35 Summer Pasta Recipes That Make the Most of Your Farmers Market Haul
How do I love thee, pasta? Let’s just say, enough that scorching temperatures and humidity wouldn’t stop me from enjoying a bowl come summertime. In fact, I think it’s a near-perfect way to showcase the seasonal produce you just snatched up at the farmers market (not to mention it’s at the top of my list for easy summer dinner ideas). Don’t believe me? Here are 35 summer pasta recipes full of in-season vegetables and fresh herbs to enjoy alfresco (or, sure, in front of the A/C). Whether you’re in the mood for a chilled Caesar pasta salad or a skillet gnocchi and burrata number, there’s something for you.
(Psst: This list is organized by hot pastas and pasta salads, so you can click to jump to what you crave ASAP.)
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Hot Pastas
1. Jalape?o-Avocado Mac and Cheese
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why I Love It: <30 minutes, vegetarian
Serves: 4
If there’s one thing everyone can agree on, it’s macaroni and cheese. This version even more so, thanks to pickled jalape?os and avocado, not to mention a ton of white cheddar. It’s great as a burger side, but no one would complain if you made it the main course.
2. Vegan Sun-Dried Tomato, Basil and Balsamic Bucatini
REBECCA HINCKE/THE VEGAN PASTA COOKBOOK
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why I Love It: vegan, <10 ingredients
Serves: 4
It’s a total myth that you need a bunch of cheese, butter and cream to make a decadent pasta dish. Want proof? This flavorful number is it. (The secret to your success will be rich and tangy balsamic vinegar.)
3. Sungold Spaghetti Carbonara
SUSAN SPUNGEN/VEG FORWARD
Time Commitment: 45 minutes
Why I Love It: vegetarian, <10 ingredients
Serves: 4
Sungolds—those jewel-like yellow tomatoes with a candy-sweet taste—are at their peak in summertime, so take advantage of their sunny flavor while you can. (But if you can only find regular red cherry tomatoes, they’ll work too.)
4. Pasta alla Norma with Eggplant, Basil & Pecorino
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour
Why I Love It: vegetarian, beginner-friendly
Serves: 4
Is this the next best thing to a sunny Italian getaway? I’ll let you be the judge. If you are able to find ricotta salata, that’s a more traditional cheese topper—but pecorino will also work just as beautifully. Head to the farmers market for in-season eggplant, if you can.
5. Summer Skillet Gnocchi with Grilled Corn and Burrata
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 50 minutes
Why I Love It: one pan, crowd-pleaser
Serves: 6
Meet the prettiest centerpiece of the season. Wow your guests with this one-pan prize, complete with charred corn fresh off the cob and a creamy ball of burrata. No one will believe it took just an hour to make.
6. Keto Pasta with Lemon-Kale Chicken
Dana Carpender/Keto for One
Time Commitment: 15 minutes
Why I Love It: keto friendly, low carb, <30 minutes
Serves: 1
Even if you’re following a low-carb meal plan, you can still enjoy a bowl of summer pasta. This dish uses shirataki, or tofu noodles, instead of pasta to make it diet-friendly. Serve it hot or cold with lots of grated Parmesan.
7. 15-Minute Lemony Broccolini Pasta
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 15 minutes
Why I Love It: vegetarian, <30 minutes
Serves: 4
This dish is impressive enough for company yet simple enough for your schedule. What’s not to like about garlic, lemon and a splash of heavy cream over pasta? Present it warm next to a dish of fresh mozzarella pearls.
8. Zucchini Carbonara with Parsnip ‘Pancetta’
DAVID FRENKIEL/LITTLE GREEN KITCHEN
Time Commitment: 25 minutes
Why I Love It: vegetarian, <30 minutes
Serves: 4
Here’s another rendition of the classic carbonara, except this time it’ll use up your bumper crop of summer zucchini. Instead of meat, parsnips are fried into crisp, flavorful bits that give a similar effect as pancetta.
9. Skillet Pasta with Summer Squash, Ricotta and Basil
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 55 minutes
Why I Love It: one pan, special occasion–worthy, vegetarian
Serves: 4
I love a one-pan wonder. But I adore one that puts sweet, nutty summer squash front and center. You can even travel with it: Top the pan with foil and head straight for the party, then reheat before serving.
10. Baked Mac-and-Cheese Bites
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 1 hour
Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly
Serves: Makes 48 bites
As it turns out, everyone’s favorite pasta doesn’t have to come in a bowl. These minis are poppable, a hit with kids and a breeze to make. Save a few for yourself before serving; they keep for two days in the fridge and make a mean lunch (or snack).
11. One-Pot, 15-Minute Pasta Limone
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 15 minutes
Why I Love It: <30 minutes, <10 ingredients, vegetarian
Serves: 4
Sometimes less is more, and this summer pasta recipe is proof. Odds are you don’t even have to go to the grocery store to make it. Linguine or spaghetti work best, but if your heart (or your pantry) says rigatoni, I’m here for it.
