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13 Light and Lively Summer Pastas to Make Now—Plus 3 Cozy Ones for Later

Explore a delightful collection of pasta recipes perfect for summer enjoyment as well as comforting options for cooler days. Each dish brings a unique flavor and texture that will delight your taste buds, whether you seek something light and invigorating or rich and warming.

1. Pappardelle with Mushrooms and Snap Peas

Pappardelle with Mushrooms and Snap Peas
© Zucker&Jagdwurst

The earthy aroma of mushrooms mingling with the crispness of snap peas sets the stage for this delightful pasta dish. Wide, flat ribbons of pappardelle serve as the perfect canvas, allowing the freshness of the ingredients to shine through. A generous sprinkle of parmesan adds depth, creating a satisfying symphony of textures and flavors.

Simplicity is the secret behind its charm, emphasizing the essence of a summer garden in every bite. Whether enjoyed as a main course or a side, a touch of thyme delivers a fragrant finish that makes it ideal for a sunny day.

2. Herby Orzo with Feta and Arugula

Herby Orzo with Feta and Arugula
© Ambitious Kitchen

Herby Orzo with Feta and Arugula is where freshness meets flavor. The small, rice-shaped pasta, orzo, is the star here, infused with the sharpness of feta and peppery arugula. A hint of dill and lemon zest elevates this dish to a refreshing summer delight.

What makes this dish stand out is its versatility. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or enjoying a quiet dinner, it fits right in. The herbs dance with each bite, creating an invigorating experience for your palate. It’s summer wrapped in pasta perfection.

3. Pasta Primavera

Pasta Primavera
© The Modern Proper

Pasta Primavera celebrates the vibrant bounty of fresh vegetables. The colorful medley of bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes creates a lively visual appeal. Each ingredient brings its own unique crunch and flavor, making it a true feast for the senses.

Basil leaves add a fragrant touch, tying the dish together with a hint of Italian flair. Perfect for a light lunch or a festive dinner, it embodies the spirit of summer. This dish embraces the simplicity and freshness that the season has to offer.

4. Spinach and Artichoke Pasta Bake

Spinach and Artichoke Pasta Bake
© Simply Delicious Food

Dive into a cheesy delight with spinach and artichoke pasta bake. Creamy and comforting, this dish combines the beloved flavors of spinach and artichoke with gooey mozzarella cheese. It’s an irresistible combination that promises warmth and satisfaction.

Baked to perfection, this pasta is ideal for a cozy evening meal. The golden crust adds a delightful texture, while the rich filling invites you to savor every bite. Whether shared with family or enjoyed solo, it’s a comforting choice for cooler days.

5. Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Asparagus

Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Asparagus
© Delish

Zesty and creamy, lemon ricotta pasta with asparagus is a celebration of refreshing flavors. The tangy lemon melds beautifully with the smooth ricotta, while tender asparagus adds a touch of green vibrancy. It’s a dish that sings of springtime joy.

What sets this pasta apart is its lively character. Each bite is a burst of citrusy goodness, balanced by the creamy backdrop of ricotta. Fresh mint leaves add a cooling finish, making it a delightful option for a sunlit meal.

6. Asparagus and Leek Carbonara

Asparagus and Leek Carbonara
© Alexandra’s Kitchen

Creamy and indulgent, asparagus and leek carbonara brings an elegant twist to a classic dish. The velvety sauce clings to every strand of pasta, harmonized by the delicate flavors of asparagus and leek. It’s a symphony of taste wrapped in creamy comfort.

The grated Parmesan adds a savory note, while the black pepper provides a gentle kick. Ideal for an intimate dinner, this carbonara captures the essence of cozy indulgence. It’s a dish that warms the heart and palate alike.

7. Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Linguine

Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Linguine
© Taste of Home

Succulent shrimp meets the tang of lemon and garlic in this refreshing pasta dish. Lemon-garlic shrimp linguine is a celebration of flavors that dance gracefully across your palate. The linguine captures the sauce’s essence, making each mouthful a delightful experience.

Fresh parsley adds a vibrant finish, enhancing the overall freshness. This dish is perfect for a midsummer’s evening, bringing a taste of the sea to your table. Whether dining al fresco or indoors, its lively zest will transport you to coastal bliss.

8. Summer Pea and Mint Pesto Pasta

Spring Pea and Mint Pesto Pasta
© Mom’s Kitchen Handbook

Spring pea and mint pesto pasta is a vibrant tribute to the season’s freshest flavors. The peas’ sweetness marries beautifully with the mint’s coolness, creating a pesto that’s both refreshing and invigorating. It’s a green delight that excites the senses.

Every forkful promises a burst of natural goodness, with whole peas adding texture and charm. Whether served warm or chilled, this pasta is a versatile option for any occasion. Its lively colors and flavors make it a standout choice for spring.

