When the summer months hit we’re always game to lighten up. Whether we’re talking our hair color, wardrobe, or workload, it’s high time to sit on back and take our cues from that warm breeze and relentless sunshine. The one area that demands a little extra attention this time of year has to be that stunning farmers’ market bounty that’s just coming into its own. We’re talking tomatoes, okra, squashes, peppers, berries, and more. This colorful cornucopia is ripe for the picking and ready to dazzle your dinner table. Each recipe in our collection of summer pasta recipes will put the best of the season on display in delicious bowlfuls overflowing with inspiration. Many of the recipes featured here can be tailored to suit your tastes or, just as simply, anything you happen to have on hand.
Baked Ziti with Summer Vegetables
Recipe: Baked Ziti with Summer Vegetables
Wondering what to do with that bumper crop of summer squash? Our winner of a baked pasta dinner will put it to good use. Just make sure to broil the veggies before adding them to the pasta.
Pasta with Shrimp and Tomato Cream Sauce
Recipe: Pasta with Shrimp and Tomato Cream Sauce
A taste of the coast is never too far off when this recipe is in your repertoire. Stick to smaller tomato varieties for this dish—they’ll pack the most flavor.
Chicken Caprese Pasta
Recipe: Chicken Caprese Pasta
It’s hard to believe this company-worthy dish comes together in just 20 minutes, but it does. The bright green pesto and colorful tomatoes make a beautiful plate that’s begging to be enjoyed even on the busiest of weeknights.
Shrimp Boil Pasta
Recipe: Shrimp Boil Pasta
Skip the messy shrimp boil and throw all those delicious flavors into one satisfying bowl of pasta. A sprinkle of fresh thyme just before serving makes all the difference.
Spaghetti with Marinated Tomatoes and Mozzarella
Recipe: Spaghetti with Marinated Tomatoes and Mozzarella
Make up a big batch of our Mouthwatering Marinated Tomatoes earlier in the afternoon (they’ll need to sit for an hour and 45 minutes before serving. When dinnertime is calling, toss together cooked thin spaghetti, Marinated Tomatoes, and small mozzarella balls—this recipe is as simple as that.
Pasta with Heirloom Tomatoes, Goat Cheese, and Basil
Recipe: Pasta with Heirloom Tomatoes, Goat Cheese, and Basil
Vibrant pesto, crunchy country ham, creamy goat cheese, and plenty of stunning tomatoes create one dreamy pasta dish. You’ll be serving this up all summer, we guarantee it.
Shrimp and Peas with Farfalle
Recipe: Shrimp and Peas with Farfalle
If you’re looking to save time, skip the fresh English peas and opt for frozen peas that have been thawed instead. Toasting the breadcrumbs gives them a richer flavor and crunchier texture.
Farmers' Market Pasta Salad
Recipe: Farmers’ Market Pasta Salad
For a heartier dish, swap penne pasta for a 20-oz package refrigerated cheese-filled tortellini. Pick up a rotisserie chicken from your supermarket deli to get this pasta salad on the table in a flash.
Summer Pasta Salad with Lime Vinaigrette
Recipe: Summer Pasta Salad with Lime Vinaigrette
This light and fresh pasta salad is a great make-and-take option for your next summer celebration. Whip up a big batch and keep it in the fridge until it’s party time. Cute, melamine bowls with lids will make transportation a breeze.
Field Pea and Pasta Salad
Recipe: Field Pea and Pasta Salad
This recipe calls for a colorful array of bell peppers, but feel free to leave out varieties that you don’t have on hand. Parsley, basil, dill, and mint bring a medley of herbaceous flavor that you won’t want to miss.
Pasta with Burst Tomatoes and Mascarpone
Recipe: Pasta with Burst Tomatoes and Mascarpone
We love simple summer recipes that let a few key ingredients really shine. Pasta with Burst Tomatoes and Mascarpone is a perfect example of that technique. Tomatoes, fresh herbs, and rich mascarpone cheese are the stars of this elegant supper.
Garden Tomato Sauce
Recipe: Garden Tomato Sauce Over Pasta
Don’t have time to make fresh tomato sauce? Think again! This recipe comes together in just 15 minutes.
Zucchini-Mint Pasta
Recipe: Zucchini-Mint Pasta
To make this side dish pasta into a main-dish worthy meal, add either cooked shrimp or white beans.
Roasted Vegetable Gnocchi with Spinach-Herb Pesto
Recipe: Roasted Vegetable Gnocchi with Spinach-Herb Pesto
You should be able to find gnocchi in the dried pasta aisle of your grocery store. The Spinach-Herb Pesto is a slightly more mild take on traditional pesto—you’re going to love it.
Burst Tomato and Herb Spaghetti
Recipe: Burst Tomato and Herb Spaghetti
Those tomatoes might burst with a vengeance, so be sure to cover the skillet to prevent splatters.
Penne with Green Beans and Tomatoes
Recipe: Penne with Green Beans and Tomatoes
We snuck whole-wheat pasta into this fresh pasta salad and we bet your toughest food critics won’t even notice. If you can’t find haricots verts, fresh green beans will work in a pinch.
Tortelloni-and-Grilled Vegetable Salad
Recipe: Tortelloni-and-Grilled Vegetable Salad
Grilling the veggies takes this fresh pasta salad to the next level. The cheese-and-spinach tortelloni provides a heartier match for those thick-cut veggies.
Grilled Chicken-and-Veggie Tortellini
Recipe: Grilled Chicken-and-Veggie Tortellini
This recipe calls for a hefty dose of ground Italian herb seasoning; it packs a punch without requiring a basket full of fresh herbs.
Watermelon-and-Feta Orzo Salad
Recipe: Watermelon-and-Feta Orzo Salad
Peppery watercress or baby arugula make a fine compliment to this sweet and savory orzo pasta salad.
Spinach-and-Herb Pastatta
Recipe: Spinach-and-Herb Pastatta
Call it a casserole, call it a frittata, just go ahead and make this perfectly summery pasta dish as soon as possible.
Fettuccine Alfredo with Asparagus
Recipe: Fettuccine Alfredo with Asparagus
This is going to be just a tad different from the fettuccine Alfredo you’re used to. Our recipe calls for just a splash of vodka. It brings an energetic jolt to the creamy sauce.
Summer Tortellini Salad
Recipe: Summer Tortellini Salad
There’s a reason so many of our summer pasta recipes call for frozen tortellini—it’s a fast and inexpensive way to get a hearty pasta dish on the table in record time. Here we pair cheese tortellini with cooked chicken, olives, bell pepper, onion, and a wonderful dressing that stars herbes de Provence.
