These nine summer pasta recipes bring the taste of Italy home to you. I have everything from cheesy classics and fresh seafood to light, refreshing seasonal bites.
What do you think of when you think of “the perfect summer?” For me, I think of Italy. We’ve spent so many summers there, and it’s easily one of my favorite places in the world. The location, the vibe, the atmosphere, and of course the food – I dream of these things so often!
Whenever I find myself beginning to miss Italy, I turn to making pasta recipes that bring me right back. In fact, I love hosting an Italian-inspired summer meal when I can. So, here are some of my favorite Italian-inspired easy summer pasta dishes that are always on the menu to pick from.
Hot tip: When you make any of these summer pasta recipes, my must-have kitchen tools are a good quality pan (I can’t say enough good things about Staub cookware!) and a solid set of knives.
Lighter Summer Pasta Recipes
1. Spaghetti alla Nerano
In this spaghetti recipe, “alla Nerano” translates to “with zucchini.” I love that you combine your necessary veggie (zucchini) with the pasta all in a single skillet, mixed with a very light and (slightly) cheesy garlic sauce.
2. Pasta Primavera
It’s amazing how many different veggies are packed into this pasta primavera (or “spring pasta”). Cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, broccoli, onion, squash, zucchini – it’s a lot! It definitely lives up to its name with how fresh and spring-like it looks. I love making this dish after a trip to my local farmers market!
3. Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Tuscany, Italy is such a beautiful place to visit! Did you know this recipe gets its name from Tuscany because the colors of the dish reflect the colors of the location? So cool!
4. Pasta Aglio e Olio
Pasta or spaghetti aglio e olio translates to “spaghetti with garlic and oil”. It’s so simple that you only need five key ingredients: spaghetti, olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, and a bit of extra pasta water. This summer pasta recipe is a must if you’re looking for a simple, fast way to elevate your spaghetti in a pinch.
5. Greek Orzo Salad
Greek food shouts “summer” to me, too – especially when it’s in salad form. This Greek orzo salad has all the good stuff – olives, orzo pasta, feta cheese, and a plethora of veggies that are going to make you feel really good this summer!
6. Lemon Chicken Pasta
I love how easily lemon infuses any dish with that perfect, fresh summer flavor. In this lemon chicken pasta, you cook up the pasta and chicken separately, then make up the refreshing lemon garlic sauce and mix it all together. Add more lemon juice or lemon slices if you really love citrus flavor!
7. Zucchini Ravioli
Zucchini is one of my favorite vegetables, which is why I try to make so many dishes with it. When you slice it into thin strips, it makes for the perfect base to make cheesy ricotta ravioli. Don’t forget to include a bit of crusty bread to scoop up all the extra sauce!
8. Shrimp Linguine
Is there anything more Italian than shrimp linguine? Well, maybe… but I know this dish is definitely one of the most popular ones. I love having shrimp during the summer, so combine it with pasta and a light garlic Parmesan cheese sauce, and it becomes one of my favorite summer pasta recipes.
9. Pesto Pasta Salad with Mozzarella
I love basil pesto flavor in my salad, especially with how fresh and light it tastes! With the arugula, pasta, cherry tomatoes, and little mozzarella pearls, everyone is going to love this salad!
More Summer Pasta Recipes
- Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad – A great cold pasta meal for hot summer nights
- Kale Pasta Caesar Salad – Caesar salad base substituted with kale and pasta
- Italian Pasta Salad – I love the salami in this classic antipasto Italian salad
- Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta – As the kids say these days, this is a “banger!”
No Comments