45 Summer Pasta Dishes That Are Too Good to Miss!
No matter the day, I always find myself asking the same question: What’s for dinner? More often than not, the answer is pasta—especially in the summer. Whether it’s a cold pasta salad packed with veggies or a light lemony spaghetti tossed with shrimp, summer pasta dishes are the ultimate go-to. If you’re anything like me and can’t stand heavy, saucy bowls once the weather heats up, I’ve got you. This list of 45 summer pasta dishes is full of fresh flavors, easy prep, and everything you need for warm-weather comfort food you’ll crave all season.
I’ve rounded up something for every kind of pasta lover—whether you’re looking for the classic stuff or something totally unexpected. If you’re only making things like mac & cheese, spaghetti with meatballs, or creamy Alfredo when the temps drop, it’s time to mix it up. Try summer-ready options like lemon orzo, pesto tortellini, bruschetta pasta, or a crisp veggie-packed rotini salad. These recipes are super easy to pull off and full of ingredients that scream summer.
Want to get a little wild with your noodles? Me too. I’ve added some faves like Greek pasta salad, jalapeño popper mac, shrimp scampi linguine, and even taco spaghetti that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance. They’re perfect for picnics, BBQs, or lazy nights when you just want something good without spending hours in the kitchen. And if you’ve got your own creative pasta idea but need help making it work, drop it in the comments—I’m all ears.
Pasta doesn’t have to be heavy to be satisfying, and these recipes prove it. From chilled noodle salads to grilled veggie pasta bowls and bright, citrusy flavors, this list has it all. Don’t forget to check out my favorite summer salads, easy dinner ideas, and quick no-bake desserts to keep the good vibes (and good eats) going all summer long.
45 Summer Pasta Dishes That Are Too Good to Miss!
1. Lemon Garlic Spaghetti
Light, zesty, and tossed with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of parmesan.
2. Caprese Pasta
Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and fresh basil in olive oil over pasta.
3. Shrimp Scampi Linguine
Juicy shrimp in lemon-butter garlic sauce with a touch of chili flakes.
4. Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
Homemade basil pesto, burst cherry tomatoes, and al dente noodles—simple and bold.
5. Creamy Avocado Pasta
Mashed avocado, garlic, and lemon make a silky, no-cook green sauce.
6. BLT Pasta Salad
Bacon, lettuce, tomato, and pasta all tossed in creamy ranch.
7. Greek Orzo Salad
Orzo with cucumbers, olives, feta, red onion, and a lemon vinaigrette.
8. Zucchini Noodle Alfredo
A light twist using zoodles and creamy Alfredo with a hint of garlic.
9. Lemon Ricotta Pasta
Tangy lemon meets creamy ricotta and fresh herbs—so good chilled or warm.
10. Cold Sesame Noodle Salad
Chilled spaghetti with sesame-peanut dressing and crunchy veggies.
11. Summer Veggie Pasta
Roasted zucchini, squash, and peppers tossed in garlic olive oil.
12. Tuna Pasta Salad
Pasta, tuna, peas, and mayo with a little dill—classic and satisfying.
13. Cucumber Dill Pasta Salad
Refreshing cucumbers with a tangy yogurt-dill dressing over pasta.
14. Spaghetti with Fresh Tomatoes & Basil
Juicy heirloom tomatoes and fresh basil over spaghetti with olive oil.
15. Corn and Bacon Pasta
Charred corn, crispy bacon, and creamy sauce with a kick of black pepper.
16. Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
Pasta tossed in a garlicky sun-dried tomato pesto with parmesan.
17. Chili Lime Shrimp Pasta
Zesty shrimp with lime juice and cilantro over thin spaghetti.
18. Spinach and Feta Pasta Salad
Chilled pasta with baby spinach, red onion, and salty feta.
19. Cajun Chicken Pasta
Spicy grilled chicken and bell peppers in a creamy Cajun sauce.
20. Roasted Tomato Pasta
Oven-roasted tomatoes add a sweet, deep flavor to this simple dish.
21. Tortellini Pasta Salad
Cheese-filled tortellini with veggies, olives, and Italian dressing.
22. Pasta Primavera
Tons of fresh seasonal veggies in a light olive oil or lemon sauce.
23. Basil Walnut Pesto Pasta
A fun twist on classic pesto—nutty, herby, and perfect for summer.
24. Cilantro Lime Pasta
Zingy lime and cilantro mixed into pasta with avocado chunks.
25. Taco Pasta Salad
All the taco fixings in pasta form with ground beef and creamy dressing.
26. Broccoli Grape Pasta Salad
Sweet grapes, crunchy broccoli, and bowties in a tangy dressing.
27. Garlic Herb Butter Pasta
Simple but full of flavor—fresh herbs, garlic, and lots of butter.
28. Pesto Caprese Tortellini Salad
Cheesy tortellini, tomatoes, and mozzarella with basil pesto.
29. Zesty Italian Pasta Salad
Classic summer potluck dish with pepperoni, olives, and veggies.
30. Creamy Cucumber Pasta Salad
Cool and creamy—perfect side dish for BBQs.
31. Grilled Veggie Pasta
Grilled zucchini, peppers, and eggplant with olive oil and feta.
32. Lemon Shrimp Penne
Bright lemon juice, garlic, and shrimp over penne pasta.
33. Avocado Caprese Pasta
Add creamy avocado slices to the classic Caprese combo!
34. Crispy Chickpea Pasta Bowl
Roasted chickpeas with cucumbers and dill tossed into pasta.
35. Creamy Summer Squash Pasta
Yellow squash blended into a smooth sauce with fresh herbs.
36. Watermelon Feta Orzo
A surprising but super refreshing combo of watermelon, feta, and orzo.
37. Hummus Pasta Salad
Use hummus as the creamy base—tossed with cucumbers, tomatoes, and pasta.
38. Chili Garlic Noodles
Spaghetti noodles with garlic, chili oil, and sesame for bold flavor.
39. Cold Soba Veggie Bowl
Buckwheat noodles with shredded carrots, cucumbers, and spicy peanut sauce.
40. Zoodle + Pasta Combo
Half zucchini noodles, half spaghetti for a balanced and fresh plate.
41. Lemon Dill Tuna Pasta
Zesty lemon, dill, and tuna make this a bright chilled pasta option.
42. Spaghetti with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
Smooth and smoky roasted red pepper sauce with garlic and olive oil.
43. Macaroni Salad with Pickles
A creamy, tangy twist loaded with chopped pickles and fresh herbs.
44. Italian Chopped Pasta Salad
All the chopped salad goodness but with penne or rotini.
45. Garlic Butter Tomato Shrimp Pasta
Simple and bold—shrimp, garlic, tomatoes, and lots of butter!
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