25 Summer Pasta Recipes

We’ve included something for every palate —whether you prefer the simplicity of a classic pesto or the boldness of roasted pepper rigatoni, every recipe is designed to make the most of summer’s produce.

So grab your favorite pasta pot, and get ready to savor your way through these (mostly) Mediterranean-inspired summer pasta meals.

We start this recipe roundup with a creamy, nutritious, colorful pasta salad.

With crispy vegetables and creamy mayonnaise, this pasta salad is ideal for potlucks, barbeques, cookouts, and picnics.

2. Chickpea pasta salad

Our chickpea pasta salad is excellent for spring and summer when cherry tomatoes and cucumber are in season.

It’s versatile, tasty, and packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and plant–based protein from wholesome ingredients.

3. Lemon pasta

Lemon pasta is a quick and simple pasta dish similar to the famous Italian aglio olio but with the addition of lemon zest and lemon juice to make a zesty lemon sauce.

It’s the perfect light and satisfying pasta dish for warm summer nights.

4. Red pepper pasta

Indulge in the fresh flavors of summer with this creamy roasted red pepper pasta.

The roasted red peppers give a sweet and smoky flavor, perfectly complementing the luscious almond cream sauce.

5. Eggplant pasta

Our next summer pasta combines tender roasted eggplant with a rich tomato sauce.

Tender eggplant cubes, roasted to perfection, mingle with canned tomato, infusing the pasta with a burst of Mediterranean flavors.

Cook it with al dente rigatoni and mix it with fresh basil; every bite is a taste of Southern Italian cooking.

6. Mushroom pasta

Try this fettuccine with sautèed mushrooms, parsley, and juicy cherry tomatoes.

The blend of flavors and textures creates a light dinner perfect for summer and family dinners.

Each bite of this pasta is a mix of Italian flavors and wholesome plant–based ingredients.

7. White bean pasta salad

Our next summer meal is a colorful pasta salad, which is lovely as a satisfying vegetarian lunch idea.

This pasta dish mixes fresh veggies, cannellini beans, and perfectly cooked bowtie pasta.

Each forkful is a blend of crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and sweet canned corn, all tossed in a creamy mustard dressing.

8. Cherry tomato pasta

This cherry tomato pasta showcases the creativity and simplicity of Italian food. 

The ingredients are simple: we mix pasta, cherry tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, basil, and parmesan cheese.

It’s an excellent 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 both pasta lovers and veggie enthusiasts alike.

This simple yet flavorful dish combines tender orecchiette pasta with the goodness of a mashed broccoli sauce.

In 20 minutes, you and your family can enjoy this delicious meatless meal, perfect for summer and autumn.

10. Penne arrabbiata

You need just a handful of simple ingredients with our following summer pasta recipe.

Penne arrabbiata is a quick dish and our go–to recipe for an easy weeknight dinner with a creamy and rich tomato sauce.

The fiery notes of red pepper flakes (or chili) perfectly complement the sweetness of tomatoes, creating a harmonious blend of Italian flavors.

11. Spaghetti salad

This easy spaghetti salad is a delicious barbecue side dish and picnic idea.

It is packed with fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers, adding a delicious crunch to every bite.

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.

If you like creamy and nutty flavors, this bowl of goodness will be perfect for you.

13. Aglio e Olio spaghetti

This 15–minute dish is the perfect base recipe to build on and customize with your favorite veggies, such as broccoli, artichokes, and asparagus.

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 refreshing flavors in every bite.

We add peppery arugula, juicy cherry tomatoes, and tangy olives, and this pasta’s nutty and creamy flavors pack a punch.

15. Sesame noodles

Sweet mango, grilled tofu, refreshing cucumber, and nutty peanut sauce elevate this sesame noodle dish.

Packed with nutritious ingredients, they offer a satisfying and guilt–free lunch and dinner idea for hot summer days.

16. High-protein pasta

Try this protein-rich pasta recipe with smooth tofu and bell peppers; it is a balanced and creamy blend of wholesome ingredients.

The tofu adds an incredible creaminess and plenty of plant protein to keep you satiated for hours.

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.

Garnish this one–pot pasta with fragrant basil and toasted pine nuts for a restaurant–worthy taste and look.

18. Spaghetti pomodoro

Another summer pasta favorite is this 6-ingredient Italian pasta classic.

In just 20 minutes, you can create a delightful spaghetti Pomodoro with homemade tomato sauce, fresh basil, juicy cherry tomatoes, and canned tomatoes.

It’s a quick, family–friendly meal with a perfect balance of tanginess and herbaceous notes.

19. Asparagus pasta

Our creamy one-pot asparagus pasta offers the best of spring and summer flavors.

We combine tender asparagus spears, al dente pasta, and a cheesy sauce for a satisfying meal.

Whether you’re an asparagus lover or simply looking to cook with asparagus in a new way, this dish is a must–try.

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.

Make it in 15 minutes with cream, butter, and parmesan; it’s an indulgent and delicious way to enjoy spaghetti.

TIP: this dish is easily made dairy-free and can be adapted to vegan eaters.

22. Pasta Puttanesca

This Italian recipe, Puttanesca pasta, is a quick and straightforward pasta that tastes amazing.

It’s one of those meals that make you wonder how a few simple ingredients like tomatoes, olives, and capers can make such a tasty sauce.

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, tasty sauce.

This spring and summer–perfect pasta meal makes a delicious, family-friendly dinner.

24. Macaroni salad

This creamy macaroni salad epitomizes a perfect summer pasta salad, combining al dente macaroni with a luscious mayonnaise dressing.

Adding protein–rich peas, crisp bell peppers, and olives creates a delicious mix of flavors. This creamy pasta dish is perfect for picnics and barbecues.

25. Pesto pasta with green beans

This green and nutty pesto pasta with green beans is an easy meal with herby and rich flavor.

Enjoy this pasta salad at a scenic picnic spot, as a comforting meal at home, or packed into a lunchbox.

This 20–minute meal will satisfy and impress with its bright colors and indulgent taste.

What to serve with summer pasta recipes

Try these wholesome and easy side dishes that pair perfectly with summer pasta:

• 45 easy salads (grain bowls, fresh summer salads, slaws, etc.)
• Lentil recipes (for added protein)
• 40 amazing appetizers (bruschetta, crostini, nibbles, vegetarian starters, etc.)
• Vegetable side dishes (roasted, steamed, grilled, braised, and raw veggie sides)

Collections

40 Best Vegetable Sides

Collections

25 Vegetable Ideas for Dinner

Collections

20+ Lentil Recipes (easy meals)

Collections

45 Best Salad Recipes

For many more pasta ideas, check out our pasta category page.