I’ll be the first to admit that I’m a year-round pasta fanatic. Yet, with the weather warming up, it’s time to add a little summer flavor into the mix. Now, before you run away, hear me out. The juicy tomato sauce, fresh herbs, and rich cheeses are still in the mix. The only difference is that these summer pasta recipes focus on different ingredients and are much lighter. Here are my top go-to dishes that are both incredibly delicious and equally impressive. Get ready to become pasta obsessed, as these dishes are addictive!
1. Pasta with Cherry Tomato Sauce
This summery pasta has all of the classic ingredients, just with a different approach. The ingredients are made up of juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp basil, and parmesan. The roasted pine nuts are totally the star of the show as they add a gentle sweetness throughout the dish. Throw in some mozzarella balls once complete to truly bring this dish to life!
2. Macaroni Salad
With the weather warming up, the last thing we need is the additional heat. That’s why it’s time to cool things down a little bit with a fun macaroni salad. This recipe is ideal to make for your next potluck, barbecue, or special occasion. Nothing screams summer more than a cool macaroni salad loaded with fresh veggies. The sweet, tangy, and savory dressing perfectly intertwines all of the ingredients together as one!
3. Pesto Pasta
My pesto used to always come out on the drier side until I started following this yummy pesto pasta recipe. The secret to making the pesto so much more creamy is by adding a bit of pasta water into the mix. Once you master the pesto sauce, you can totally add it to any other dish! You can opt for your favorite pasta, however, I definitely recommend either penne or ziti.
4. Cacio e Pepe
This classic Italian dish is so addicting that you’re guaranteed to end up in a food coma. Don’t believe me? Try it out for yourself. But don’t say I didn’t warn you! The best part about this recipe is that it’s based on incredibly basic ingredients. Simply find some pasta, cheese, and ground pepper for an amazing dish. It’s safe to say that the best things in life are those on the simple side.
5. Creamy Cherry Tomato & Summer Squash Pasta
If your summer garden is anything like mine, then it’s completely overflowing with ripe veggies left and right! This recipe is sure to save the day and put those tomatoes and summer squash to some good use? If you don’t happen to have the ingredients on hand, then stop by your local farmer’s market and grab the ripest of the bunch. I promise this recipe won’t disappoint!
6. Summer Pasta Primavera
This summer pasta primavera just screams a good time and is totally on the lighter side. All you need to do is roast some cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and corn for the ultimate creamy base. Add some pine nuts and basil to truly freshen up the dish. Feel free to add some grilled Italian sausage on top if you’re looking for that extra protein.
7. Penne with Roasted Summer Vegetables and Ricotta Salata
We can all agree that the best way to use up leftover pasta is by creating a delicious pasta salad. This penne with roasted summer vegetables and Ricotta salata does just that. I love whipping up this dish when I’m looking for a meal on the cooler side during the heat of the summer. Don’t be scared to throw in any other veggies you might have on hand when working on the penne.
8. Zucchini Lasagna
It seems as if zucchinis are always in abundance during the summer months. Luckily, this recipe is here to save the day and put them to some good use. Ditch the extra carbs for a lighter alternative in this fun zucchini lasagna recipe. This dish is jammed with ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan. Could this zucchini lasagna get any cheesier? I doubt it!
9. Herb Pasta
The flavor in this dish is unbelievable and cannot be matched by any other recipe on this list. The secret? The simple ingredients, of course! The fresh basil, parsley, and thyme is able to take centre stage without any sauce overpowering the dish. You can add any additional spices that you feel will truly bring this dish to life. Don’t forget to lightly grate some parmesan cheese on top to add a little creaminess to the recipe.
10. Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
With summer right around the corner, it’s only right to start feasting on seafood. Luckily, a garlic butter shrimp pasta does just that! This recipe is super easy peasy to make while equally mouth-watering. In 20 minutes’ time, you’ll have a spectacular dish jam-packed with goodness. Be sure to add some chopped herbs on top to bring out the freshness in the shrimp!
11. Linguine with Lemon & Tomatoes
Now, before you keep scrolling, hear me out. The tanginess from the lemon paired with the savoriness of the tomatoes is a perfect match. This recipe is the definition of summer since it’s packed with fresh and cool ingredients. The best part about this dish is its versatility. You can totally enjoy it straight off the pan, or cool it down in the fridge. While the dish calls for linguine, feel free to opt for your favorite noodle instead.
12. Farmers’ Market Vegetable Pasta with Walnut Pesto
I love spending my summer mornings at the farmers’ market, and my Sunday afternoons in the kitchen whipping up something spectacular. Luckily this vegetable pasta with a walnut pesto does just that. Simply pick up some fresh veggies and roast them in the oven until they reach a mushy consistency. This will add a creamier feel to the dish. Add the walnut pesto and enjoy!
13. Lemon Chicken Pasta
Not only is this recipe gushing with an array of different flavors, it’s also super healthy! This lemon chicken pasta is an absolute comfort food and hearty meal all in one. I love creating a huge pot of this dish at the beginning of the week as an easy meal prep lunch on standby. It’s loaded with a ton of protein and greens to get you through those busy days!
14. Linguini with Clams
It’s time to spice things up literally and figuratively with this linguini with clams delight. If you’re looking for a dish that tastes like it was just brought out of a 5-star restaurant, then this one’s for you. Not only is it incredibly elegant, but it’s also utterly delicious. The linguini paired with the roasted clams will have you swept away to a seaside Italian village as soon as you take a bite.
