30 Easy Summer Pasta Recipes Featuring Fresh and Flavorful Produce
The whole season is full of pasta-bilities!
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During the warm summer months, many people prefer to spend their time doing anything else besides standing in a hot kitchen. That's why summer dinners are often taken outdoors (hello, grilling recipes). But just because the weather's hot, doesn't mean you need to put your favorite family meals aside—especially when we're talking about pasta recipes.
The key is just to find a summer pasta recipe that keeps things easy, like a caprese pasta salad or a cold sesame noodle salad with seared steak. Or how about a bright and sunny lemon pasta that's ready in just 25 minutes? Of course, you'll also find some lighter healthy pasta recipes featuring summer produce. Check out the pastas made with corn, tomatoes, zucchini, and more.
Now, get ready to stock your fridge: There are few things in this world that say "summertime" more than pasta salad or homemade pesto. "Pesto is everything," Ree says. "I'm not exaggerating either—I truly believe it makes life worth living!" Shrimp pasta recipes are also better in summer. Need a light dish for a cookout? You simply have to try Ree's famous macaroni salad. And if the weather drops at night or a summer storm rolls in, opt for a comforting creamy pasta! See? Life is full of pasta-bilities with these summer pasta recipes that will surely get you through the warmer season.
Linguine with Clam Sauce
A summer classic that beautifully marries simplicity and sophistication, this 20-minute dish features tender linguine tossed in a creamy, garlicky clam sauce, accented with fresh parsley, parmesan, and a hint of lemon for brightness.
Get Ree's Linguine with Clam Sauce recipe.
Spring Pea Pesto Pasta Salad
Here's a delightful, seasonal dish that combines the freshness of peas with a vibrant, homemade pesto dressing. Also in the mix, you'll find crispy prosciutto, peppery arugula, and fresh mozzarella. Top it all off with delicious lemon-parmesan breadcrumbs.
Gnocchi Primavera
A colorful, vegetable-packed pasta dish that sings of summer! With soft, pillowy gnocchi serving as the base, this recipe contains heaps of vibrant seasonal vegetables like broccoli florets, asparagus, and green beans all tossed in a light lemony, buttery, cheesy sauce.
Get Ree's Gnocchi Primavera recipe.
Orecchiette with Italian Sausage and Asparagus
Looking for something a bit heartier but still so refreshing? This 30-minute pasta dinner is the one for you! Just take orecchiette and pair it with savory Italian sausage and a flavorful sauce that gets incredible texture thanks to the vibrant crunch of fresh asparagus.
Get Ree's Orecchiette with Italian Sausage and Asparagus recipe.
Pasta with Shrimp and Pistachio Pesto
Whether you're entertaining or seeking a quick yet elegant weeknight meal, this recipe promises to please everyone! Linguine pasta gets combined with tender shrimp tossed in a creamy, nutty pistachio pesto, made even brighter with fresh lemon.
Get Ree's Pasta with Shrimp and Pistachio Pesto recipe.
Mediterranean Pasta Salad
A Spanish-style romesco sauce gives this pasta salad a unique roasted pepper flavor that makes it stand out from all the others. It's perfect with the Mediterranean mix-ins, like giardiniera, smoked mozzarella, and crispy chickpeas.
Get the Mediterranean Pasta Salad recipe.
Lemon Pasta
Nothing is brighter on a sunny day than lemon pasta! The citrusy dish is simple, light, and so scrumptious. Bonus: It's ready in just 25 minutes. You can even top it with fresh basil straight from your garden.
Get the Lemon Pasta recipe.
Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
There's something about the flavor of sun-dried tomatoes that just screams summertime! Keeping a jar of the stuff in your pantry will ensure that you can make this summer pasta at any time. You'll also add tender chicken and sautéed spinach.
Get the Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta recipe.
Feta Pasta
The trick to making this TikTok famous pasta is to use fresh cherry tomatoes that burst with juiciness and meld with the creamy cheese to create a decadent pasta sauce. Top it off with fresh basil and red pepper flakes for an added kick.
Get the Feta Pasta recipe.
Cajun Chicken Pasta
Spicy cajun flavor will bring the summer heat in this popular pasta dish! Feel free to switch up the chicken with shrimp or crawfish tails if you want to make it even lighter.
Get Ree's Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe.
Asparagus Pasta
Not only is there fresh veggies, crisp bacon, and lots of parmesan cheese, but this pasta also has a simple lemon cream sauce coats the whole dish.
Get the Asparagus Pasta recipe.
Caprese Pasta Salad
Just like the classic caprese salad, this chilled pasta dish features bright, juicy summer tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil.
Get the Caprese Pasta Salad recipe.
Tuna Pasta Salad
This lightened-up version of tuna noodle casserole uses lots of bright veggies and herbs like peas, celery, bell pepper, and parsley. It's sure to become a new family favorite.
Get the Tuna Pasta Salad recipe.
Angel Hair Pasta
A pasta recipe that's ready in just 10 minutes? Yes, please! This quick and easy noodle dish features summery tomatoes that have been marinated in garlic, chili flakes, olive oil and red wine vinegar.
Get the Angel Hair Pasta recipe.
Seared Steak with Sesame Noodle Salad
This sesame noodle dish is tossed with crunchy cabbage and refreshing cucumbers that are cut into thin matchsticks. Serve it up warm or cold with quick-cooking steak slices right over the top!
Get Ree's Seared Steak with Sesame Noodle Salad recipe.
Italian Pasta Salad
Whether you're looking for an Italian dinner recipe or a fun cookout side, this loaded pasta salad is always a hit. The tasty mix-ins include diced salami, mozzarella pearls, black olives, and more.
Get the Italian Pasta Salad recipe.
Creamy Pasta Primavera
Ree's mom used to make this heavenly pasta all the time and the dish is pure comfort food. Asparagus adds a light, summery touch to the cozy creamy sauce.
Get Ree's Creamy Pasta Primavera recipe.
Greek Pesto Pasta Salad
Pasta salads for the cookout win! This one is packed with fresh summer veggies like cucumber, tomato, and artichoke, topped with olives and feta cheese. Think little bites of the Mediterranean.
Get Ree's Greek Pesto Pasta Salad recipe.
The Best Macaroni Salad Ever
Nothing says summer like macaroni salad—and Ree's is the best of them all. With chopped scallions, peppers, pickles, and olives, it makes a wonderful creamy-crunchy side at any barbecue or picnic.
Get Ree's Macaroni Salad recipe.
Rigatoni with Creamy Corn
You simply have to try this easy, summer-inspired dish. When fresh corn is abundant, don't be shy about adding it to pasta! It brings a sweet touch to the creamy, herby sauce.
Get Ree's Rigatoni with Creamy Corn recipe.
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