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    Home » Recipe Roundups

    22 Simple Pasta Recipes We’re Making All Summer Long

    Published: Jun 13, 2025 by Emmeline Kemperyd · post_comments]

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    Summer is the perfect time to enjoy light and fresh pasta dishes that are quick to prepare and full of flavor. From simple salads to hearty mains, these 22 pasta recipes are ideal for warm weather dining. Whether you're cooking for yourself or hosting a gathering, these easy ideas will keep your meals exciting all season long.

    Tortellini with Ham and Peas

    Tortellini with ham and peas on a plate.
    Photo Credit: The Pasta Project.

    Tortellini with ham and peas is a favorite dish in Italy. It's simple to prepare and is enjoyed by both kids and adults. This dish is great for quick meals after school or for family lunches. The combination of flavors is satisfying without being heavy. It's a perfect choice for warm summer days.

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    Smoked Salmon & Spinach Pasta

    Salmon spinach pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This pasta dish is quick to prepare and packed with the fresh flavors of smoked salmon and lemon. It's perfect for warm summer days when you want something light and satisfying. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a meal that feels special without spending too much time in the kitchen. This is a great option for busy nights or when you want to keep things simple. You'll find yourself making this one again and again.

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    Easy Summer Pasta

    Easy Summer Pasta.
    Photo Credit: Occasionally Eggs.

    This summer pasta dish is simple and quick to prepare, taking just as long as it takes to boil the pasta. It features fresh stone fruit, juicy tomatoes, vibrant greens, and fragrant basil. Perfect for warm evenings, this meal is light and refreshing. It's a great option when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen. Enjoy a taste of summer with every bite.

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    Summer Pesto Pasta Salad

    Summer Pesto Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: The Short Order Cook.

    Pesto pasta salad is a go-to dish for summer. This cold salad features tri-color rotini tossed with a tasty pesto dressing, fresh tomatoes, and olives, making it perfect for a light lunch or as a side. It's easy on the wallet since it uses common ingredients you probably already have at home. With a mix of Italian and American flavors, it pairs well with BBQ, roasts, grilled chicken, seafood, sandwiches, or soup. This dish is sure to be a hit at any summer gathering.

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    Pink Pasta Sauce with Bacon

    Pink pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    A creamy tomato sauce with a bit of spice and some crispy bacon is a great combination. This dish is perfect for summer when you want something light yet satisfying. It's easy to whip up and doesn't take much time at all. Enjoy it as a quick meal on a warm evening or serve it at a casual gathering. This pasta is sure to please everyone at the table.

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    Cherry Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Walnuts

    15-Minute Cherry Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Walnuts
    Photo credit: always use butter

    This 15-minute Cherry Tomato Pasta with Spinach and Walnuts is a great option for a quick meal. It's easy to prepare and packed with flavor, making it a satisfying dish. The fresh cherry tomatoes and spinach come together nicely, and adding some mozzarella or burrata on top takes it to the next level. Perfect for warm summer days, this pasta is light yet filling. Enjoy it as a simple dinner that doesn't require much time in the kitchen.

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    Lentil Pesto Pasta Salad

    Lentil Pesto Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: Haute & Healthy Living.

    Lentil pesto pasta salad is full of flavor and offers a healthy dose of fiber, protein, and iron thanks to the lentils. It's a refreshing dish that works well for summer gatherings. This salad is easy to prepare and perfect for sharing at BBQs or picnics. With its vibrant ingredients, it adds a nice touch to any meal. Enjoy this light and satisfying option during the warm months.

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    One-Pot Hummus Pasta

    Hummus pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Dinner can be simple and quick with just a few ingredients. This dish comes together in only 12 minutes and uses just five items. It's perfect for those warm summer evenings when you want something light and satisfying. With everything cooked in one pot, cleanup is a breeze. Enjoy a delicious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

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    Shrimp Carbonara

    Shrimp carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Shrimp Carbonara is a quick and tasty take on the classic Italian pasta dish. It combines the creamy goodness of traditional Carbonara with the added flavor of shrimp. This dish brings together the best of seafood and pasta in a simple way. It's a great option for a satisfying meal that doesn't require much time or effort. Enjoy a delightful blend of flavors that's perfect for summer.

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    Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

    Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: The Cookin' Chicks.

    Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is a delicious dish that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy Ranch dressing. It's a great option for summer meals when you want something light and refreshing. This salad is easy to prepare and perfect for picnics or barbecues. With its tasty flavors, it's sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy this satisfying dish on warm days when you want something simple yet flavorful.

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    Bean Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing

    Bean Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing.
    Photo Credit: The Carefree Cook.

    A refreshing bean pasta salad is perfect for those hot summer days when you want something cool and light. It features thinly sliced red peppers and onions that add a nice crunch, along with a simple homemade Italian dressing. This vegetarian dish is filling enough to serve as a side at potlucks, barbecues, or backyard gatherings. It's an easy option that everyone will enjoy. Enjoy this salad as a tasty addition to your summer meals.

