59 Veggie-Forward Pasta Recipes That Make The Perfect Summer Meals
We can all agree: there’s nothing better, easier, or more family-friendly than a weeknight pasta dinner. Once summer hits, though, some of our cheesy, heavy, carby favorites aren’t quite as appetizing. When it’s hot out, all we want is fresh summer vegetables; simple, healthy dinners; and most of all, less time spent in our kitchens. Check our list of 59 summer pastas—you can make them all season long.
When it comes to summer produce, we’re all about zucchini, eggplants, tomatoes, and sweet corn. You’ll find those veggies highlighted in these easy pasta dishes, but feel free to add them to your old standby favorites too. Tomatoes are an easy one, since we bet they’re already a main ingredient in lots of your go-to pasta dishes. Try swapping in fresh heirloom varieties to our pasta pomodoro, our cherry tomato pasta, or our creamy vegan tomato pasta to take them from great to OMG. Outside of eggplant Parm, we don’t think rich and meaty eggplants are getting enough love. Summer is the perfect time to celebrate the deep purple vegetable, like in our pasta alla norma, our pasta moussaka, or our garlicky feta eggplant pasta. We love zoodles year-round, but they’re particularly satisfying in the summer. Another summer fave is zucchini—try it highlighted in our zucchini Bolognese, our mac & cheese stuffed zucchini, our caramelized lemon & zucchini pasta, and more.
Another must for summertime meals? They’ve gotta be EASY. To help achieve this, we’ve included a number of our favorite pasta recipes that come together in just one pot. Try our one-pot shawarma chicken & orzo skillet, our one-pot creamy tortellini & greens, our one-pan creamy spinach-artichoke gnocchi, or our shrimp fettuccine Alfredo. They come together fast and with fewer dishes, so you can eat and then get back to enjoying everything the season has to offer.
Want more summertime dinner inspiration? Check out our top grilling recipes, our favorite healthy summer recipes, and our best summer fruit desserts. Want even MORE summer pasta ideas? Don’t forget about pasta salad too!
Creamy Corn Pasta
Don’t be fooled by the name—this pasta has no cream. Instead, you’ll puree fresh corn, sautéed garlic, and scallions into a luscious sauce that’s topped with Parmesan, basil, and even more corn. With just these few ingredients, you can have a crowd-pleasing summer pasta on the table in only about 30 minutes.
Get the Creamy Corn Pasta recipe.
Succotash-Inspired Gnocchi
Inspired by delicious and oh-so-summery succotash, this colorful gnocchi is extra hearty and full of fresh flavors. Succotash is the best way to use some of favorite summer vegetables like corn, summer squash, and beans, but feel free to sub in your faves (or whatever you've got lingering in the fridge 😉).
Get the Succotash-Inspired Gnocchi recipe.
Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
If you can't get enough of the fresh flavors of bruschetta, get ready to meet your new favorite weeknight dinner. This chicken pasta—loaded with cherry tomatoes, basil, and Parm—brings the summer vibes every time it's served.
Get the Bruschetta Chicken Pasta recipe.
Mac & Cheese Stuffed Zucchini
Here’s one way to get more veggies into picky eaters’ mouths: Score and scoop out zucchini pulp, chop and cook it down with spices into a cream sauce, then incorporate it into good ol’ kid-approved mac & cheese.
Get the Mac & Cheese Stuffed Zucchini recipe.
Creamy Peanut-Lime Chicken With Noodles
Who can resist rice noodles bathed in an abundance of sweet and creamy peanut butter sauce? Not us! In this recipe, the prep actually takes longer than the cooking, so feel free to make some elements ahead. With all them behind you, the dish comes together in a snap.
Get the Creamy Peanut-Lime Chicken With Noodles recipe.
One-Pot Creamy Tortellini & Greens
Indulge in pure pasta bliss with this heavenly one-pot tortellini recipe. Picture perfectly cooked, cheese-filled tortellini delicately simmering in a lusciously velvety cream sauce, generously infused with vibrant fresh greens. Best part? With this one-pot wonder and a handful of ingredients, you can have it all—in just 20 minutes.
Get the One-Pot Creamy Tortellini & Greens recipe.
