? Sign me up. I love salads, but I also love dishes that mask the bitterness of spinach with Parmesan cheese, olive oil, lemon, and butter. If kids can get past the vibrant, green color of this dish, they’ll be hooked on every smooth, noodle-like bite.
Hero Materials: Continue topping with Parmesan cheese.
Green Goddess Pasta Salad
Why we love it: This pasta salad is vegan, full of vegetables, and absolutely delicious. It’s the easiest way to get your daily veggie needs while enjoying a refreshing and delicious lunch or dinner. Sign up.
Hero Materials: I’d be lying if I said the green Goddess dressing wasn’t the star of the show here, but I have to give a shout out to the avocado. It’s creamy and definitely swoon-worthy.
Creamy Lemon Pasta
Why we love it: Creamy may not be at the top of your summer food vocabulary, but this pasta dish breaks the rules and offers a new approach to indulgence. Yes, butter and cream are the base of the sauce (and it’s really good enough to drink), but the addition of lemon makes it lighter and more summer-friendly.
Hero Materials: A firm hand is important when handling herbs and chili flakes.
Creamy Vegan Pasta with Tomatoes and Basil
Why we love it: This recipe is constantly in my rotation and every time I make it, I am blown away by the flavor. The walnut sauce is to die for, the freshly burst tomatoes are incomparable, and the whole dish comes together in about 15 minutes. It’s almost too good to be true. Make it yourself and see for yourself.
Hero Materials: Again, add more garnish. Lemon zest, basil, and red pepper flakes help this pasta shine.
Rigatoni with Brussels Sprouts and Kale Pesto
Why we love it: This Kale Pesto with Greens, Brussels Sprouts and Pasta is packed with flavor and healthy ingredients. Think walnuts, olives and lots of vegetables. All of this comes together to create a pasta dish that tastes like heaven.
Hero Materials: WARNING: Sprinkle the creamy kale pesto on everything.
Spaghetti alla nerano
Why we love it: Thinly sliced golden brown zucchini is the signature ingredient in this dish inspired by traditional spaghetti alla nerano. You’ll never know it can be made in 15 minutes. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or impromptu gatherings. And with zucchini abundant this year, now is the time to whip up this simple yet impressive dish.
Hero Materials: Basil, basil, and more basil.
Garlic Shrimp, Asparagus, and Tomato Spaghetti
Why we love it: If you’re looking for a richer, more protein-packed pasta, look no further than this garlic shrimp spaghetti. Inspired by the Mediterranean diet, it’s loaded with a variety of healthy vegetables. It’s perfect for a filling, yet satisfying summer lunch or dinner.
Hero Materials: The tomatoes are beautifully ripe, almost jam-like in texture. Delicious.
One-pot pasta primavera with summer vegetables and ricotta
Why we love it: More vegetables! Seriously, I can’t get enough of summer pasta recipes that celebrate the produce of the season. In this case, it’s all about asparagus, broccolini (my personal favorite), peas, and cherry tomatoes. All of this comes together to create a delicious pasta primavera.
Hero Materials: Ricotta brings all sorts of creaminess to the table (or to noodles, for that matter). It’s like a light blanket of cheese that makes for a wonderful part of any summer pasta recipe.
Lemon Pasta Carbonara with Peas and Pumpkin
Why we love it: This carbonara is a bit lighter than the traditional pancetta-filled dish we eat this time of year. Replacing the salty meat with peas and pumpkin, this creamy vegetarian version is best enjoyed outdoors.
Hero Materials: Of course, it’s Peas. It’s time these small but mighty superstars got the recognition they deserve.
Summer Pasta Salad
Why we love it: Caramelized roasted vegetables and swirled pasta meet. This is the pasta salad you’ll want to have on hand all summer long, and it’s a favorite at the barbecue. Plus, it’s loaded with protein, complex carbs, fiber, and healthy fats. It’s a win-win.
Hero Materials: Kalamata olives provide a salty, tangy flavor that makes everything stand out.
Summer Spaghetti with Tomatoes, Burrata Cheese and Basil
Why we love it: A very creamy burrata lovingly coats each noodle, finishing off a dish you’ll want to eat for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Seriously. If that sounds a little heavy for a summer evening, think again! The “sauce” is made with bursting tomatoes, olive oil, and garlic. Give me the biggest bowl.
Hero Materials: For a pasta this simple, you need to use fresh tomatoes, fragrant basil, and good olive oil. The proof is in the pudding. No, the pasta.
One Pot Garlic Mushroom Pasta with Sausage and Arugula
Why we love it: I know what you’re thinking. Sausage doesn’t make for a “light” summer pasta. But I disagree. Here’s why. This recipe uses only a small amount of Italian sausage to mimic a sausage and mushroom pizza (it’s delicious), and the sauce is just lemon zest and juice, arugula, Parmesan cheese, and a little butter. I declare this “light” because you can eat it for lunch without dragging yourself out all day, and for dinner without being too full. Ask no more questions.
Hero Materials: I’ve always been a fan of mushrooms. They’re nutritious and endlessly delicious.
Summer Vegetable Pasta Salad with Feta Cheese and Lemon Tahini Dressing
Why we love it: Too hot to enjoy a bowl of warm noodles? No problem. This summer pasta salad is loaded with vegetables and herbs, and is topped with a miso tahini dressing. It’s healthy, balanced, and easy to enjoy even on the hottest summer days.
Hero Materials: It’s so delicious that you get a sip of salty feta cheese in every bite. You can even pick off a few cubes with your fingers. You’ll do just that.
