23 Light + Flavorful Pasta Recipes for Summer
Everyone loves pasta. And how could you not? With those delish noodles, creamy sauces and plethora of toppings, pasta is a go-to meal that never gets boring. But during the summer, sometimes it can feel a little too heavy to eat a giant bowl of the stuff. Instead of ditching your BFF pasta this season, just make one of these refreshingly light recipes instead. Paired with a glass of vino and some patio time, these eats are sure to please.
1. Tomato, Onion and Basil One-Pan Pasta: One pan means there’s no hassle to pre-sauté your onions, no need to roast your tomatoes and no need to drain your pasta. As the pasta cooks, it absorbs the water as well as all the flavors from the fresh ingredients. Less than 15 minutes of cook time and only one pan to clean up means more time for you to enjoy your delectable dish. Even your Italian grandmother will be asking for seconds. (Photo via Abigail Wang)
2. Carbonara With Peas and Bacon: There’s a reason we fall back on pasta time and time again: It’s just that easy. But the true beauty of pasta is its versatility. This one, with bacon and eggs, is simply fresh and uses those noodles’ full potential. (Photo via Daniel Schuleman)
3. Zucchini Noodles: If you haven’t zoodled yet in life, you are seriously missing out. And while zoodles are definitely not the same as pasta, they are a perfectly suitable and guilt-free way to indulge in a one-pot meal of creamy deliciousness. (Photo via Analiese Trimber)
4. Aglio e Olio With a Fried Egg: A warm plate of carbs with a fried egg on top is just genius. Sprinkle on some red chili pepper flakes for a kick and dig into this super filling meal. (Photo via Daniel Schuleman)
5. Pasta With Creamy Vegan Avocado Pesto Sauce: Now here’s a perfect example of how vegan food can be as creamy, rich and tasty as food made with animal products. This dish is super easy to make, and it tastes oh-so decadent. (Photo via Mulin Xiong)
6. Peanut Sesame Noodles: This dish is easy peasy and is packed with vitamin C, fiber and protein. All you need to do is combine roasted broccoli, baked tofu, fresh noodles and this homemade peanut sauce. And even better, this dish is versatile and can be adapted each time you make it. (Photo via Julia Liang)
7. Sausage and Artichoke Penne: Pasta is a staple, and for good reason: Convenience IS king. But just because pasta is easy doesn’t mean it can’t be elegant. Next time you find yourself craving a little luxury, whip up this hearty pasta with spicy sausage, savory mushrooms and decadent artichoke hearts. (Photo via Emma Danbury)
8. Tofu Noodles: Love pasta but can’t afford the calories or carbs? We’ve got a delicious alternative for you: tofu noodles. Although they have quite a different texture than standard pasta noodles, tofu noodles are still a satisfying (and nutritious) substitute. (Photo via Hannah Morse)
9. Broccoli Parmesan Pasta: Sometimes the simplest dishes can be the best, and that rings true of this broccoli + Parmesan pasta. The Parmesan cheese melds together tender broccoli and al dente pasta, and adds a salty, nutty note, creating an outrageously delicious dish. (Photo via Katherine Baker)
10. Creamy Tomato and Tuna Penne: Looking to jazz up your boring old penne with tomato sauce? With this recipe you’ll do just that and use that can of tuna that’s been in your pantry forevs. (Photo via Daniel Schuleman)
11. Pasta With White Wine and Porcini Mushroom Sauce: This “Pappardelle ai Funghi Porcini” is the perfect, elegant plate to present on a special occasion. The sauce is light and flavorful, and the mushrooms add a wonderful, meaty texture. Buon appetito, Ragazzi! (Photo via Michelle Loret de Mola)
12. Pasta With White Wine Lemon Butter Sauce: The lemon and white wine in this sauce add such freshness and sophistication that people will never guess it was made in just 15 minutes. This versatile dish can be whipped up on the busiest of weeknights or for your next date night in. (Photo via Kelda Baljon)
13. Pasta Primavera: Ditch the trip to the supermarket and make dinner tonight from your freezer. With this recipe, you’ll transform your frozen vegetables into a filling and savory pasta dinner in just 20 minutes. And it’s so healthy you’ll forget you’re even eating carbs. (Photo via Lily Allen)
14. Breadcrumb Penne Pasta: Next time you don’t have an hour to cook but are in the mood for a hearty meal, try this recipe. It’s simple and can feed three to four people — unless you’re just really hungry. Honestly, if you like pasta, cheese and bread, you’ll want to make this. (Photo via Gabby Phi)
15. Fresh and Spicy Tomato Pasta: Get ready to inhale all the heavenly pasta you want without all of the guilt afterwards. Whether you are a marathon runner looking to carb load with new recipes or simply just love pasta, you can enjoy all the deliciousness of restaurant-quality pasta dishes without the excess calories, cream and butter. (Photo via Ashley Hamati)
16. Summer Veggie Pasta: One of the tastiest and easiest ways to use up a CSA box is to cook your veggies with a little olive oil, salt, pepper and garlic and throw them onto some pasta. Feel free to substitute the vegetables used in this recipe for any that you like. (Photo via Caty Schnack)
17. Sausage, Kale and Zucchini Bow Ties: The flavor of the sausage infused into the zucchini, kale and pasta will make this dish your new all-time favorite. It’s so good that you won’t have to think twice about downing any greens this summer. (Photo via Daniel Schuleman)
18. Arugula, Brie and Mushroom Pasta: If you’re super lazy and love pasta, then this meal is for you. You get a salad, a healthy dose of veggies and creamy pasta all in one amazing dish. And if you’re not totally down for the all-veggie meal, you can always add in sausage or bacon to get a little protein boost. (Photo via Judy Holtz)
19. Penne Pasta With Balsamic Butter Sauce: Thought balsamic vinegar was only for salads? Well it’s not, and putting it in this recipe will change yo’ life. Sprinkle a little parmesan on top and you’ll be in L-O-V-E. (Photo via Maggie Gorman)
20. Basic Marinara Sauce: There’s nothin’ like a big ol’ pot of tomato sauce and linguine. No doubt about it, every single person should know how to whip up this classic staple. (Photo via Daniel Schuleman)
21. Penne With Cherry Tomatoes, Basil and Mozzarella: Even though this pasta is meatless, all meat lovers are sure to approve. The classic Italian flavors of cherry tomatoes — which burst when sautéed, forming a light sauce — bite-sized creamy mozzarella and fresh basil are what make this dish simply delicious. To jazz it up, you can even add some of your favorite veggies and cheeses to please your palate. (Photo via Taylor Kaminsky)
22. Four-Step Basil-Balsamic Pasta Salad: Basil can upgrade any of your go-to starches, whether it’s pizza or this pasta salad. This salad is doused with a light balsamic dressing and is rounded out with juicy cherry tomatoes, spinach and a sprinkle of mozzarella. (Photo via Katherine Richter)
23. Creamy + Garlicky Proscuitto Spaghetti: Next time you find yourself hungry for some pasta, try this Southern Italian take on Spaghetti Carbonara called Pasta di Positano. The ingredients are cheap, the preparation is simple and the end result is just as delicious and satisfying as the original (even though your breath might be a tad garlicky). (Photo via Regan Fitzgerald)
Have any other delicious pasta recipes? Let us know in the comments below!