3-Green Whole Wheat Pasta
Ricotta salata and chili oil are the stars of the show in this springy pasta dish. Don’t let “whole wheat” scare you either—its chewy, nutty texture combined with buttery earthy chard, Tuscan kale, spinach, salty cheese, and a little spicy oil will quickly become your new favorite flavor combination.
Get the 3-Green Whole Wheat Pasta recipe.
Creamy Cajun Stuffed Shells
Cajun chicken Alfredo is one of our top pasta dishes in the Delish Test Kitchen, but we might have to make space on our favorites list for these creamy Cajun stuffed shells, that feature a savory Cajun cream sauce and shells filled with andouille sausage and Cajun-seasoned chicken.
Get the Creamy Cajun Stuffed Shells recipe.
Bowtie Primavera
Come spring and summer, our obsession with pasta primavera comes back in full force. This version lightens up the classic recipe, replacing the heavy cream with low-fat cream cheese. The result is a veggie-packed pasta dish with a sauce that is every bit as creamy as the original.
Get the Bowtie Primavera recipe.
Zucchini Bolognese
When you cook zucchini low and slow for 4 hours, something magical happens—it turns into an ultra creamy sauce, perfect for pasta. There's no actual meat in this Bolognese, so feel free to add ground beef or lamb if you want!
Get the Zucchini Bolognese recipe.
Cottage Cheese Alfredo
Wouldn’t it be great to have a big bowl of your favorite creamy pasta with less fat and more protein but with all of the flavor and texture you’re looking for in a good Alfredo sauce? Thanks to cottage cheese, you can!
Get the Cottage Cheese Alfredo recipe.
Tuscan Tortellini Salad
This easy tortellini salad is ALWAYS a fave at picnics. It's also super adaptable—feel free to swap the sun-dried tomatoes here for fresh cherry tomatoes, use kale instead of spinach or bacon instead of salami, or replace the Parmesan with Pecorino or mozzarella...
Get the Tuscan Tortellini Salad recipe.
Baked Feta Pasta
Obviously roasting a block of feta with bursting tomatoes is going to be amazing. But is it good enough to break TikTok like this one did? Our answer, begrudgingly, is yes. It's genius—super-easy, but fancy enough for date night. 😍
Get the Baked Feta Pasta recipe.
Garlicky Feta Eggplant Pasta
This simple summer pasta has it all: tender, garlicky morsels of eggplant, a cheesy panko topping, and lots of fresh basil. Just add your favorite pasta, and you've got dinner!
Get the Garlicky Feta Eggplant Pasta recipe.
Gnocchi Antipasto Salad
Featuring crispy potato gnocchi, sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, fresh mozzarella, and salami, it’s a medley of everything you love about antipasto layered around pan-seared gnocchi that's crispy on the outside and slightly chewy beneath. 😍
Get the Gnocchi Antipasto Salad recipe.
Caramelized Lemon & Zucchini Pasta
This is our “I feel like cooking with a glass of wine in hand” pasta. The sauce is simple, which lets the caramelized lemons do the heavy lifting, and the zucchini just feels SO summery. Enjoy!
Get the Caramelized Lemon & Zucchini Pasta recipe.
Green Goddess Gnocchi
This vibrant and creamy green goddess dressing-inspired gnocchi is a delightfully quick 20-minute dinner perfect for summer. It’s brimming with seasonal veggies and packed full of herbs, including fresh basil, tarragon, chives, and dill. And of course, you’ll get pillowy soft gnocchi in every bite.
Get the Green Goddess Gnocchi recipe.
Cherry Tomato Pasta
This recipe is proof that a killer pasta sauce doesn’t need a long simmer on the stovetop—this one concentrates the cherry tomatoes' flavor through bursting them in the skillet, along with tomato paste that intensifies the tomato flavor while also adding umami. Yum!
Get the Cherry Tomato Pasta recipe.
Pasta Primavera
Few dishes mean warm weather like pasta primavera. Primavera in the name alone brings to mind fresh veggies, like zucchini, English peas, leeks, and peppers, all of the things beginning to bloom for a vibrant season of produce ahead. Feel free to swap in whatever you can find at the farmer's market.
Get the Pasta Primavera recipe.
Mushroom Piccata Pasta
This is everything you love about chicken piccata, without the chicken, and with a sauce that's bright, briny, and extra buttery. Take your time with the mushrooms; you need to let them crisp and turn a dark golden brown. (Tip: Wait to salt them, as salt will draw out moisture, making them soggy instead of crisp.)
