Let’s be real. Sometimes ‘routine’ and ‘summer’ don’t really go hand in hand. For me, at least one day I can get through a whole to-do list and do next to nothing the next. Waking up after 9…maybe 10? Yes please. Lunch at 2 o’clock? No problem. And one of my favorite ways to enjoy a carefree day like this is with a bowl of pasta that satisfies every warm weather craving. These light summer pasta recipes are such an easy fix for lunch or dinner, at home or on the go, and everyone in your family is sure to love them. It would be hard not to.
Feature image by Michelle Nash†
As we get closer to the (arguably) best season of the year, I’ve consciously recognized more and more things I love summer.
Whether it’s waking up a few minutes (hours) later, enjoying a meal at home with my family, or soaking up the sun on an afternoon stroll, summer continues to ignite joy in me from the little things that come so easily. picked up awarded.
Something I’ve come to realize over time (which seems to be speeding up – please tell me I’m not alone) is that when we’re out of tune with the things that make us happy, they really pass us by. . what is certain not the mantra of summer. Instead, it’s much more fun if we can recognize the things that drive us and find ways to make them more present in our lives.
But what does this have to do with pasta, you might ask? I don’t know about you, but something else that makes me happy is cooking simple foods, celebrating the flavors of the season while they’re available, and most importantly, enjoying moments of relaxation, which are best spent together. can be served with a meal. † These light summer pasta recipes are perfect for enjoying the sweet spontaneity of summer and adding more fun to every day. It’s time to let go and enjoy yourself, and after all, that’s what summer is really all about.
12 light summer pasta recipes to brighten up your summer
Green Goddess Pasta Salad
Why we love it: This one skinny green fighting machine pasta is vegan, full of veggies and absolutely delicious. It’s the easiest way to get your daily dose of vegetables while enjoying a tasty lunch or dinner that won’t leave you feeling refreshed. Sign me up.
Hero Ingredient: I’d be lying if I told you the green goddess dressing here wasn’t the star of the show, but I have to give props to the avocado. Creamy and undeniably swoon-worthy.
Get the recipe for Green Goddess Pasta Salad.
Creamy Lemon Pasta
Why we love it: Creamy may not be at the top of your summer vocabulary, but this pasta defies the rules and provides a fresh approach to indulgence. Yes, butter and cream are the base of the sauce (it’s seriously good enough to drink), but the addition of lemon brightens things up and makes it summer-ready.
Hero Ingredient: A heavy hand is key when it comes to the spices and red pepper flakes.
Get the recipe for Creamy Lemon Paste.
Creamy Vegan Pasta With Tomatoes And Basil
Why we love it: This recipe continues to make its way into my rotation and I am blown away by the flavor every time I make it. That walnut sauce is to die for forever, the just-cracked tomatoes are second to none, and the whole dish comes together in about 15 minutes. Too good to be true? Make it yourself and discover it.
Hero Ingredient: Again, pile on those garnishes. It’s the lemon zest, basil, and red chili flakes that really make this pasta shine.
Get the recipe for Creamy Vegan Pasta With Tomatoes And Basil.
Rigatoni With Brussels Sprouts & Kale Pesto
Why we love it: This kale pesto, Brussels sprout-studded pasta, wrapped in the greens, is packed with flavor and good ingredients. Think walnuts, olives and lots of vegetables. All together to deliver one heavenly tasting pasta.
Hero Ingredient: Warning: You’ll want to drizzle that silky kale pesto over everything.
Get the recipe for Rigatoni with Brussels sprouts and kale pesto.
Spaghetti alla Nerano
Why we love it: Thinly sliced, golden-brown zucchini is the hallmark of this dish, which is inspired by the traditional Spaghetti alla Nerano. You’d never know it only takes 15 minutes to throw together, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or dinner party! And with zucchini season approaching, there’s no better time than the present to whip up this simple yet impressive dish.
Hero Ingredient: Basil, basil and more basil.
Get the recipe for Spaghetti alla Nerano.
