21 Summer Inspired Pasta Dinners

Pasta is never out of season, but summer calls for something lighter, faster, and less weighed down. No one wants to hover over the stove when it’s hot out, and these recipes make sure you don’t have to. From chilled salads to easy Instant Pot meals, this list covers the kinds of dinners that you actually want to make this time of year. The flavors are fresh, the ingredients are simple, and nothing takes all night to make.

Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta

This pasta is perfect for summer because it comes together quickly and uses ingredients that feel fresh without trying too hard. The lemon gives it a bright flavor, the spinach adds just enough earthiness, and the feta brings in a salty bite that ties everything together. It’s light but still satisfying enough to stand in as a full meal, especially on a hot night when no one wants something heavy.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta

Lemon Ricotta Pasta

This dish leans on creamy ricotta and fresh lemon to create a sauce that’s simple but packed with flavor. It works well with just a few added vegetables like tomatoes or peas and doesn’t require much time in the kitchen. Great for those evenings when you want something that feels home-cooked but only takes about 20 minutes from start to finish.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Balsamic Tofu Pasta Salad

This pasta salad holds up well in the fridge and tastes great cold, making it a smart choice for summer lunches or low-effort dinners. The tofu gives it some staying power, while the balsamic dressing keeps things tangy and refreshing. Tossed with crunchy vegetables and short pasta, it’s the kind of dish you’ll actually want to eat when the weather is too hot to cook.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Tofu Pasta Salad

Tortellini Salad

This pasta salad is easy to throw together but still feels like a complete meal. Cheese-filled tortellini, crisp vegetables, and a punchy vinaigrette make it a great option when you need something quick but not boring. It works well for potlucks, weekday lunches, or dinners that don’t require turning on the stove for too long.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Salad

Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp

This dish comes together in under 30 minutes but tastes like something you’d get at a restaurant. The garlic shrimp cook fast and bring a ton of flavor, while the bucatini soaks up all the pan juices for a pasta that’s simple but hard to beat. It’s a great fit for summer because it’s fast, flavorful, and doesn’t require much cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Bucatini with Garlic Shrimp

Lamb Bolognese

This rich pasta is great when you want something slow-cooked without actually spending all day on it. The lamb adds depth that’s different from the usual beef version, and the sauce simmers down into something thick and bold. It works well with wide noodles like tagliatelle and is worth making for a weekend dinner or when you have a little more time to cook.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Bolognese

Pesto Pasta alla Trapanese

This version of pesto uses tomatoes, nuts, and fresh basil for a sauce that feels lighter and more summer-friendly than the usual version. It blends together quickly in a food processor and doesn’t need any cooking beyond boiling the pasta. Great for hot days when you want something fresh that still hits all the pasta cravings.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Pasta alla Trapanese

Easy Instant Pot Ground Beef Stroganoff

This dinner is built for weeknights when you want something hearty but fast. The Instant Pot handles everything in one go, leaving you with tender beef, flavorful sauce, and noodles that soak it all up. It’s the kind of comfort food that doesn’t require much planning but always delivers.
Get the Recipe: Easy Instant Pot Ground Beef Stroganoff

Instant Pot Pad Thai

This recipe makes it easy to get that bold, takeout-style flavor without waiting for delivery. The Instant Pot cooks the noodles evenly and helps the sauce cling to everything just right. It’s quick, practical, and works great for a weeknight dinner that feels a little more interesting than the usual routine.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Pad Thai

Instant Pot Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp scampi usually feels like a restaurant meal, but this version comes together fast and uses simple ingredients. The Instant Pot keeps the shrimp tender and the pasta perfectly cooked, all in one pot. It’s a smart way to get something that feels a bit special without any real effort.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Shrimp Scampi

Instant Pot Chicken Lo Mein

This one-pot meal pulls everything together with very little cleanup. The chicken stays tender, the vegetables don’t get overcooked, and the noodles come out just right. It’s fast, filling, and a good way to skip takeout while still getting that classic lo mein flavor.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Chicken Lo Mein

Instant Pot Bolognese

Traditional bolognese takes hours to simmer, but this version delivers the same depth of flavor in a fraction of the time. The Instant Pot concentrates the sauce and makes it taste like it’s been cooking all day. It’s a great option when you want something rich and meaty without hovering over the stove.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Bolognese

Creamy Gochujang Pasta

Gochujang brings heat and depth to this quick, creamy pasta that only takes about 20 minutes to make. It’s the kind of dish that keeps dinner interesting without requiring specialty skills or obscure ingredients. A great pick for spicing up your usual summer pasta routine.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Gochujang Pasta

Easy Baked Rigatoni with Ground Beef

This is the kind of baked pasta that wins over everyone at the table. It’s packed with sauce, beef, and just the right amount of cheese to hold it all together. It bakes up bubbly and golden and makes a perfect dinner when you want something filling that doesn’t feel fussy.
Get the Recipe: Easy Baked Rigatoni with Ground Beef

Italian Noodle Casserole

This casserole simplifies everything you love about lasagna into a weeknight-friendly format. It layers beef, noodles, and cheese into something that bakes up fast and feeds a crowd. It’s an easy win when you want a comforting pasta dinner that won’t leave you with a sink full of dishes.
Get the Recipe: Italian Noodle Casserole

Pizza Pasta Bake

This baked pasta takes all the flavor of pizza—cheese, sauce, pepperoni—and layers it with pasta for something fast and crowd-pleasing. It’s the kind of meal that works for picky eaters, potlucks, or nights when you don’t want to cook two separate dinners.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Pasta Bake

French Onion Pasta Bake

This pasta bake leans into the flavor of caramelized onions and finishes with a layer of melted Gruyère. It’s rich, cheesy, and just different enough to feel like something special. Great for when you want pasta but are tired of the usual red sauce routine.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Pasta Bake

Ground Turkey Pasta Bake

This pasta bake uses ground turkey and plenty of cheese to create a dish that’s hearty and easy to throw together. It works well as a weeknight dinner, especially if you’re looking for something you can prep ahead and reheat later.
Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Pasta Bake

Rigatoni al Forno

This baked pasta keeps things classic with rigatoni, red sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. It’s easy to assemble and goes straight into the oven, making it perfect for evenings when you need something hands-off that still feels like real dinner.
Get the Recipe: Rigatoni al Forno

Easy Vegan Pasta Bake

This pasta bake skips the meat and still delivers on comfort. Layers of sauce, vegetables, and pasta come together in one dish that bakes up hot and hearty. It’s a smart option for plant-based eaters or anyone who wants a meatless meal that actually feels filling.
Get the Recipe: Easy Vegan Pasta Bake

Lentil Pasta with Garlicky Greens

Red lentil pasta adds a little extra protein and texture here, paired with sautéed kale, garlic, and lemon. It’s a solid choice when you want something quick but still packed with flavor and substance. It works well for lunch or a lighter dinner that doesn’t feel like an afterthought.
Get the Recipe: Lentil Pasta with Garlicky Greens