When the summer heat kicks in, there’s nothing better than enjoying a light, refreshing pasta dish. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or something to impress at your next potluck, these summer pasta recipes have got you covered. Packed with fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors, these dishes will keep you cool and satisfied all season long.
Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta
This Mediterranean-inspired pasta is a breeze to make, featuring lemon, spinach, and feta. It’s a refreshing choice for summer, perfect as a vegetarian meal or with your favorite protein.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta
Lemon Ricotta Pasta
This lemon ricotta pasta is a quick, light meal. Creamy ricotta pairs with basil and tomatoes to keep things fresh and vibrant, making it a great summer dish.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Ricotta Pasta
Pasta Checca with Burrata
Enjoy this updated Italian classic with small burst heirloom tomatoes and burrata. Its light and fresh flavors make it perfect for summer dining.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Checca with Burrata
Balsamic Tofu Pasta Salad
This tofu pasta salad is a light, healthy option packed with fresh summer vegetables and an easy balsamic dressing. It’s a protein-rich way to enjoy pasta while staying cool.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Tofu Pasta Salad
Marinated Mushroom Pasta Salad With Green Olives
Perfect for picnics or potlucks, this pasta salad is hearty and rich with marinated mushrooms and bold dressing flavors. Thinly sliced mushrooms absorb plenty of marinade for a tasty summer treat.
Get the Recipe: Marinated Mushroom Pasta Salad With Green Olives
Tortellini Salad
Cheese-filled tortellini, fresh veggies, and a tangy homemade dressing make this salad a delightful summer meal. The creamy Cotija cheese and tangy dressing add a delicious contrast of textures and flavors.
Get the Recipe: Tortellini Salad
Healthy Tuna Pasta Salad
This tuna pasta salad is refreshing and family-friendly, ideal for warm summer days. It’s quick to prepare, making it a great choice for lunch or potlucks without heating up the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Tuna Pasta Salad
BLT Pasta Salad
A perfect side dish for summer picnics, this BLT pasta salad brings together the classic BLT flavors in a new way. It’s easy to prepare and great for gatherings.
Get the Recipe: BLT Pasta Salad
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
This summer meal combines tender pasta and crisp romaine lettuce with a homemade Caesar dressing, grilled chicken, Parmesan, and crunchy breadcrumbs. It’s a balanced, tasty dish.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Greek Orzo Pasta Salad
With bright flavors and salty bites, this Greek orzo pasta salad includes cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, feta, and fresh dill, all tossed with tender pasta and red wine vinaigrette.
Get the Recipe: Greek Orzo Pasta Salad
Pancetta Pea Pasta
Rich and creamy, this dish combines meaty pancetta, peas, and cheese. It’s a cozy dinner option that still feels light enough for summer evenings.
Get the Recipe: Pancetta Pea Pasta
Easy Shrimp Linguine
Covered in a lemon butter sauce, this shrimp linguine is ready in just 20 minutes. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for family dinners on warm nights.
Get the Recipe: Easy Shrimp Linguine
Pesto Fettuccini with Bolognese Sauce
Combining hearty Italian beef Bolognese with fettuccine pasta and pesto, this dish is perfect for those who love robust flavors in a lighter summer pasta.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Fettuccini with Bolognese Sauce
Mushroom Ragu
This vegan mushroom ragu is a flavorful, meatless sauce perfect for spaghetti. It’s a great choice for a vegetable-rich summer meal.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Ragu
Trenette Al Pesto
Inspired by the Disney Pixar movie “Luca” or Liguria, this dish is easy to make with simple ingredients. It’s a delicious and light pasta meal perfect for summer.
Get the Recipe: Trenette Al Pesto
Very Veganish Kale Orzo Pasta Salad
Featuring dried cranberries, cheesy pecan parmesan, and a sweet lemon garlic dressing, this kale orzo pasta salad is a healthy and scrumptious option for meal prep or batch cooking.
Get the Recipe: Very Veganish Kale Orzo Pasta Salad
Penne Pomodoro
This straightforward penne pomodoro recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a satisfying meal that doesn’t require complicated cooking techniques.
Get the Recipe: Penne Pomodoro
Super Green Pasta
This green pasta features a quick sauce made with basil, leafy greens, and zucchini. It’s a speedy dinner ready in the time it takes to cook the pasta.
Get the Recipe: Super Green Pasta
Simple Cherry Tomato Pasta
On warm summer days, this cherry tomato pasta is a comforting and fresh option. It’s quick to make and promises a rich and flavorful experience.
Get the Recipe: Simple Cherry Tomato Pasta
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
