8 Pasta Recipes Perfect for Summer

While many summertime meals are light so people can get out and be active, nothing quite beats the comfort of a pasta dish. Whether cream-based or tomato-based, pasta recipes always delight households – especially if they don’t take long to make.

All of these recipes are great options for a summertime dinner, some heartier than others. With all the seasonal ingredients included, you’ll be able to enjoy the taste of summer easily and in great fellowship.

1. Pasta With Zucchini

This delicious pasta recipe features a hefty amount of zucchini, which will add some crunch to the dish. You can throw in other ingredients, like onion and ricotta cheese, to add a flavorful punch to this pasta.

The whole dish can be made in around 30 minutes and it leaves plenty of room for variation. This recipe is highly customizable, which is perfect for a family full of picky eaters.

2. Squash and Basil Pasta

This recipe’s defining ingredients are squash and basil. The latter is put in with the noodles, alongside lemon juice. This pasta dish doesn’t have as many ingredients as many others, but it still tastes delicious and can make a squash and zucchini fan out of almost anyone.

The most notable part of this recipe is that you cook the cheese with the noodles in stages. The recipe relies on delicious summer squash to give it its signature flavor, so be sure to get several assorted squashes that may vary in taste and texture.

3. Creamy Pasta Salad

A creamy pasta dish is sure to have everyone on their toes waiting for second helpings. This dish doesn’t go overboard on the sauce but is great to use as a side dish to any other summer entree, such as burgers or hot dogs. It might be a hit at your next cookout!

With broccoli, olives, peppers, and more, this pasta salad is sure to delight almost every person at your next cookout.

4. Summer Pasta Primavera

Pasta primavera typically makes people think of spring, but this recipe is so great because it utilizes vegetables that thrive during the summer. It features corn, zucchini, and tomatoes, making it an excellent dinner option for a family who loves veggies.

This is something that wouldn’t go amiss on any summer seasonal craft menu, so you can see why it is so popular. The most notable part of this recipe is that you will roast the vegetables in the oven while you prepare the noodles on the stove. When you’re cooking the noodles, be sure to add salt to the water so you can avoid the noodles being too starchy when paired with these delicious vegetables.

5. Summer Garden Pasta

This pasta gives your tastebuds a little extra kick with the addition of crushed red pepper. Seasonings are your friend here, as the basil can kick this simple pasta recipe up a notch. With only noodles, tomatoes, and cheese to worry about, this recipe is perfect for beginners or teaching children how to make simple dishes with you.

If the spices are too much, you can always add others or remove them as you see fit, making this a worthwhile and versatile recipe you should share with everyone.

6. Mediterranean Pasta Salad

This cold pasta salad will delight anyone on a hot summer day. While most pasta salads are fully customizable, this one includes ingredients that go well with vinaigrette. Make sure to include crunchy elements in the pasta salad, such as nuts or cucumbers, so you can have different textures in the mix.

Fresh foods are always better, especially in the summertime, so choose ripe cherry tomatoes and feta cheese that adds a flavorful kick. You can also make vegan and gluten-free variations of this recipe.

7. Summer Cavatelli

This recipe is similar to one of the previous ones, but it advocates for a lot of sauce and vegetables. It also offers plenty of substitutions, such as the best cheese that would go with the dish if you don’t like Pecorino Romano.

One serving comes in at under 300 calories, making it perfect for anyone who’s counting their calories for any reason. The corn and zucchini can offset the abundance of tomato and mix together for a delicious flavor.

8. Rustic Summer Vegetable Pasta

This delicious recipe yields eight servings, making it perfect for larger families or smaller ones who want to have leftovers for the next day. If you wish, you can likely substitute regular noodles with vegetable noodles, since the recipe calls for several veggies already.

With squash, eggplant, and mushrooms being some of the staples of this dish, anyone who wants a healthier pasta dish will be happy with this recipe. It’s relatively easy to learn and the spices you include will enhance its flavor. Try it out on a weekend so you can enjoy the leftovers with the rest of your household, too.

Create a Summer Dish Perfect for Your Household

You likely have a household full of different tastes, but pasta can always unite even the most disparate palate preferences. These eight recipes can provide you with food for over a week, so you and your family can sample each pasta dish and communicate your feelings.

When trying these out, you may even find a new recipe to add to your permanent rotation – and you can make it year-round!