Get the Mushroom Piccata Pasta recipe.
Sausage & Broccoli Burrata Pasta
If you’ve ever wanted to make dreamy burrata-topped pasta, then you’re in for a treat. Lucky for you, this gorgeous pasta is a low-lift weeknight dinner that encompasses everything you need from the proteins to the vegetables and carbs.
Get the Sausage & Broccoli Burrata Pasta recipe.
Sesame Noodles
On the most hectic days of our hectic lives, it's best to go simple. For these sesame noodles, you can use any noodle in a pinch, and the nutty dressing comes together in under 10 minutes. You'll spend more time slicing some refreshing cucumbers than you will actually cooking!
Get the Sesame Noodles recipe.
Whipped Ricotta Pasta
Whipped ricotta might just be one of the best pasta upgrades, especially when it’s paired with a sun-dried tomato sauce and spinach like we did here. In one bowl, you get all the enjoyment of a marinara with the creaminess of something like an Alfredo sauce. You’re going to love the irresistible balance of flavor.
Get the Whipped Ricotta Pasta recipe.
Creamy Pesto Baked Gnocchi & Chicken Skillet
What isn’t pesto good in? It’s a sauce that turns any dish into kitchen gold, especially this totally comforting and delicious gnocchi and chicken bake.
Get the Creamy Pesto Baked Gnocchi & Chicken Skillet recipe.
Thai Drunken Carbonara Noodles
Start with Southeast Asian flair from a Thai drunken noodle base made of oyster sauce and fish sauce. Combine that with a classic creamy Italian carbonara of pappardelle pasta and pancetta, and you’ll be as amazed as we were. We can’t explain it, this just works.
Get the Thai Drunken Carbonara Noodles recipe.
Creamy Tomato Vegan Pasta
Rich and creamy with deep tomato flavor, this is the vegan pasta you make for lifelong dairy lovers. Vegan or not, this indulgent pasta is sure to have everyone going back to the pot for another serving.
Get the Creamy Tomato Vegan Pasta recipe.
Corn & Ricotta Pasta
Fresh ricotta and sweet corn are the stars of the show for this quick and easy pasta. We utilize frozen corn here, but leftover kernels from grilled corn would make the dish even better. The dish comes together in one pot and in about 30 minutes, which you just can’t beat.
Get the Corn & Ricotta Pasta recipe.
Tuscan Chicken Pasta
We tossed crispy bacon, spinach, chicken breasts, and spaghetti in our creamy Tuscan-inspired sauce for a hearty chicken pasta dinner that's just as perfect for date night as it is for a simple and quick weeknight dinner.
Get the Tuscan Chicken Pasta recipe.
Everything Bagel Pasta
There's no denying that the combo of carbs, fat, and crunchy toppings in an everything-seasoned bagel is a magic formula, and we're big fans of applying it to everything we possibly can, from salmon to popcorn. Now, we present to you the new frontier: everything bagel pasta.
Get the Everything Bagel Pasta recipe.
Summer Bowtie Pasta & Chicken Sausage Skillet Bake
We believe that summer dinners should be both quick and easy, so this skillet pasta dinner requires just a handful of ingredients—bowtie pasta, marinara sauce, chicken sausage, zucchini, bell pepper, spinach... SO EASY.
Get the Summer Bowtie Pasta & Chicken Sausage Skillet Bake recipe.
Pasta Moussaka
When classic Greek eggplant casserole marries traditional baked ziti, it’s a match made in heaven. This is how you take lasagna next level—just look at that pasta!
Get the Pasta Moussaka recipe.
Vegan Mac & Cheese
Delicious vegan mac & cheese might sound like an oxymoron, but trust us, this cheese sauce is good enough to satiate the strongest dairy craving this summer.
Get the Vegan Mac & Cheese recipe.
Gnocchi Foil Packets
These foil packets trap in steam from the wine and juices from the tomato and corn as everything grills, which in turn cooks the gnocchi here to perfectly tender while infusing the pasta with all the flavors of the dish.
Get the Gnocchi Foil Packets recipe.