Spaghetti With Garlicky Shrimp, Asparagus And Tomatoes
Why we love it: For a more substantial, protein-centric pasta, look no further than this garlic shrimp spaghetti. It follows the Mediterranean diet, which we know is the healthiest diet in the world, and introduces several healthy vegetables into the mix. Practically perfect for a lunch or dinner that stays with you without feeling too heavy.
Hero Ingredient: Those tomatoes cook beautifully and take on an almost jam-like consistency. yum.
Get the recipe for spaghetti with garlic shrimp, asparagus and tomatoes.
One Pot Pasta Primavera With Summer Vegetables & Ricotta
Why we love it: More vegetables! Seriously, I can’t get enough of these pasta recipes that celebrate summer produce. In this case, it’s all about asparagus, broccolini (a personal favorite), peas, and cherry tomatoes. Everything comes together to produce a positively tasty pasta primavera.
Hero Ingredient: Ricotta brings all kinds of creaminess to the table. Or rather the noodles. It’s like a cheap blanket that’s light enough to make summer pasta.
Get the recipe for One-Pot Pasta Primavera With Summer Vegetables & Ricotta.
Lemony Pasta Carbonara With Peas & Zucchini
Why we love it: This carbonara is slightly lighter than your traditional pancetta-loaded dish, which is exactly what makes it the ideal summer pasta. By replacing salty meats with peas and zucchini, this creamy vegetarian version is best enjoyed outdoors. And with a crisp white, maybe.
Hero Ingredient: Peas of course. It’s time for these tiny but mighty superstars to get the recognition they deserve.
Get the recipe for Lemony Pasta Carbonara With Peas & Zucchini.
PHOTO: Processed with VSCO with s2 preset
Summer Pasta salad
Why we love it: Caramelized grilled vegetables, meet swirly pasta. This is the kind of pasta salad you’ll want to have on hand all summer, and it’s a universal crowd pleaser at barbecues. It is also packed with protein, complex carbohydrates, fiber and healthy fats. A victory on all fronts.
Hero Ingredient: Kalamata olives bring a briny, salty flavor that makes everything else pop.
Get the recipe for Summer Pasta Salad.
Summer Spaghetti With Tomatoes, Burrata & Basil
Why we love it: Mega-creamy burrata lovingly coats each noodle to top off any dish you want for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Seriously. And if you think it sounds a little heavy for a summer evening, think again! The “sauce” of this is literally just cracked tomatoes, olive oil and garlic. The biggest bowl you have, please.
Hero Ingredient: With pasta as simple as this, be sure to use fresh tomatoes, fragrant basil, and good quality olive oil. The proof is in the pudding, er, pasta.
Get the recipe for Summer Spaghetti With Tomatoes, Burrata And Basil.
One Pot Garlicky Mushroom Pasta With Sausage & Arugula
Why we love it: I know what you’re thinking. Sausage doesn’t exactly scream “light” summer pasta. But I beg to differ, and this is why. This recipe uses only a small amount of Italian sausage to basically mimic a sausage and mushroom pizza (yum), and the sauce is just lemon zest and juice, arugula, parmesan cheese, and a little butter. I declare it “light” because you can eat it for lunch without dragging it out for the rest of your day or enjoy it at dinner without feeling overly full. No further questions please.
Hero Ingredient: I’m always for mushrooms. They are so nutritious and endlessly delicious.
Get the recipe for One Pot Garlicky Mushroom Pasta With Sausage & Arugula.
Summer Veggie Pasta Salad With Feta & Lemon-Tahini Dressing
Why we love it: Too hot to properly enjoy a warm bowl of noodles? No problem. This summer pasta salad is laced with a variety of veggies and herbs that are made even more delicious by the miso tahini dressing on top. It’s healthy, balanced and so easy to enjoy even on the hottest summer days.
Hero Ingredient: A dose of salty feta in every bite really seals the deal here. Feel free to pick out some cubes with your fingers. I know I will.
Get the recipe for Summer Veggie Pasta Salad With Feta & Lemon-Tahini Dressing.
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