15. Linguini Aglio e Olio
This linguini aglio e olio is made from the most simple ingredients that I guarantee you already have in your pantry. The only item that you might have to pick up is a bunch of parsley (that’s if you don’t already have it growing in your garden). Feel free to throw in some additional ingredients you might have on hand. However, I recommend keeping this dish super simple to truly enjoy all the flavors.
16. Tomato Garlic Butter Shrimp Linguini
This tomato garlic butter shrimp linguini is a complete game changer when it comes to summer pasta recipes. The linguini is drenched in a creamy marinara sauce and covered in parmesan with a hint of basil. If you think this recipe can’t get even better, then you’re in for a treat. This dish only takes 15 minutes to make and is a super quick weeknight dinner to make if you’re low on time.
17. Vegetable Pasta Salad
Have some extra pasta and no clue what to do with it? A vegetable pasta salad will put those leftovers to use in this fun recipe. This dish is amazing during those hot summer months where the last thing you want is a warm meal. Instead, grab those leftovers, chop up any veggies you might have on hand, add a dressing, and you’re good to go.
18. Corn Pasta
While nothing beats corn on a cob, this corn pasta might just be a close second! This dish is super creamy and will leave you craving more. It’s also absolutely irresistible and combines all of the best elements of summer into one. Crunchy corn, a coconut curry base, and tangy lime? My mouth is watering already!
19. Chicken Penne Parmesan Pasta
This chicken penne parmesan pasta is a perfect summer alternative since it’s on the lighter side. Rather than being drenched in a thick penne sauce, sun-dried tomatoes and mushrooms are added instead. The best part about this recipe is it’s a one-pot meal! Could it get any easier and delicious? I doubt it.
20. Ramen Noodles with Miso Pesto
While I’ll be the first to admit that ramen mixed with pesto sound like a questionable combination, it’s actually incredibly tasty. It’s time to switch things up and try out something new! If you’d prefer to opt out the ramen, that’s completely fine. You can totally go for a classic pasta such as linguini, penne, or tortellini. However, if there is anything you absolutely have to try out, it’s this life-changing pesto!
21. Lemon Garlic Pesto Shrimp Fettuccine
This wonderfully gooey and seasoned dish is pretty easy to make yet tastes incredibly gourmet. Give your shrimp a luscious lemon and garlic bath to maximize the juices. I guarantee that as soon as you take a bite the shrimp will explode with flavor unlike anything you’ve ever tasted before. While you can add some summer veggies into the mix, I’d recommend letting the shrimp take centre stage in this recipe!
22. Eggplant Pasta
Looking for something bursting with flavor, then give this eggplant pasta a shot! This classic Italian dish incorporates all of the best elements of summer into one single recipe. From a rich tomato sauce and roasted eggplants to fresh basil and herbs, this dish is sure to not disappoint. This dish might be on the heavier side, however it’s still the ultimate dinner since it only takes 25 minutes to make.
23. Lemony Pea Pasta
This easy peasy lemon pea pasta is all the rage the second summer rolls around the corner. I love making this dish with fresh peas from my garden, yet you can definitely get away with frozen peas, which the recipe actually calls for. Packed with rich ingredients and creamy goodness, you’ll lick the plate clean after your last bite. While you should definitely enjoy this dish while it’s still warm, I recommend throwing it into the fridge to create a pasta salad for the next day.
24. Summer Zucchini Noodle Salad
There’s nothing better to welcome in the warm weather than a summer zucchini noodle salad! It’s time to switch out the carbs for some tasty zoodles. Who needs to feel weighed down from starch and gluten when you can feel light as a feather after enjoying a delicious meal? You can also get away with cooking all of the ingredients, however I recommend the healthier alternative of keeping it raw. Pro tip: Don’t be scared to throw in some goat cheese for additional richness.
25. Greek Pasta Salad
This super quick and simple Greek pasta salad is ideal to prep ahead of time and throw in the fridge. Simply chop up some juicy Mediterranean veggies such as cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion to enjoy. Don’t forget to throw in a few olives and sprinkle some feta to really enjoy this dish.
26. Lemony Summer Squash Orecchiette with Spinach
Still going crazy with an over abundance of zucchini yet no clue what to do with it? Then it’s time to make an amazing lemony summer squash orecchiette with spinach. This weekend pasta will hit all the right spots and is only based on 10 ingredients. Orecchiette is by far my favorite pasta shape since it’s super versatile and goes with absolutely any dish.
27. Cheese Ravioli with Lemon Basil Butter Sauce
I’m a total ravioli fanatic, even in the summer during the dead of the heat. That’s why this tasty dish takes a lighter and fresher approach that won’t leave you feeling drowsy. Who needs a thick and creamy sauce when you can opt for a flavorful lemon basil butter to add on top?
28. Spinach Pesto Pasta
Grab your favorite sort of pasta and whip up this incredible pesto for a life changing meal. While I don’t mean to brag (maybe just a little), this spinach pesto pasta is one of my signature dishes that everyone adores. The second someone takes a bite of this masterpiece, they’re swept away into a new dimension. Don’t believe me? Give this recipe a spin and you won’t be able to kick your dinner guests after they take a bite.
29. Lemon Ricotta Spinach Pasta
This delicious recipe is loaded with zest and surprisingly only takes 15 minutes to make. What says summer more than a lemon ricotta spinach pasta? The craziest part of this recipe is that it’s based on a no-cook sauce and can totally be served cold.
30. Penne With Herb Butter & Peas
It’s time to stop over contemplating dishes and go back to the basics. Ditch all of the thick sauces and instead opt for the simple ingredients found in this recipe. The butter base drenched in fresh and dried herbs is everything we ever needed, but never knew. The simplicity of this dish totally gives it its luster! Click on a star to rate it!
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