Planning a picnic or hosting a backyard barbecue? These 25 summer pasta recipes will help you surprise your guests and delight your palate.
We’ve focused on meal-prep friendly recipes that are ready in less than 30 minutes.
Summer calls for fresh flavors, simple ingredients, and easy meals.
Louise and I have put together this collection of 25 summer pasta recipes that celebrate everything we love about this season 😎.
We’ve included something for every palate; whether you prefer a classic basil pesto, a quick Italian dressing for your pasta salad, or hearty marinara sauce, we make the most of summer’s bounty.
So grab your favorite pasta pot, and get ready to taste your way through these Mediterranean-inspired summer pasta meals.
1. Creamy pasta salad
We start this recipe roundup with a creamy and colorful pasta salad. Crispy vegetables and creamy mayonnaise, this pasta salad is ideal for potlucks, barbeques, and picnics.
2. Chickpea pasta salad
Our chickpea pasta salad is excellent for spring and summer when cherry tomatoes and cucumber are in season.
3. Orzo salad
Orzo pasta salad is a quick and simple pasta served with crumbled feta and Italian vinaigrette. It’s a Greek-inspired pasta salad that everyone will love.
4. Red pepper pasta
Indulge in the fresh flavors of summer with this creamy red pepper pasta. Roasted red peppers give a sweet and smoky flavor perfect for summer celebrations.
5. Eggplant pasta
Our next summer pasta combines tender roasted eggplant with a rich tomato sauce. Pasta alla Norma is a Sicilian pasta, traditionally served with fresh basil and ricotta salata.
6. Mushroom pasta
Try this fettuccine with sautèed mushrooms, parsley, and juicy cherry tomatoes. Each bite of this pasta is a mix of Italian flavors and wholesome plant-based ingredients.
7. Vegan pasta salad
Our next summer meal is a colorful bowtie pasta salad, which is excellent as a satisfying vegetarian lunch idea.
8. Cherry tomato pasta
This cherry tomato pasta showcases the creativity and simplicity of Italian food.
It’s a fantastic vegetarian dinner idea for summer and fall, and it takes just 30 minutes to make.
9. Broccoli pasta
This easy-to-make recipe will please any pasta lover. In 20 minutes, you and your family can enjoy this delicious meatless meal, perfect for summer.
10. Penne arrabbiata
The fiery notes of red pepper flakes perfectly complement the sweetness of tomatoes in this penne arrabbiata recipe.
11. Spaghetti salad
This easy spaghetti salad is a delicious BBQ side dish. We toss the ingredients with lemon dressing and garnish with parsley; it’s a must-try for any outdoor gathering.
12. Peanut noodles
Try this peanut sauce-smothered linguine pasta with fresh bell pepper. It can be served cold, making it an excellent choice for warm summer nights.
13. Aglio e Olio spaghetti
Spaghetti aglio e olio is an easy pasta dish from Italy where the spaghetti is tossed in a simple and tasty garlic, chillis, parsley, and olive oil sauce.
14. Pesto pasta salad
This pesto pasta salad brings a burst of homemade pesto in every bite. We add arugula, cherry tomatoes, and olives for a Mediterranean summer salad.
15. Sesame noodles
Sweet mango, grilled tofu, refreshing cucumber, and nutty peanut sauce elevate this sesame pasta with linguine.
16. Creamy tomato pasta
Try this protein-rich summer pasta with ripe vine tomatoes, ricotta, and almonds. It is a Sicilian pesto sauce with a blend of Mediterranean summer ingredients.
17. Zucchini pasta
Calling all zucchini fans and creamy pasta lovers. This zucchini pasta offers a velvety, rich grated zucchini sauce, elevated with yogurt and parmesan.
18. Spaghetti pomodoro
Another summer pasta favorite is this 6-ingredient Italian pasta classic. It’s a quick, family-friendly meal with a perfect tomato sauce.
19. Asparagus pasta
Our creamy one-pot asparagus pasta offers the best of spring and summer flavors. We combine tender asparagus, al dente pasta, and a cheesy sauce for a satisfying meal.
20. Lemon ricotta pasta
You can make this milky and creamy ricotta spinach pasta in 20 minutes. It’s an easy recipe for a protein-rich vegetarian dinner with just eight ingredients.
21. Mushroom Alfredo
Mushroom Alfredo is an excellent recipe for late summer with sautéed mushrooms and a creamy, dreamy sauce.
22. Pasta Puttanesca
This Italian recipe, Puttanesca pasta, is a quick and straightforward pasta that tastes amazing.
23. Artichoke pasta
The secret to the creaminess of this artichoke pasta is to blend some of the artichokes and turn them into a velvety sauce.
24. Macaroni salad
This creamy macaroni salad is the perfect summer pasta salad, combining al dente macaroni with a luscious mayonnaise dressing.
25. Pesto pasta
This basil pesto pasta with green beans is an easy meal with rich flavors, inspired by a summer pasto from Liguria, Italy.
How to serve summer pasta recipes
If you tried these Summer Pasta recipes or any other recipe here, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let us know how it goes in the comments. We love hearing from you!
Summer Pasta Recipes: Creamy pasta salad
Video
Ingredients
- 9 ounces pasta fusilli, rotini, elbows, etc.
- 1 can (15-oz) cannellini beans or chickpeas, rinsed
- 2 cups red bell pepper diced
- 1 heaping cup cucumber diced
- ½ cup corn canned
- ½ cup olives sliced
- 1 shallot or red onion, sliced
- 1 rib celery chopped
- ½ cup pickles chopped
- 3 tablespoons parsley finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons dill finely chopped
- ¾ cup vegan mayo or regular mayo
- ½ lemon juice and grated zest
- ¾ teaspoon salt or more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water as per package instructions.Drain it and rinse it under cold water for 15 seconds so it doesn't overcook and keeps al dente. While the pasta cooks, you can prep the veggies.
- To a large bowl, add all ingredients.
- Toss well until the pasta is thoroughly coated. Taste and adjust for mayo, salt, and lemon juice based on your preference.Serve immediately or store in the fridge covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container.
Notes
Nutrition
Hi! We are Nico & Louise
We’re here to share delicious, easy, and healthy plant-based recipes (vegetarian & vegan) 🌿✨.
Welcome to our blog, we are glad you are here.
Every recipe I’ve tried has been delicious and I know I’m actually eating something good for me! Not to mention how the dishes are so colorful and visually appealing.
Rebecca, I’m very happy you enjoyed these pasta ideas. Thank you for your kind comment 🥰
All the best, Louise