If there’s one factor Italians do finest, it’s embracing the easy pleasures of the season—and in summer season, which means pastas bursting with sun-ripened flavors that should be savored slowly. This assortment of veggie-forward recipes captures the carefree spirit of an Italian property: juicy burst tomatoes, tender zucchini, creamy lemon-scented ricotta, and market-fresh roasted greens that take heart stage.
They’re unfussy and are available along with only a few substances—excellent for lengthy lunches or spontaneous dinners at golden hour. Gentle and satisfying, these are the pastas you’ll have on repeat all summer season lengthy.
Function picture by Suruchi Avasthi.

10 Gentle Pasta Recipes That Really feel Like Summer time
In case you thought one-pots have been for fall/winter then assume once more. This easy one-pot pasta recipe is ideal for summer season since you actually throw all the things in, then set it and overlook it. You don’t have to sweat it out over the range to make one thing scrumptious.
Summer time Spaghetti with Tomatoes, Burrata, & Basil
Nothing says summer season fairly like burrata. We’re so obsessed, we did a round-up of our favourite 20 burrata recipes. This recipe has all of these substances you recognize and love from Italy—contemporary burrata, sun-kissed tomatoes, and aromatic basil. Toss all of it collectively along with your favourite pasta, and it’s amore!
Nothing may very well be faster than this pasta salad that’s principally all of our favourite flavors on a plate. Don’t stress if you happen to’re out of a number of the substances listed. The fantastic thing about this recipe is you can also make it with no matter you may have within the fridge. The bottom line is the lemon-tahini dressing!
After a number of journeys to Italy, Camille has just about determined that it’s her favourite place on earth—and we’d should concur! And although she has eaten her method by way of the scenic continent, freely having fun with pasta, contemporary mozzarella, gelato, and wine—she got here dwelling feeling simply as gentle as when she left Austin. So, this garlic shrimp spaghetti is an homage to these many gentle pasta dishes.
One-Pot Pasta Primavera with Summer time Veggies & Ricotta
The most effective factor about this one-pot pasta primavera is the simplicity of the flavors and the method. Whereas it does name for contemporary, Camille says frozen veggies are excellent for cooking proper together with the pasta. So, throw in no matter you may have within the fridge and whip up a slice of heaven at dwelling with this scrumptious pasta recipe.
Summer time Pasta Salad
That is summer season pasta at its finest—gentle, contemporary, and stuffed with taste. Charred veggies convey a smoky sweetness, swirled with al dente noodles in a dish that’s as satisfying as it’s straightforward to digest. It’s the sort of pasta salad you’ll crave on sizzling days, with loads of protein, fiber, and wholesome fat to maintain you full.
Lemony Pasta Carbonara with Peas & Zucchini
This isn’t your basic carbonara—in one of the simplest ways. Lightened up with contemporary peas and zucchini as an alternative of pancetta, it’s a creamy, veggie-packed twist that feels excellent for heat nights.
Burst Tomato Pasta
With its easy substances and timeless flavors, this pasta is summer season simplicity at its best. Juicy tomatoes, garlic, and basil come collectively in a dish that’s gentle, shiny, and endlessly satisfying—proof that you just don’t want a lot to make one thing scrumptious.
Spaghetti alla Nerano
If Stanley Tucci taught us something, it’s that easy, high-quality substances are the important thing to unforgettable meals—and this pasta is proof. Gentle, easy, and stuffed with taste, it’s all the things we love about summer season cooking.
That is the sort of pasta that feels each comforting and contemporary—creamy ricotta, zesty lemon, and tender noodles come along with kale, artichokes, and loads of aromatics. It’s wealthy but shiny, with simply sufficient greens to really feel virtuous. A easy, satisfying dish you’ll need on repeat all season.
This publish was final up to date on July 21, 2025 to incorporate new insights.