Garlicky Roasted Cauliflower Pasta
In this recipe, cauliflower gets mashed into a paste to create a light sauce for the pasta that adds a ton of flavor. It's simple, light, and perfect for summer when you want comfort without being weighed down by something overly rich.
Get the Garlicky Roasted Cauliflower Pasta recipe.
Carrot Gnocchi
These are, by their soft, tender, and pillowy nature, very rustic—one might even call them ugly. But worry not: Once you sauté them in butter, herbs, and pistachios, they will look every bit as delicious as they smell. You can also use them as you would store-bought gnocchi, like in our one-pan creamy chicken & gnocchi recipe.
Get the Carrot Gnocchi recipe.
Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo
Fettuccine Alfredo is one of life's greatest comfort foods—it's creamy, cheesy, carb-y, and super super flavorful. We especially love this version because the shrimp not only adds extra flavor, but also some lean protein to boot.
Get the Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo recipe.
Japchae
Literally meaning "mixed vegetables," japchae is a simple dish made with transparent glass noodles and an assortment of toppings. We went with a colorful bunch here: punchy yellow strips of egg, purplish red onions, orange carrots, forest green spinach, and caramelized bites of marinated beef, but feel free to make substitutions.
Get the Japchae recipe.
Roasted Red Pepper Shrimp Linguine
Though you totally could roast your own peppers for this dish, we actually preferred the jarred version while testing this recipe. The store-bought variety tends to be more tender, which makes for a smoother, more velvety sauce. Creamy, smoky, and spicy, this comforting shrimp pasta is low effort, high reward.
Get the Roasted Red Pepper Shrimp Linguine recipe.
One-Pot Shawarma Chicken & Orzo Skillet
The flavors in this recipe take their cues from shawarma, the popular Levantine dish that features thin cuts of seasoned meat, so serve it alongside other Middle Eastern-inspired sauces on the side, like tzatziki, tahini sauce, or baba ghanoush.
Get the One-Pot Shawarma Chicken & Orzo Skillet recipe.
Creamy Tomato Pasta With Burrata
Here, pasta sauce is made even better with a bit of cream and a delicious topping of burrata. The cherry tomatoes add a bit of sweetness to the sauce and make it feel fresher. It tastes too good to be as easy as it is, and that’s just what we want for a weeknight pasta dinner.
Get the Creamy Tomato Pasta With Burrata recipe.
Lobster Risotto
Here, a simple combination of fresh aromatics, white wine, and seafood stock transforms humble Italian rice grains into the dreamy, cheesy, luscious rice porridge that we’ve all come to love. Adding fresh, faintly sweet lobster meat is all that’s needed to take your risotto over the top.
Get the Lobster Risotto recipe.
Creamy Chipotle Shrimp Pasta
We’ll never say no to pasta night, but sometimes we want to add a new, fresh flavor to our meal. Our best suggestion? Crack open a can of chipotle chiles. Their smoky, slightly spicy flavors are extra delicious when mixed up with some heavy cream and paired with quick-cooking shrimp.
Get the Creamy Chipotle Shrimp Pasta recipe.
Vegetable Spaghetti
Vegetable spaghetti is the perfect way to use up leftover summer veggies. These are a good starting point, but truly, this'll turn out great with whatever you have on hand (so have fun with it!).
Get the Vegetable Spaghetti recipe.
Pasta Alla Norma
Pasta all Norma is an easy Italian pasta dish with pan-fried eggplant and lots of ricotta salata. You'll make your own quick marinara sauce for this dish using the flavorful oil the eggplant was cooked in. Our best tip? Try not to eat all the delicious eggplant before they make it into the pasta!
Get the Pasta Alla Norma recipe.
Enchilada Stuffed Shells
We know what you may be thinking: enchiladas + pasta? Hear us out: Here, we swapped out the tortillas for jumbo pasta shells, and stuffed them full of rotisserie chicken, green chiles, and enchilada sauce, all topped with melted cheese and a drizzle of sour cream for the ultimate hearty, flavorful dinner.
Get the Enchilada Stuffed Shells recipe.
One-Pan Tuna Pasta
Using canned or jarred tuna in pasta is a cheap and delicious way to add some protein to a meal. Italians do it with pasta al tonno, and Americans do it (in our own way) with tuna noodle casserole. This recipe is a bit of a riff on pasta puttanesca, using familiar ingredients such as capers, anchovies, and olives.