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    Pasta with Pancetta & Peas

    Pasta with peas and pancetta.
    Photo Credit: Scarlati Family Kitchen.

    Pasta with pancetta and peas is a quick and simple dinner option that you can whip up in under 20 minutes. Crispy pancetta adds a nice flavor, while the green peas bring a touch of sweetness. This dish features orecchiette pasta, which holds onto the sauce beautifully. A sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese on top ties everything together nicely. It's a great choice for a light summer meal.

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    Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta

    Garlic butter shrimp pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is a quick and tasty dish that brings together juicy shrimp, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich garlic butter sauce. In just 15 minutes, you can whip up a meal that's satisfying and full of flavor. This recipe is perfect for summer nights when you want something light yet filling. It's a great way to enjoy seafood and pasta in one bowl. Everyone in the family will enjoy this easy and delicious dinner.

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    Lemon Ricotta Pasta

    lemon ricotta pasta.
    Photo credit: Emmeline Kemperyd.

    This pasta dish is incredibly easy to prepare. It's perfect for warm summer days when you want something light and refreshing. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a satisfying meal in no time. This is a great option for busy nights when you don't want to spend too much time in the kitchen. Enjoy a delicious bowl of pasta that captures the essence of summer.

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    Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Salad

    Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Salad Walmart Copycat.
    Photo Credit: 24 Bite.

    Broccoli Cheddar Pasta Salad is a great option when you can't make it to the store for your favorite deli salad. The mix of broccoli and cheese is always a winner. This dish is perfect for summer gatherings or a light meal. It's easy to whip up and doesn't require much time in the kitchen. Enjoy this refreshing pasta salad as a side or a main dish.

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    Cajun Alfredo Pasta

    Cajun alfredo pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This recipe gives a zesty spin to the traditional Alfredo sauce. It uses simple powdered seasonings that you likely have in your pantry, making it an affordable choice when you're on a budget. Perfect for a quick meal, this dish is light and satisfying for warm summer days. It's easy to whip up and doesn't require much time in the kitchen. Enjoy a delicious pasta dish that's both flavorful and easy to prepare.

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    Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad with Crunchy Croutons

    Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad with Crunchy Croutons.
    Photo Credit: Cook Eat Live Love.

    Caesar salad gets a fun twist in this pasta salad version. It's creamy and tangy, bringing all the classic Caesar flavors together with tender pasta for a filling dish. This is a great option for summer gatherings, quick lunches, or as a side for dinner. It combines the freshness of salad with the heartiness of pasta, making it a hit for any occasion. Enjoy this refreshing dish that's easy to whip up and perfect for warm days.

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    Italian Sub Pasta Salad

    Italian Sub Pasta Salad.
    Photo Credit: Maria's Mixing Bowl.

    Italian Sub Pasta Salad is a great dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as a side. It combines the classic flavors of an Italian sub with pasta, making it a tasty option. This dish is perfect for summer gatherings or casual dinners. It's easy to prepare and doesn't require much effort. Whether you're hosting a party or just having a meal at home, this salad is a solid choice.

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    Salmon Crème Fraîche Pasta

    Salmon Crème Fraîche Pasta.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This salmon pasta with crème fraîche and lemon is quick to prepare and packed with flavor, making it a great choice for any weeknight dinner. It comes together in just 15 minutes, so you can enjoy a delicious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. Using crème fraîche gives it a lighter feel, perfect for those warm summer evenings. You can use either fresh or frozen salmon, making it easy to whip up whenever you want. This dish is sure to become a favorite, no matter the season.

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    Halloumi Pasta Primavera

    Halloumi pasta primavera.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    In just 20 minutes, including prep time, you can whip up this tasty vegetarian halloumi pasta packed with fresh vegetables. This dish is light and perfect for summer, and it doesn't rely on cream to be delicious. It's a great option for a fresh dinner that highlights the flavors of the veggies. Enjoy a meal that's quick to prepare and satisfying. This pasta is a wonderful way to celebrate the season's produce.

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    One Pot Italian Sausage Pasta

    One Pot Italian Sausage Pasta
    Photo Credit: Midwest Foodie.

    This dish features a creamy sauce that clings to the pasta, making every bite satisfying. It includes tender kale and flavorful Italian sausage, adding a nice touch to the meal. Perfect for warm days, this pasta is light yet filling. It's a great option for a quick dinner that doesn't require much effort. Enjoy a delicious summer meal that brings together fresh ingredients and comforting flavors.

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    Creamy Pesto Pasta

    Creamy pesto pasta topped with cherry tomatoes.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This creamy pesto pasta is quick and easy, needing just three ingredients and only 10 minutes to prepare. The bright green pesto sauce combined with Greek yogurt creates a deliciously smooth dish. It's perfect for busy summer evenings when you want something light yet satisfying. This recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy a simple meal that feels comforting and fresh.

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    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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