12. Pasta with Burst Cherry Tomatoes, Fresh Corn and Burrata
Katherine Gillen
Time Commitment: 20 minutes
Why I Love It: vegetarian, <30 minutes
Serves: 4
To me, summer is all about fresh corn and tomatoes, repeat as necessary. (Bonus points if you grow the tomatoes in your backyard.) The trick to getting a glossy sauce here is all in the pasta water. Save some before draining the noodles—it’ll cook down with the vegetables to coat the strands of pasta just so.
13. Summer Pasta with Tomatoes, Basil and Ricotta
Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, vegetarian
Serves: 6
This summer pasta recipe couldn’t be simpler: Sauté a few pints of cherry tomatoes with sweet onions and garlic, then add that goodness to spaghetti before tossing with a touch of pasta water. If the ingredients are good, no need to make it complicated.
14. Garlic Shrimp Mafaldine
Graydon Herriott/Simple Pasta
Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Why I Love It: special occasion-worthy, pescatarian
Serves: 4
Sure, you can eat shrimp year-round. But there’s something ultra-summery about a garlicky pasta tossed with buttery shrimp. Serve it with a glass of wine on the patio and you’ll understand what I mean.
15. One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta
INSPIRED ENTERTAINMENT/THE DOMESTIC GEEK'S MEALS MADE EASY
Time Commitment: 20 minutes
Why I Love It: one pot, <30 minutes, crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly
Serves: 6
You’re too busy soaking up the sun to worry about dinner, I get it. That’s where this one-pot number comes in. You boil everything in the same vessel (really) and it magically transforms into a delicious bowl of pasta. (Thank me later.)
16. Beachy Alfresco Linguine alle Vongole
Graydon Herriott/Simple Pasta
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why I Love It: special occasion-worthy, <30 minutes, pescatarian
Serves: 4
This summer pasta recipe tastes like a day at the beach in the best way possible, thanks to briny clams, anchovies, prosciutto, a splash of vinegar and a smattering of garlic breadcrumbs. Serve the wine that you don’t use in the dish with your meal.
17. Cheater’s Skillet Lasagna with Corn and Cherry Tomatoes
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 35 minutes
Why I Love It: one pan, crowd-pleaser, vegetarian
Serves: 6
This vegetable-laden pasta dish has all the cheesy layers you crave, without all the painstaking assembly. If you want to swap the asparagus for more summer squash, be my guest.
18. Creamy Sweet Corn Pappardelle
Jeanine Donofrio/Love & Lemons Every Day
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why I Love It: vegan, <30 minutes
Serves: 4
You wouldn’t know it by taste alone, but this creamy pasta is actually completely plant-based. The secret is twofold: You’ll squeeze every last drop of juice out of those corn cobs, and when combined with cashews, it becomes a luscious sauce.
19. Spicy Corn Carbonara
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 45 minutes
Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly
Serves: 6
Speaking of corn, it happens to pair beautifully with bacon. If you want to serve this dish to kids, try backing off on the crushed red pepper flakes or serving them on the side.
20. Orzo with Spiced Tomato Sauce and Feta
Time Commitment: 50 minutes
Why I Love It: vegetarian, <500 calories
Serves: 4
ICYMI, tomatoes are in season. Is there a better reason to ditch the jarred sauce? I think not. Cook the orzo until it’s just shy of al dente, since it will finish cooking in the same skillet as the sauce.
Pasta Salads
21. Classic Macaroni Salad
Katherine Gillen
Time Commitment: 25 minutes + chilling time
Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, <30 minutes
Serves: 8 to 10
If you ask me, it’s not truly summer until someone brings a giant bowl of mac salad to the picnic table. In the spirit of all the most delicious BBQ side dishes, it actually tastes better the longer it sits in the fridge, so I recommend making it a day ahead.
22. Salami, Artichoke and Ricotta Pasta Salad
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 20 minutes
Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, <30 minutes
Serves: 6
From salami to ricotta to artichoke hearts, this pasta has it all. Serve it with brisket or grilled veggies. The mustard vinaigrette works wonders on mixed greens, too.
23. BLT Pasta Salad
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 40 minutes
Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly
Serves: 8
The simplest sandwich on earth just ditched white bread for your cutest serving bowl. This version is just as crunchy and creamy as its predecessor (props to mayo and Dijon mustard), plus it has a ton of black pepper bacon for a kick.
24. Avocado and Black Bean Pasta Salad
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
Time Commitment: 20 minutes
Why I Love It: vegetarian, <30 minutes, crowd-pleaser
Serves: 6
Cute curls of cavatappi just got a Southwest-inspired makeover. Corn, jalape?o and homemade lime-cilantro dressing make this a barbecue favorite that pairs with everything from grilled chicken to ribs.