9. Farfalle with Peas and Prosciutto

Farfalle with Peas and Prosciutto
© Chew Nibble Nosh

Farfalle with peas and prosciutto offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. The bow-tie pasta cradles sweet peas, while crispy prosciutto adds a savory crunch that excites the palate. Grated Parmesan completes the dish with rich, nutty notes.

The charm of this pasta lies in its simplicity, allowing each ingredient to shine. It’s a dish that feels both luxurious and comforting, perfect for a summer evening. The combination of flavors brings a touch of elegance to your table, inviting you to indulge in every bite.

10. Veggie Lasagna (No Red Sauce)

Veggie Lasagna (No Red Sauce)
© Buns In My Oven

Veggie lasagna, sans the traditional red sauce, is a delightful twist on a beloved classic. Layers of zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach are enveloped in creamy béchamel, creating a luscious harmony of flavors. Each slice is a comforting embrace of taste and texture.

The absence of red sauce allows the vegetables to shine, bringing freshness and vibrancy to the dish. It’s a satisfying option for those seeking a lighter yet satisfying meal. Perfect for any occasion, this lasagna is a celebration of wholesome goodness.

11. Bucatini with Burst Cherry Tomatoes and Basil

Bucatini with Burst Cherry Tomatoes and Basil
© Last Ingredient

Bucatini with burst cherry tomatoes and basil is a vibrant celebration of summer’s bounty. The juicy cherry tomatoes, bursting with flavor, create a luscious sauce that clings to the bucatini pasta. Fresh basil adds a fragrant touch, making each bite a delight for the senses.

Drizzled with extra virgin olive oil, this dish is as simple as it is satisfying. It’s a perfect choice for those seeking a light yet flavorful meal. Whether enjoyed on a sunny patio or a cozy kitchen, it captures the essence of the season.

12. Chilled Pasta Salad with Dill and Cucumber

Chilled Pasta Salad with Dill and Cucumber
© The Herbeevore

Chilled pasta salad with dill and cucumber offers a refreshing respite from the summer heat. The coolness of cucumber and the freshness of dill make this salad a light and invigorating option. It’s a dish that rejuvenates with every bite.

Cherry tomatoes add a pop of color and sweetness, enhancing the overall appeal. Served in a rustic wooden bowl, it invites you to enjoy the simple pleasures of summer. Whether as a side or a main, this salad is a versatile choice for any gathering.

13. Penne with Roasted Radishes and Lemon Butter

Penne with Roasted Radishes and Lemon Butter
© Home Chef

Penne with roasted radishes and lemon butter is a delightful fusion of flavors. The slight pepperiness of roasted radishes pairs beautifully with the creamy lemon butter sauce, creating a dish that’s both unique and satisfying. It’s a culinary adventure worth exploring.

Chives add a subtle oniony hint, completing the flavor profile. This pasta is perfect for those looking to try something different, with its unexpected yet harmonious combination. It’s a dish that invites curiosity and delights the senses.

14. Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Kale

Baked Rigatoni with Sausage and Kale
© saltnpepperhere

Baked rigatoni with sausage and kale is a comforting embrace of hearty flavors. The robust taste of sausage melds with the earthiness of kale, all wrapped in a layer of melted cheese. It’s a dish that promises warmth and satisfaction with every forkful.

Ideal for cooler evenings, this baked pasta invites you to savor its rich and comforting character. The chewy rigatoni adds substance, while the creamy cheese topping provides the perfect finishing touch. It’s a cozy meal that feels like a warm hug.

15. Butternut Squash Alfredo

Butternut Squash Alfredo
© The Kitchn

Butternut squash Alfredo is where creamy meets sweet in a luxurious embrace. The natural sweetness of butternut squash blends seamlessly with the rich Alfredo sauce, creating a dish that’s both comforting and elegant. Sage leaves add a fragrant touch, enhancing the overall experience.

Toasted pine nuts provide a delightful crunch, adding texture to each bite. This pasta is a perfect choice for a cozy evening, offering a taste that’s both familiar and intriguing. It captures the essence of fall in every savory mouthful.

16. Mushroom Stroganoff Pasta

Mushroom Stroganoff Pasta
© So Vegan

In mushroom stroganoff pasta, the deep, earthy flavors of mushrooms take center stage. This hearty dish combines the richness of a traditional stroganoff with the comforting appeal of pasta, creating a satisfying meal that’s perfect for cooler days.

A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess, while fresh parsley brightens the flavor profile. It’s a dish that warms both the heart and soul, inviting you to savor its robust character. Ideal for a cozy evening at home, it offers a taste that’s both familiar and fulfilling.

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