Get the One-Pan Tuna Pasta recipe.
Orzo Al Limone
Not a big fan of rice but love the creaminess of risotto? This recipe is for you: Just like in risotto, orzo is slowly cooked in chicken broth until the starch is gradually released, creating creamy saucy goodness you'll love.
Get the Orzo Al Limone recipe.
Pasta Pomodoro
Pasta pomodoro is a step above spaghetti & meatballs and is great for highlighting the freshness of summer tomatoes—pomodoro means 'tomato' in Italian, after all! You'll cook down the tomatoes just enough to form a light sauce, but keep most of them intact. Enjoy topped with a mound of grated Parmesan for the freshest meal imaginable.
Get the Pasta Pomodoro recipe.
Sichuan Pesto Noodles
Transform summery basil pesto with Sichuan peppercorns! Thai basil is worth seeking out, as its anise-forward, peppery profile pairs well with soy sauce and sesame oil. If you’re unsure of how you’ll handle the spice, make sure to garnish with plenty of Parmesan to mellow the heat.
Get the Sichuan Pesto Noodles recipe.
One-Pot Shrimp Primavera
This easy one-pot shrimp pasta comes together quickly, is creamy and comforting, and is full of summery veggies like zucchini, yellow squash, red peppers, and cherry tomatoes. Wins all around.
Get the One-Pot Shrimp Primavera recipe.
One-Pan Salmon & Orzo
Not all great dinners need to be complicated to make. This one-pot meal makes cleanup a breeze, but it's real victory is how easy everything is from start to finish. Simple ingredients come together to make a flavorful salmon dinner in less than an hour.
Get the One-Pan Salmon & Orzo recipe.
Green Spaghetti
Poblanos peppers and cilantro turn this pasta perfectly green! Feel free to reduce the amount of poblanos to 2 or 3, supplementing with roasted green bell pepper instead if you're not a fan of spice.
Get the Green Spaghetti recipe.
Penne Alla Vodka
The secret to this creamy and bright pasta dish? Tomato paste. Yep, the lack of canned (crushed, pureed, or whole) tomatoes is no mistake here. Tomato paste has a more concentrated flavor, and texture-wise, it makes for a smoother, almost velvety sauce.
Get the Penne Alla Vodka recipe.
Lemon Ricotta Pasta
Ricotta adds a boost of creaminess to any dish it's added to, and this lemon ricotta pasta is no exception. Bright, cheesy, and perfectly simple, this pasta is our go-to when we're searching for a refreshing summer dinner.
Get the Lemon Ricotta Pasta recipe.
Creamy Noodle Salad
These noods get coated in a sweet & spicy mayo-based dressing that can honestly go on anything. The heat of fresh ginger, garlic, and sriracha is tamed by the mayo and a touch of sugar; the creaminess of the mayo is in turn nicely balanced out by the tart rice vinegar and lime zest. Yum!
Get the Noodle Salad recipe.
Tempeh & Broccoli Rabe Orecchiette
When comfort calls, don't ignore it. This pasta is packed with protein and flavor thanks to tempeh and a simple garlic-lemon sauce. Think of this like an alternative version of our orecchiette & broccoli rabe with andouille, lightened up and made vegetarian for summer.
Get the Tempeh & Broccoli Rabe Orecchiette recipe.
Baked Brie Pasta
If the TikTok famous feta pasta is a tad salty for your taste or you’re ready to try something new, reach for a hunk of brie instead. This melty, brie-coated pasta has earthy mushrooms, sweet shallots, smoky bacon—think of this like if feta pasta had a cool older cousin.
Get the Baked Brie Pasta recipe.
Orzo Pasta
Serve as a dinner side or all on its own on a bed of summery salad greens, this creamy orzo pasta is a more herbalicious version of cacio e pepe. The best part of this recipe: It all takes place in just one pot, which means more flavor and fewer dishes to wash.
Get the Orzo Pasta recipe.
Chicken Pesto Pasta
For weeknight meals, it’s hard to beat the combo of chicken and pasta. Add pesto, sweet cherry tomatoes, and a splash of white wine vinegar for brightness, and you’ve got yourself the perfect simple dinner that comes together in less than 30 minutes.
Get the Chicken Pesto Pasta recipe.
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