25. Caesar Pasta Salad
ROBERT BREDVAD/THE SECRET INGREDIENT COOKBOOK
Time Commitment: 20 minutes
Why I Love It: <30 minutes, crowd-pleaser
Serves: 4 to 6
If you don’t like the classic Caesar, you might want to keep scrolling. This mashup contains all the flavors of the original, plus pasta. Even better, the dressing is made with avocado instead of raw egg, so it’s impossible to mess up (and everyone can eat it).
26. Caprese Pasta Salad
Katherine Gillen
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, kid-friendly, vegetarian
Serves: 8
Pasta…or salad? You don’t have to choose. This dish has all the beloved flavors of the Italian antipasto (juicy tomatoes, creamy cheese, fresh basil and bright balsamic vinegar), plus the picnic-friendly portability of a cookout side dish.
26. The Best Easy Pasta Salad
Pinch of Yum
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, <30 minutes
Serves: 10+
The gang’s all here: cherry tomatoes, fresh mozz, Kalamata olives, salami and pepperoncini. Add a garlicky herb dressing and you’re in business. (Out of salami? Try swapping it for Italian sausage.)
27. Street Corn Pasta Salad with Cilantro Pesto and Goat Cheese
Ambitious Kitchen
Time Commitment: 45 minutes
Why I Love It:
Serves: 6
All the deliciousness of elote, minus the corn cob stuck in your teeth. Season and grill the corn until charred, then make the cashew-lime cilantro pesto. I won’t stop you from treating yourself to a dollop of sour cream or crema, either.
28. Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Gimme Some Oven
Time Commitment: 15 minutes
Why I Love It: <30 minutes, crowd-pleaser
Serves: 6 to 8
Calling all Greek salad-diehards. Kalamata olives, crumbled feta and English cucumber should hold your attention. If not, how about the lemon-herb vinaigrette made with honey, garlic and oregano? That’s better.
29. Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad
Plays Well with Butter
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why I Love It: <10 ingredients, vegetarian
Serves: 4 to 6
Yup, I’m inviting red sauce to the picnic. You only need six ingredients to pull off this summer pasta recipe, including feta, marinated artichokes and olives. Oh, and consider the sun-dried tomato dressing your secret trick for every potluck you ever go to.
30. Orzo Pasta Salad with Mint and Feta
Sweet Peas and Saffron
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why I Love It: vegetarian, <30 minutes
Serves: 6
The red wine vinaigrette is the star of this dish, rounded out with sweet honey and zesty Dijon. (Be sure to dress it within an hour of eating so it doesn’t get soggy.)
31. Strawberry Caprese Pasta Salad
Foodie Crush
Time Commitment: 23 minutes
Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, <30 minutes
Serves: 12
Fruit and cheese are a collab I never grow tired of, so why shouldn’t pasta join the mix? Tomatoes take a backseat in this caprese remix, while basil pairs up with fresh mint. To seal the deal, it’s all dressed with a sweet honey-balsamic vinaigrette.
32. Avocado Tomato Chickpea Pasta Salad with Lemon Basil Vinaigrette
Ambitious Kitchen
Time Commitment: 20 minutes
Why I Love It: vegetarian, <30 minutes, crowd-pleaser
Serves: 6
Want to make modifications? Swap goat cheese for feta or pickled onions for raw. And if you have gluten-free guests, try chickpea pasta instead of whole wheat.
33. Cold Soba Noodle Salad with Strawberries
GENTL AND HYERS/OPEN KITCHEN
Time Commitment: 21 minutes
Why I Love It: vegetarian, <30 minutes, crowd-pleaser
Serves: 8
Strawberries in pasta might seem unusual, but they add a pop of juicy flavor that pairs well with the salty miso-based dressing. If you want to make it ahead, just add the fruit the day you plan on eating it to keep it fresh.
34. Thai Noodle Salad with Peanut Sauce
Feasting at Home
Time Commitment: 30 minutes
Why I Love It: <30 minutes, crowd-pleaser, make ahead
Serves: 6
It never hurts to squeeze some veggies in between all those burgers and hot dogs. This soba-noodle starter is loaded with red bell peppers, cabbage, carrots, radishes and scallions. But the main attraction is without a doubt the peanut butter sauce spiked with citrus, honey and soy sauce.
35. Sesame Noodle Salad
What's Gaby Cooking
Time Commitment: 15 minutes
Why I Love It: <30 minutes, crowd-pleaser
Serves: 8
In this summer pasta recipe, linguine is dressed in a craveable ginger-brown sugar dressing made with soy sauce, sesame oil and garlic. Cabbage, pepper, carrot, pea pods, cucumber and more crudités make it a crunch-lover’s dream.
