Savor the season with these flavor-packed summer pasta recipes that celebrate summer’s bounty. From buttery gnocchi and herby pesto to burst cherry tomatoes, these recipes are light enough for the heat, but rich enough to satisfy.

Why You’ll Love these Summer Pasta Recipes

Consider this collection your go-to guide for easy, seasonal meals that make the most of summer produce.

Whether you’re craving caramelized zucchini with herbaceous pesto or sweet corn with buttery gnocchi, these recipes are sure to satisfy.

Here’s why this lineup is true pasta perfection:

• Weeknight-friendly. Many of these recipes are ready in right around 30 minutes–perfect for laid back summer evenings.
• Veg-Heavy. We’re spotlighting the best of summer with loads of zucchini, corn, basil, and tomatoes. (Who would have thought pasta would be the gateway to eating more veggies?!)
• Versatile. Many of these summer pasta recipes can be enjoyed warm, chilled, or closer to room temp. This makes them excellent contenders for picnic lunches or make-ahead weekday meals.
• Customizable. Add your favorite proteins, make them gluten free (or dairy free), or swap in your favorite pasta shape.
• Crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting a summer get-together with friends, these recipes strike the perfect balance of familiar and fresh.
• Flavor-packed. From herby pesto and nutty brown butter to burst cherry tomatoes, these pasta recipes are enticing and well-balanced.

While most of these recipes are a full meal on their own, many of them pair beautifully with a simple side salad or veggie. (More specific side dish suggestions below!)

But for now, let’s get into my FAVORITE summer pasta recipes.

15 Must-Try Summer Pasta Recipes

Creamy Tomato Gnocchi – with burrata cheese, fresh basil, and burst cherry tomatoes. One of the most popular pasta recipes on my site (for good reason!). Bonus points for it being ready in just 30 minutes.

Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta – a reader favorite that’s easy enough for weeknights, yet impressive enough for company.

Zucchini Pesto Pasta – ready in just 30 minutes, this pasta makes the most of summer squash. Dollop with burrata cheese and finish with buttery walnuts for a bowl of pure summer comfort!

Pesto Chicken Pasta Bake – sautéed chicken, spinach, roasted tomatoes, and shallots tossed in a creamy garlic-pesto sauce. This restaurant-worthy recipe will become an instant family favorite.

Brown Butter Corn and Pesto Gnocchi – served over lemony-whipped ricotta, this sweet and savory pasta dish is truly restaurant-worthy.

Creamy Shrimp Pasta – with sweet corn, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil in a light garlic-herb cream sauce. Brimming with bright, fresh flavors.

Mediterranean Pasta – ready in just 30 minutes with the freshest ingredients, this weeknight pasta is equal parts hearty and healthy.

Caprese Macaroni and Cheese – with two types of cheese, tomatoes, basil, and a golden panko topping, this is skillet pasta perfection.

Pesto Stuffed Shells in Vodka Sauce – creamy ricotta cheese, spinach, and pesto tucked into jumbo pasta shells, baked in vodka sauce, and blanketed in bubbly mozzarella cheese.

Pesto Chicken and Orzo – with a fresh tomato-basil topping. This one pan dinner is easy, flavorful, and sure to be a family favorite!

Red Pesto Pasta – made with pantry staples and ready in under 30 minutes! I love topping this one with chicken or meatballs.

One Pan Pasta – with creamy tomatoes, spinach, and mozzarella. This 30 minute recipe is super versatile – add in your favorite veggies or protein of choice.

Sheet Pan Pesto Gnocchi – hands down one of my favorite weekday meals! Pillowy gnocchi, fresh basil pesto, chicken sausage, and burst cherry tomatoes create the dreamiest sheet pan dinner.

Pesto Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad – featuring pesto chicken, crisp romaine, toasty Panko, and al dente pasta tossed in a pesto-infused Caesar dressing.

Tahini Pasta – with burst cherry tomatoes, Parmesan, and fresh basil. Featuring the most luxurious tahini pasta sauce that’s ready in just 30 minutes!

Serving Suggestions

• Salads. A fresh cucumber salad such as this Smashed Cucumber Salad, Cucumber Avocado Salad, and Cucumber Edamame Salad are quick, easy options.
• Roasted Veggies. Everyone adores this Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower, which pairs beautifully with a hearty pasta dish.
• Sautéed Veggies. My go-to 15-minute Sautéed Broccoli recipe will complement ANY of these pasta recipes. I also love this Asparagus and Feta Salad.
• Meatballs. Any of the vegetarian pastas pair perfectly with my Chicken Zucchini Meatballs. Or, if you’re going full veggie, you can’t go wrong with a batch of Chickpea Meatballs.

How to Store and Reheat Pasta

• Store: Transfer leftover pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate for 3 to 4 days.
• Freeze: Transfer cooled pasta to a freezer-safe zip-top bag and lay flat in the freezer. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat:
  • Stovetop: Reheat pasta in a small saucepan or skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth (or milk if the sauce is cream-based) to help rehydrate the noodles.
  • Microwave: Cover loosely and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warm.

More Summer Recipe Inspiration

VGVegetarianNFNut-Free

Summer Panzanella Salad

VGVegetarianDFDairy-FreeNFNut-Free

One Pan Sweet Corn Coconut Dumplings

GFGluten-FreeDFDairy-FreeNFNut-FreeLCLow Carb

Ginger-Basil Beef and Zucchini Skillet

VGVegetarian

Warm Zucchini Feta Salad

If you try any of these summer pasta recipes, snap a photo and tag #dishingouthealth. Also, follow along on Facebook and Pinterest for the latest recipe updates!